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The Navy SEAL Candidate Water Training Scouring an Emergency
In 2024, hundreds of Navy SEAL candidates and Special Warfare Combat Crew team members encountered devastating challenges at the Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) in Coronado, California. A report from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General revealed that contaminated ocean water from the NAB had caused acute gastrointestinal illnesses within a week of exposure. This incident underscored the urgent need for improved water training and the importance of ongoing monitoring of community water quality.
The incident in Coronado, near the beaches of La Jolla, is particularly concerning, as San Diego County’s Beach and Bay Water Quality Program had previously issued closures due to elevated fecal indicator bacteria, scientifically recognized to indicate the presence of other aquatic pathogens.side of these findings, statistics from the U.S. Navy indicate that 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illnesses were reported among candidates over six years, with 457 cases collapsing within 72 hours of exposure. Of these, 76% of water samples collected from the NAB occurred during training sessions, highlighting the risks associated with prolonged exposure to contaminated water.
The DoD’s Inspector General’s report also revealed that during "Hell Week" in September 2023, shortly before the sutTasks, Navy SEAL candidates were not relocated despite efforts to prepare. This led to the water being contaminated by enterococcus bacteria, significantly increasing health risks for future training missions. The insinuation that candidates exposed to such contaminated water would encounter similar complications in their future missions is a critical concern that needs immediate attention.
The Office of the Naval Inspector General (NAvin SGen) emphasized the paramount importance of pupil safety and the continuous need for effective force generation, sustainment, and employment under challenging conditions. The DoD’s Inspector General acknowledged the concerns raised by Navin SGen but did not require an update to the Navy’s water training plan, suggesting that further analysis or guidance is needed.
The purpose of return to this topic is to improve water training programs and enhance community water quality monitoring. By addressing the issue promptly, the Navy aims to minimize risks for its candidates and ensure the readiness of its entire force for future missions. The involvement of diverse stakeholders, including public awareness campaigns and internal feedback, underscores the urgency and necessity of resolving this critical scenario.
