Which World War II naval units were predecessors of the U.S. Navy SEALs?
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special operations warfare
Members of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command training for water rescue, 2007.
The U.S. Navy SEALs trace their heritage to several elite naval units that operated during World War II. These predecessors were instrumental in developing the tactics and specialized skills that define modern special operations warfare.
The primary units include:
- Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs): Known as "frogmen," these personnel were trained to reconnoiter coastal areas and destroy underwater obstacles on enemy-held beaches to facilitate amphibious landings in both the European and Pacific theaters.12
- Scouts and Raiders: These units were tasked with conducting reconnaissance of coastal areas and guiding landing craft safely to the shore.1
- Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Operational Swimmers: These individuals operated within the secretive Office of Strategic Services and are credited with pioneering modern underwater combat techniques.1
These diverse groups laid the foundation for the creation of the first official SEAL teams in 1962, which were formed using personnel drawn from existing UDTs.1