Do Some Navy SEALs Get Assigned to Ships Like Regular Sailors?

The answer is yes, but not in the same capacity as regular sailors. When Navy SEALs accompany a unit, such as the 24th MEUSOC, they participate in various engagements, including competitive workups and support roles. Historically, more SEAL detachments were assigned to ships, yet this has decreased over time, particularly since the War on Terror. SEALs do not typically assume ship’s company roles, as there are no strategic reasons for them to do so. They often ride as passengers, utilizing the Navy's transportation resources to reach their operational locations.

The Dynamics of SEAL Deployment

SEALs engage in maritime operations but are not fully integrated into the ship’s crew. Instead, they are more like temporary passengers, crucial for specific missions. This particular dynamic gives SEALs flexibility to meet mission needs without the constraints of standard ship deployment. For instance, air wings and Marines share a similar position; they can be assigned to a ship, but they are not part of the crew and operate more as deployed assets.

Operational Independence

Unlike regular sailors who are often deployed on ships, SEALs have distinct operational roles that do not align with ship-based missions. They seek to maintain discretion and avoid leaving an official record of their presence aboard a ship. This is critical for covert and sensitive operations.

Organizations like the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) frequently assign officers and non-commissioned officers to embarked staffs as SEAL representatives. They ensure that the necessary support and coordination are maintained between the SEAL teams and the ships they deploy with.

Concealed Deployments

Deployments of SEAL teams can be highly covert. They often board a ship, disembark at the correct moment, and spend time in secured compartments until their next mission. This ensures their presence is not logged officially. One memorable moment was when my first-class and chief took the night watches on my ship, with minor erasures in the charts and position logs, hinting at an unrecorded transit to Iraqi waters.

Such operations are typical for NSW units and highlight the unique nature of their deployments. They remain flexible and adaptable, utilizing Navy resources to meet their operational needs without disrupting the standard ship’s deployment.

In conclusion, while Navy SEALs might occasionally be assigned to ships, they typically do not become part of the ship’s company. Their presence is often temporary, and their primary role is to conduct specific missions rather than maintain regular service aboard a ship.