The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, coming next year, has installed a display adjacent to the museum, across the trolley tracks at downtown San Diego’s One America Plaza.
Behind the glass is “The Creature,” something that should put you in mind of Hollywood’s old “Creature from the Black Lagoon.”
But what’s the association with the Navy SEALs?
“The Creature” is a familiar character to anyone who has gone through BUD/S training at Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado. The human-sized reptilian stands at the entrance to NSW holding a Trident –one of the symbols of Navy SEALs – and a sign that offers a point to ponder.
“So, you wanna be a frogman” – which is a key question given the rate of attrition at BUD/S training, around 30%. It’s considered the hardest qualification in the U.S. military.
But how did “The Creature,” and his message, get to NSW? Cmdr. Bill Reed, USN (Retired) has the origin story.
After a “semi-sanctioned” trip to Tijuana, he acquired “The Creature” by haggling with a store owner, then brought it back over the border and hid it until his BUD/S graduation day in November 1971.
“I’m certain that this would not be possible today, that’s for sure,” Reed said.
“The Creature” display also includes the BUD/S bell that SEAL candidates overcome by the grueling training have to ring in front of everyone, signaling that they are quitting.
The display is meant to whet the appetite drive interest in the upcoming museum opening, scheduled for summer or fall of 2025.
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego continues to build out its space at 1001 Kettner Blvd., the former downtown location of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. It is also the future home of a UC San Diego arts space.
