Dedicated on July 20th, 2017 and heralded as an iconic landmark and source of pride for Virginia Beach residents and visitors alike, the Navy SEAL Monument is the result of a shared vision and close collaboration between the Navy SEAL Museum, the Design Team, and the City of Virginia Beach. The monument, located at the Boardwalk, provides a striking tribute to the U.S. Navy SEALs, their forerunners, and the critical role Virginia Beach played in their remarkable history. During World War II, the formation of the Underwater Demolition Teams – forerunners of today’s U.S. Navy SEALS - began in Virginia Beach. These combat swimmers, referred to as ‘Naked Warriors’ were equipped with only the bare minimum in tactical gear. A life-size bronze statue of this ‘Naked Warrior’ is the focal point and culmination of the monument’s design.

All parties worked together to create a monument that strives to connect with visitors emotionally through its design, materiality, and sequencing of visual information of Navy SEAL history, from 1942 leading up to the modern era warrior. The design provides visitors the opportunity to engage with the monument and gain new insight into the role this elite force plays in protecting our nation. Layers of significance and deep meaning are essential to the monument: A ‘Living Beach’, where sand surrounding the base of the statue is comprised from the many places around the world where SEALs and their forerunners trained, fought and bled. Additionally, gold stars and paw prints adorning the interior walls, honor both SEALs and their working dogs who were killed in the line of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we hold dear.

The design seeks to engage the site and natural topography, serving as a transition point from the upper plaza to the lower boardwalk. The heavily trafficked thoroughfare allows both the well-intentioned visitor and passerby to engage with the monument. The Monument’s design has transformed an overgrown, outdated site into a meaningful and tasteful tribute, while challenging the project team to create an enduring commemoration that is highly unique, standing proudly for generations to come.

Location: 38 th street on the, Oceanfront Bike Path, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Year: 2016-2017

Client: National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum

Program: Laser-etched granite plaque-reading and areas with high-resolution graphics, time capsule, bronze sculpture, memorial walls, living beach memorial, granite paver forecourt.

Photography: Ty Cole