NATIONAL NAVY UDT SEAL MUSEUM

By  Mike Miller June 10, 2025

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum sits in Fort Pierce, Florida. It honors the history of Navy SEALs and their predecessors, the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT).

The museum displays artifacts, vehicles, and weapons from World War II to modern times. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and an outdoor obstacle course.

Located on North Hutchinson Island, it opened in 1985. It’s the only museum dedicated solely to Navy SEALs.

Navy Seal

Fort Pierce was the birthplace of Navy frogmen. In 1943, Naval Combat Demolition Units trained here for the D-Day invasion.

These units later became UDTs, clearing underwater obstacles. In 1962, President Kennedy formed the SEALs, standing for Sea, Air, Land.

They fought in Korea, Vietnam, and modern conflicts. The museum began in Albert Stankie’s home, storing frogmen artifacts.

Albert served in the Navy during World War II. He was a member of the Underwater Demolition Team of frogmen and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was the founder and first member of the Navy UDT/SEALS Museum in Fort Pierce.

Veterans secured the old Fort Pierce Treasure Museum site. It opened on Veterans Day 1985 and gained national status in 2007.

The museum also honors fallen SEALs with a memorial wall. 

The museum is at 3300 North Highway A1A, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949. From I-95, take Exit 138 east for 3.3 miles to Kings Highway, then continue 2.5 miles to US 1.

It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday, 12 PM to 4 PM. It’s closed on Mondays. Call 772-595-5845 for group rates or to confirm hours.

The North Causeway Bridge is under construction, so follow detour signs via Old Dixie Highway. Only service animals are allowed inside.

The gift shop doesn’t require admission. Try the obstacle course for a SEAL-like experience. 

• The museum holds the actual Maersk Alabama lifeboat from the 2009 Captain Phillips rescue.  

• A Blackhawk helicopter on display is one of only two in museums.  

• World War II-era beach obstacles used for D-Day training remain underwater nearby.  

• The SEAL memorial wall lists 310 fallen warriors from World War II to today.  

• Apollo spacecraft recovery training devices are part of the collection.  

• The museum plans to open a second location in San Diego in October 2025.  

• A knot-tying station lets visitors practice frogmen skills.

NATIONAL NAVY UDT SEAL MUSEUM WEBSITE