Naval Special Warfare Recruit At Army-Navy Game

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Abraham Loe McNatt, Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Public Affairs

BALTIMORE (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group TWO (NSWG-2) and Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR (NSWG-4) displayed operational equipment and challenged spectators to pull-ups at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore before the Army vs. Navy football game, Dec. 13.

As part of a military expo, Sailors from Naval Special Warfare (NSW) set up displays on the main walk into the stadium that included all-terrain vehicles, an explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) robot and bomb suit, and was highlighted by special warfare combatant-craft crewmen's (SWCC) new Combatant Craft Assault (CCA), medium-range, maritime interdiction boat.

"It's outstanding to meet with both the parents and graduates of the Naval Academy and West Point," said Capt. Duncan Smith, director of NSW SEAL & SWCC Scout Team. "Many families have brought their teenagers out to expose them to the services and as a result we've had the opportunity to spend time with several high school athletes who are curious about NSW. To have such awesome equipment on display like the SWCC team's CCA and to have active-duty SEAL and SWCC team members, not just people who have served, but who are currently serving, interacting with these high school athletes and their families is a fantastic thing to witness. This is a rare opportunity for young men to interact with active SEAL and SWCC team members and help them plant the seed to serve in the SEAL teams or special boat teams."

As thousands of people made their way to the stadium, the NSW display was always busy, often with dozens of people gathered to cheer on others as they performed the pull-up challenge. People of all ages, from little kids to retired vets looking to prove they've still got it, participated in the challenge.

"It's been an awesome day and it goes way beyond recruiting," said an East-Coast based SEAL. "We've been able to spend time with so many families and veterans and just have a really good time showing support for the services. It's not something that SEALs get to do on a regular basis, so it's been a blast."

Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen's CCA was on display right outside the main gates of the stadium. Stairs were set up next to the boat so visitors could get as close as possible and look inside.

"This is the latest and greatest piece of equipment in the SWCC community," said an East-Coast based SWCC team member. "It's safe to say that people have never seen anything like it, this is the first time we've brought it anywhere for the general public to see."

The NSW displays were organized by the SEAL & SWCC Scout Team, whose mission is to identify and engage high-quality potential SEAL and SWCC candidates, inform them about careers in NSW, and assist them with the recruiting process.