Intel

Washington State Residents Push Back Against Navy SEAL Training Exercises

February 4, 2021Coffee or Die
military dive operations

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 29, 2019) A member assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group 2 conducts military dive operations off the East Coast of the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jayme Pastoric/Released)

This article was originally published Feb. 1, 2021, on Sandboxx News. Follow Sandboxx News on Instagram


For months, the Navy SEAL Teams and officials from Washington State have been negotiating the use of public land for special operations training. Now, after long deliberation, Washington State officials made a controversial decision.


The Navy had requested 28 state parks for up to 48 hours at a time for the training of its SEAL Teams.


More specifically, the SEAL Teams had indicated that they would be conducting over-the-beach, maritime special reconnaissance, close-target reconnaissance, and maritime special operations in the state parks. Also, the Navy’s proposal indicated that training would be conducted in both fatigues and civilian clothes, presumably to make it more realistic. Moreover, the Navy had stated that the exercises would not involve live ammunition, off-road driving, or demolitions.


Navy SEALs from Naval Special Warfare Group 2 fast rope on to the objective during a capabilities exercise. Photo by Marty Skovlund, Jr./Coffee or Die.

However, the Navy’s request drew lots of opposition from local residents. As a result, Washington State agreed to allow training in no more than 17 parks with a 4-3 vote, according to local reports.


Additionally, one of the amendments to the SEAL Teams’ request stipulates that SEAL operators and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) will only have access to the parks during the night, allowing the daylight hours for civilians to enjoy the parks.


Commission chair Steve Milner of Chelan argued that “(It’s) not 100%, there are local and regional visitors who camp in these parks. I don’t mean to say otherwise. I think that this creates a partition allowing those people who object to the presence of the military to be in the park during the day and gives us a trial period.”


A Navy SEAL from Naval Special Warfare Group 2 moves from his beach side hide site during a capabilities exercise. Photo by Marty Skovlund, Jr./Coffee or Die.

Of course, there is the potential of a chance encounter in the night between commandos and civilians since some of the state parks are open for camping as well.


To be sure, the tensions between the Navy and Washington State aren’t something new. There have been several instances in the past where Washington residents have raised concerns about Navy SEAL training in their state.


Read Next: What It Means to be a US Navy SEAL


Some locals also worry that SEAL and SWCC operators will conduct special reconnaissance on civilians in the parks as practice.


Seattle commissioner Sophia Danenberg said that “I do believe, even if they’re not [the commandos] actually being surveilled, even if it is a misconception, I believe there is actually an impact to knowing this is happening. … I believe that people go to these parks to release their anxiety and that this increases their anxiety.”


A convoy of Navy SEALs from Naval Special Warfare Group 2 prepare to exfil from the objective during a capabilities exercise. Photo by Marty Skovlund, Jr./Coffee or Die.

This restriction, however, can be removed after nine months and a review. But the SEAL Teams could also lose their permit if there are any incidents endangering the public or the environment.


The SEAL Teams’ previous permit ended in 2020 and allowed for training in only five parks. The Navy’s request for close to six times the previous of parks is in sync with Naval Special Warfare’s pivot back to its maritime roots following the last two decades of mostly land and urban operations in the Middle East. Navy officials also stated that the request for 28 state parks was made for the sake of diverse and realistic training, as operators quickly become familiar with the layout of the parks if they use them repeatedly.


What makes Washington State’s park an ideal environment for the SEAL Teams are the long coastlines, cold weather, and tidal conditions. Put together, these conditions make for a very realistic training environment. Historically, SEAL Teams have used these parks for up to 75 exercises per year.



Coffee or Die
Coffee or Die

Coffee or Die is Black Rifle Coffee Company’s online lifestyle magazine. Launched in June 2018, the magazine covers a variety of topics that generally focus on the people, places, or things that are interesting, entertaining, or informative to America’s coffee drinkers — often going to dangerous or austere locations to report those stories.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
navy seal training
Navy SEALS Training Plagued by Massive Problems, According To Investigation

Medical oversight and care were “poorly organized, poorly integrated and poorly led and put candidat...

memorial day arlington
Memorial Day Is a Day of Remembrance, Not Celebration

Memorial Day was created as a remembrance to honor the fallen by decorating graves — a holiday meant...

air force joint chiefs
Air Force Fighter Pilot Tapped As Next Joint Chiefs Chairman Has History of Firsts

The Air Force fighter pilot about to be nominated as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ...

sowf special operations warrior foundation
BRCC Donates $500K to Special Operations Warrior Foundation

In an effort to continue Black Rifle Coffee Company’s mission of supporting the veteran community, B...

Coca Cola 600
BRCC to Honor Fallen Marine During NASCAR’s Legendary Coca-Cola 600

Black Rifle Coffee Company will honor Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Menusa during NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 this Memorial Day. Menusa was killed in 2003 during the invasion of Iraq.

uss gerald r. ford oslo
US Aircraft Carrier Arrives In NATO Member Norway, To Take Part In Drills

The nuclear-powered ship USS Gerald R. Ford entered the Oslo fjord escorted by a rapid dinghy-type boat with armed personnel on board.

adam driver indy 500
Marine Vet, Actor Adam Driver Named Honorary Starter for Indianapolis 500

Two-time Academy Award nominee Adam Driver, who will soon be starring as Enzo Ferrari in a biopic of...

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
  • Request a Correction
  • Write for Us
  • General Inquiries
© 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved