What year did the United States Navy officially establish the SEAL teams?

The United States Navy officially established the SEAL teams in 1962. This was a significant moment in the evolution of naval special warfare, as it marked the formal recognition and organization of the Navy's capability to conduct unconventional warfare. The SEAL teams were created to perform a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, direct action, and counter-terrorism, helping to address the needs of the Cold War environment and the increasing demand for specialized military units.

Prior to this formal establishment, there were already units such as Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) and Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) that had been established during World War II to carry out similar missions. However, it was not until 1962 that the SEAL teams were officially recognized and structured as a distinct entity within the Navy, enabling a greater focus on specialized training and operations for maritime special forces. This development laid the groundwork for the advanced and highly skilled maritime forces that operate today.