Fort Pierce

• Birthplace of Naval Special Warfare: Fort Pierce, Florida, served as the original training base for the U.S. Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) during World War II, the direct predecessors to today's Navy SEALs. • Established in 1943: The Naval Amphibious Training Base at Fort Pierce was established in 1943 specifically to train UDTs in amphibious operations, demolition, and reconnaissance. • Code Name “Hell Week” Originated Here: The grueling “Hell Week” phase of SEAL/UDT training, famous for its intensity, was first developed at Fort Pierce. • Specialized Training: Trainees practiced blowing up beach obstacles, stealth swimming, and hand-to-hand combat, skills vital for the D-Day landings and Pacific island assaults. • Secrecy and Security: The operations at Fort Pierce were highly classified during WWII. Locals saw increased military presence but knew little of the secretive training. • Diversity in the Ranks: The base saw one of the first integrated military units, as African-American sailors were trained for demolition and beach reconnaissance missions. • Post-War Evolution: After WWII, Fort Pierce’s training legacy was passed to other facilities, but its history remains at the heart of Naval Special Warfare heritage. • U.S. Navy SEAL Museum: The site of the original base now hosts the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, preserving artifacts, stories, and equipment from the unit’s history. • Notable Alumni: Many legendary Navy SEALs and UDT members, including Medal of Honor recipients, began their careers training at Fort Pierce. • Community Impact: The presence of the base and later the museum has made Fort Pierce a pilgrimage site for SEALs, veterans, and military enthusiasts worldwide.