SEAL Admiral Meets with JINSA in New York
In June, members of JINSA’s New York Cabinet and invited guests were honored to meet and hear from Rear Admiral Garry J. Bonelli, Deputy Commander of U.S. Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOC).
In June, members of JINSA’s New York Cabinet and invited guests were honored to meet and hear from Rear Admiral Garry J. Bonelli, Deputy Commander of U.S. Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOC).
The Admiral presented a detailed, behind the scenes look at Naval Special Warfare (NSW) and its mission – what the Command does and what goes into creating a Naval Special Operator. Today’s SEALs are direct descendants of the WWII Demolition Teams also known as Frogmen. Initial SEAL training is viewed by many as the most demanding regimen in the world. Less than one out of every four accepted into the program will graduate. Newly minted SEALs will undergo an additional two-and-a-half years of specialized training before being considered combat ready for their first overseas deployment.
Today, there are 3,200 members of the NAVSOC community when combining enlisted, officers and SWCC (Special Warfare Combat Craft Crewman) compared to approximately 10,000 in U.S. Special Forces also known as the Green Berets and Delta Force.
Admiral Bonelli also commented on the interest and effort to pursue further diversity within Naval Special Operations. As the military examines current and future threats to U.S. security, it is critical for NAVSOC to have operators that can “blend in” and understand the culture and languages of the countries from which current and potential international threats will emanate.
Those in attendance also heard from Chief Joseph Morris (ret.), former Chief of the Port Authority Police and a member of JINSA’s Board of Advisors. Chief Morris’ two superiors were killed on September 11 and he found himself in charge of the police department and site of Ground Zero.
On behalf of all those murdered on September 11, Chief Morris thanked Adm. Bonelli and U.S. Naval Special Operations. Morris noted that though he personally never gave up on the idea that there would one day be justice – not revenge – justice done to Osama Bin Laden, he was pleased to be able to present his appreciation in person to Admiral Bonelli. Chief Morris’ comments were endorsed by all in the room. The luncheon marked the conclusion of the New York Cabinet’s programming for the summer. The Cabinet will reconvene in the fall.
NAVSOC is under the larger U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) which is currently commanded by Admiral Eric T. Olson. In August, Admiral William McRaven will assume leadership of the USSOCOM.
Contact JINSA to learn more about JINSA programming in New York and Long Island.