CORONADO, California – Acting Under Secretary of the Navy Gregory J. Slavonic visited Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) and its West Coast components Oct. 28-29.
Slavonic was in the Southwest visiting Navy and Marine Corps commands as part of a familiarization tour. During his time with the NSW community, he was briefed by senior leaders and met West Coast Sailors to learn about how the force is postured and the people it comprises.
“I was energized and excited by what I saw at NSW,” said Slavonic. “It was incredible to view the training process and facilities that are utilized by potential and current members of the Naval Special Warfare and Special Operations community.
"I relish the opportunity to engage with our naval service members and civilians and was struck by the willpower and absolute dedication these individuals impart to the Navy.”
Slavonic was updated on NSW force readiness in light of increasingly sophisticated adversaries and great power competition, as well as how NSW is supporting the fleet in delivering capabilities with strategic effect in the maritime environment.
He and NSW senior leaders who oversee operational, planning and assessment and selection functions discussed the significance of Sailors as the nation’s key asymmetric advantage. Slavonic was briefed on deliberate NSW initiatives to identify talent, quantify performance, select outstanding candidates and foster character and competence, all crucial elements to preparing Sailors for the complexities and risks of future operating environments.
Slavonic observed teambuilding and fitness evolutions at NSW Center, which provides initial assessment and selection and subsequent advanced training to the Sailors who make up the Navy’s SEAL and Special Boat Teams. He also toured the training facilities and indoor shooting ranges of the Silver Strand Training Complex-South, speaking with Sailors along the way.
“Being able to share what we do every day to ensure tomorrow’s special warfare forces are the ready, capable, honor-driven teammates our nation needs and deserves was a special privilege,” said Capt. Bart Randall, commander, NSW Center. “We are focused on the character and competence our young people bring to the community, and I’m grateful Mr. Slavonic was able to come see it first-hand.”
Slavonic wrapped up his visit with the Navy Parachute Team (NPT), enjoying a display of its proficiency during an aerial tactics demonstration. The NPT comprises active-duty SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen and support personnel. Sanctioned by the Department of Defense and recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration, the NPT travels around the country performing demonstrations and outreach engagements.
NSWC is committed to its Sailors and the deliberate assessment and development of their tactical excellence, ethics, and leadership as the nation’s premiere maritime special operations force supporting the National Defense Strategy. It is the maritime component of U.S. Special Operations Command and its mission is to provide maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations, unilaterally or with partners, to support national objectives.