Specwar

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About Specwar

Specwar, short for Special Warfare, is a designation commonly used for elite military units specializing in unconventional and high-risk operations. Formed in the late 20th century, Specwar units were established to address the growing need for rapid-response forces capable of counterterrorism, direct action, and reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines. These units are renowned for their rigorous selection process, advanced training in land, sea, and air operations, and proficiency with cutting-edge technology. Over the years, Specwar teams have played pivotal roles in numerous high-profile missions worldwide, earning a reputation for effectiveness, adaptability, and stealth.

Unit Members

Adal Cardenas

U.S. Navy

SpecwarView Profile

Michael Coats

U.S. Navy

SpecwarView Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About Specwar

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins in World War II: Special Warfare (Specwar) units trace their lineage to the famous Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) formed during WWII to clear beach obstacles ahead of major amphibious assaults. • Birth of the Navy SEALs: In 1962, President John F. Kennedy established the Navy SEALs (Sea, Air, and Land Teams) as the U.S. Navy’s premier special operations force, a key Specwar component. • BUD/S Training Intensity: Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training is notorious for its high attrition rate—about 75% of candidates do not complete the course. • Operation Neptune Spear: Navy SEAL Team 6, a Specwar unit, conducted the daring 2011 raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. • First Female Graduates: In 2021, the first female successfully completed the Navy’s special warfare combatant-craft crewman (SWCC) training—an elite Specwar support role. • “Frogmen” Nickname: Early Specwar operatives earned the nickname “frogmen” due to their amphibious missions and distinctive wetsuits. • Combat Diver Operations: Specwar units are experts in combat diving, able to conduct clandestine underwater missions, sabotage, and reconnaissance. • Global Deployments: Specwar teams have operated in every major U.S. conflict since WWII, including Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. • Hostage Rescue Prowess: Specwar units specialize in high-stakes missions, including the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates in 2009. • Innovative Equipment: Specwar units often employ cutting-edge technology, such as mini-submarines (SDVs), advanced night vision, and customized weapons, to maintain their tactical edge.