The **United States Navy SEALs** are an elite special operations force specializing in unconventional warfare across sea, air, and land environments. Established officially in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, the SEALs evolved from World War II maritime commando units such as the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs), Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs), Scouts and Raiders, and OSS operational swimmers[1][2][3][4]. These precursor units conducted covert reconnaissance, demolition, and amphibious assault preparations during major WWII operations, notably clearing obstacles on enemy beaches and gathering intelligence. The SEALs’ initial mission was to conduct guerrilla and counter-guerrilla warfare, clandestine reconnaissance, and direct action operations in maritime and riverine settings, with teams stationed on both U.S. coasts: Team One in Coronado, California, and Team Two in Little Creek, Virginia[1][3][5]. Early training included hand-to-hand combat, parachuting, demolitions, and foreign languages, emphasizing versatility in diverse combat environments[3]. Their first missions involved covert operations against communist Cuba, including reconnaissance and intelligence gathering on Soviet missile deployments[1]. Over the decades, the Navy SEALs have become the backbone of U.S. Naval Special Warfare, formalized under the Naval Special Warfare Command in 1987, headquartered at Naval Base Coronado[2]. They have gained worldwide recognition for high-profile counterterrorism operations, such as the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates[7]. SEALs continuously adapt to new threats, integrating advanced technology and tactics in domains spanning underwater operations, airborne insertions, and land combat. Notable aspects of the SEALs include their rigorous selection and training—highlighted by "Hell Week"—their multidisciplinary skill sets, and their ability to operate covertly in politically sensitive and hostile environments. Their legacy and