CNO: Naval Special Warfare personnel are "best fighting force in the world"

By MC2 (SW) Brian P. Biller, NSW Command Public Affairs

Underscoring the Navy's top recruiting priority, the Navy's top admiral visited the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAl (BUD/S) school at the Naval Amphibious Base here Friday. Admiral Mike Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations, observed training and spoke with instructors and students.

BUD/S is the A School for all future Navv Special Warfare Operators and their first level of training before officers and sailors eam the coveted SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) pin. Admiral Mike Mullen addressed fatigued, cold, wet and sandy BUD/S students on the beach where they had spent much of "hell week." During hell week, BUD/S students participate in five and a half days of continuous physical and mental training, with only four hours of sleep in order to test their commitment and ability to function under stress.

"This is the beginning of a very, very long and important journey," said Mullen to BUD/S class 266. "You will be the leading combat capability of this country." Mullen then secured them from the arduous hell week and congratulated them for their resolve and dedication. "You're a very special group, each of you individually, but much more special as a group . . . and don't ever forget that," he said.

Mullen also held an all hands call for NSW personnel stationed in the area and answered questions about the future of Naval Special Warfare and its people. Mullen discussed topics important to NSW Sailors such as operational tempo, individual augmentation, special warfare recruiting and retention. He made one point clear to the assembly of SEALs, SWCCs, and supporting personnel: "I personally believe there's no better fighting force in the world than this group right here," he said.

Family members watched as the CNO awarded medals to five SEALs for combat operations in Iraq. Special Warfare Operator (SOC) 1" Class (SEAL) Benjamin Oleson eamed a Silver Star Medal for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" during action against enemy forces in Ramadi last year. SOCM (SEAL) Walter Dittmar, SOC (SEAL) Robert Clark, SOC (SEAL) Hans Garcia and SO 1 (SEAL) Charles Melton all earned Bronze Star Medals for "heroic achievement" and meritorious service while deployed in the combat zone.

"These awardees this morning were in actions that are representative of actions which will continue," said Mullen.

The CNO also promoted Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command Joseph D. Kernan to the rank of Rear Admiral, Upper Half. "Nobody is more deserving, nobody has earned it more . . . and I can't think of a better individual to command Naval Special Warfare than Admiral Kernan." he said.

The CNO's visit to NSW concluded a week where Pacific Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year, SOI (SEAL) David Hansen, and Pacific Fleet Shore Sailor of the Year, Aviation Warfare Systems Operator lst Class (AWSWNAC) Marc L. Stewart from Naval Special Warfare SupportActivity 1 were meritoriously promoted by Mullen to Chief Petty Officer.

The CNO stood before the group of NSW Sailors and stressed the importance of Naval Special Warfare to the Global War on Tenor.

"We need you," he stated. "You are as vital as any part, if not the most vital. of anv part of our militarv to winning this war."