The Big Apple's Navy SEAL fans are about to get a major home base on the West Coast. The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego (NSMSD) has just nabbed a spot in Downtown San Diego's former Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego space at 1001 Kettner Boulevard, ready to tell the tale of SEAL valor and heroics.
With a grand opening targeted for late 2024, this 10,000-square-foot space promises an up-close look at Navy SEAL heritage. It's all happening a stone's throw from where the SEALs earn their tridents at Naval Base Coronado. As for the local vet community, which boasts over 600,000 members, they've got a new stomping ground, “This museum has been several years in the making, and we’ve secured the ideal space in the heart of San Diego – an iconic location for an iconic force – near the Naval Base Coronado, where all Navy SEALs are trained and led, and in a region where more than 600,000 military veterans reside,” retired SEAL Master Chief Rick Kaiser, the Navy SEAL Museum’s Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement.
The SD branch, mirroring its sister in Fort Pierce, Florida, isn't just a walk through history. It's a full-blown experience with interactive exhibits and digital media aimed at all ages, and there's talk of it becoming a regional must-see, pumping life (and dollars) into the local economy.
Julie Coker, president & CEO, of the San Diego Tourism Authority is onboard, claiming the museum is a perfect fit for the city, “The museum’s location will contribute to the vibrancy of downtown, while creating jobs, volunteer opportunities, and resources for veterans. This project aligns with our mission to enhance the destination experience and support the local economy,” she explained to the press. For those itching for a sneak peek or more seal-worthy intel, NSMSD is online at navysealmuseumsd.org.
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego isn't just a nod to the past, it's a salute to the future. It's where education and inspiration collide with a dash of patriotism. As Kaiser put it, "The museum will be both educational and emotional with moments of excitement and reflection that we believe will inspire visitors of all ages to a life of service, patriotism, and an appreciation of our military."
