OVERVIEW: The SEAL Commando (Surface & Submarine) refers to maritime-inserted operations by U.S. Navy SEALs using surface craft or submarines for stealth access to coastal, littoral, or inland targets. These methods are used for covert infiltration, direct action, hydrographic reconnaissance, and sabotage in denied maritime zones.

DETAILS: SEAL stands for Sea, Air, and Land, designating the unit’s full-spectrum operational capability. Created in 1962, U.S. Navy SEALs evolved from World War II-era Naval Combat Demolition Units and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs), retaining a maritime infiltration core. For surface insertion, SEALs use platforms like Combatant Craft Assault (CCA), Combatant Craft Medium (CCM), and Combatant Craft Heavy (CCH), launched from sea bases or naval vessels. Submarine delivery involves Dry Deck Shelters (DDS) mounted on modified submarines such as the Ohio-class (converted SSGNs) or Los Angeles-class (Flight III) boats, deploying SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) for underwater infiltration. These methods allow undetected access to defended coastlines, port facilities, or infrastructure.

FUNCTION: Surface and submarine insertions enable SEALs to conduct reconnaissance, sabotage, mine planting, and direct action while bypassing land-based defenses. Submarine-based methods provide high-denial access and long-duration covert approaches, while surface craft enable rapid extraction or fire support in littoral operations.

NOTE:
IOC: 1962 (U.S. Navy SEAL Teams), submarine and surface maritime insertion operational since 1960s
Operators: United States
Structure: SEAL Teams (primarily Teams 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10); SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 (SDVT-1); SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2 (SDVT-2); support from Naval Special Warfare Group 3
Conflict used in: Vietnam War (1965–1972), Persian Gulf (1987–1989), Iraq War (2003–2011), Libya (2011), classified maritime operations in the Middle East and Pacific (2000s–2020s)

SOURCE:
U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command: https://www.nsw.navy.mil ; U.S. Department of Defense: https://www.defense.gov ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org/irp ; Naval History and Heritage Command: https://www.history.navy.mil ; USSOCOM Fact Sheets ; Jane’s Special Forces Recognition Guide