The SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Foundation and the Navy SEAL Warrior Fund have combined to form the Navy SEAL Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support in times of celebration and hardship to U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, Naval Special Warfare support personnel and their families.

The merger is a natural extension of the two groups’ longstanding and close relationship, according to Vice Adm. Albert “Bert” Calland III, USN (Ret.), chairman of the Navy SEAL Foundation.

“We’ve brought together two very successful organizations dedicated to supporting the Naval Special Warfare community,” said Calland. “The merger makes it easier for families to come to one place for assistance and support, while enabling the Foundation to respond rapidly to their needs.”

Headquartered in Virginia Beach, at the SEAL Heritage Center, Joint Expeditionary Base, Little Creek, the Navy SEAL Foundation’s mission is to provide assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community during times of tragedy, as well as to provide special events, educational opportunities and projects that honor warriors.

Since 1962 when the first SEAL teams were commissioned, Navy SEALs have distinguished themselves as a highly skilled maritime force capable of conducting clandestine sea, air and land missions. The training required is considered by many military experts to be the most grueling in the world.

Today, there are approximately 5,400 total Naval Special Warfare active-duty personnel, including 2,450 SEALs and 600 Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, operating in locations throughout the world.