Naval Amphibious Base & Navy SEAL BUD/S Center

In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, the United States Navy recognized the critical need for an elite, permanent maritime special warfare force capable of operating across sea, air, and land. In the early 1950s, the Navy established its premier special operations training headquarters at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado on the Silver Strand, laying the groundwork for what would officially become the Navy SEALs under President John F. Kennedy in 1962.

Coronado became the world-renowned home of Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. Here, on the wind-swept ocean beaches and chilly waters of the Pacific, select military volunteers undergo the most demanding physical and mental trial in modern military history. Candidates navigate grueling ocean swims, soft-sand obstacle courses, log physical training, and the legendary ordeal of Hell Week, testing human grit, brotherhood, and resilience to the absolute limit.

Today, the Naval Special Warfare Center at Coronado remains the global epicenter of maritime special operations. The deep bond between Coronado residents and the Navy SEAL community is reflected throughout the Crown City, where residents revere the courage, dedication, and silent sacrifice of these elite maritime warriors.