I recently had the opportunity to sit and listen as a retired Navy SEAL reflected on a long career in the Navy. As he spoke of his early days in Basic Underwater Demolition/Swimming (BUDS), “hell week”, two tours in Vietnam, and other experiences comprising 23 years as a Navy SEAL, even now after twenty plus years of post-Navy life, I could still hear the pride and fervor in his voice. As the amazing stories came to life through his words, I could hear evidence of certain characteristics that seemed to exist between members of SEAL teams. These things became imprinted in my mind in bold ink and in all capital letters: COMMITMENT, COURAGE, UNITY, UNDAUNTING SPIRIT, DETERMINATION. No word, however, seemed to stand out as boldly as the word PASSION. As retired Commander Aubrey Davis spoke, I heard it in his voice and I saw it reflected in his eyes. It was clearly evident that so many years later the same passion that drew him into the Navy SEALS was still just as strong.

Cdr. Davis proudly talked of his time in BUDS, his experiences in drownproofing, the misery of hell week, and the cold, cold water. He laughed remembering light-hearted moments with teammates, and he recalled challenges, hard challenges during training, that formed within the team an unbreakable unity and commitment. In fact, many of the friendships developed during this time still exist today.

As Davis recounted stories from Vietnam involving gunships, the VietCong, places known as Snoopy’s Nose, dealing with Vietnamese interpreters, and close encounters with phosphorous grenades, my mind reeled. He heralded the Navy Sea Wolves and remembered the flat bottomed boats in the cover of darkness and the quiet of night. He spoke of teammates and friends lost in battle and humbly wondered why he had survived.

Following Vietnam, he participated in SEAL endeavors in the Philippines, Cuba, Korea, Australia, the Middle East, Alaska, and Central America. He openly shared the demands of the job and the difficulty the extensive travel placed on his family. Being a husband and father coupled with being a Navy SEAL was often a difficult mix, like oil and water. In another family vein, however, he remembered the privilege of sharing the title Navy SEAL with his brother as they served our country together on different teams. He recalled warmly one particular occasion when their paths unexpectedly crossed on an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. Davis recognized his brother, Jim, from behind and went up to him and said, “Boy, does your mama know where you are?” His tales of adventures under the sea left me feeling short of breath. I heard him talk of squeezing into a torpedo tube and could not imagine how that must have felt. I listened to stories of encounters with whale sharks and was amazed. Hearing of parachute drops in the middle of the ocean and rendezvous’ with submarines were unfathomable to me, as were exercises involving night navigation in the open sea. Yet, when Cdr. Davis spoke of these things his voice portrayed energy, focus, passion, and an eagerness and willingness to do it all again in a heartbeat.

In all of his words and written clearly on his face I saw pride and passion. Davis clearly considers it a privilege to have served his country and to be called a retired Navy SEAL. He is proud of the role that he and all SEAL teams have played in the past and he is passionately supportive of the SEAL teams presently at war. He speaks of those serving now with great honor and deep gratitude. He prays for their safety.

I recently read the Navy SEAL creed and I saw it embodied in this retired Navy SEAL. In his reflections and voice I heard the truth of the the words comprising the creed. Not having met an active duty Navy SEAL I can only imagine that they must have this same passion fueling their service. It clearly runs deep in Cdr. Davis and I know that to commit to this creed it must also run deep in these incredibly faithful warriors. May God bless them, their families, and their service to our country. We are deeply grateful.

Cdr. Aubrey Davis currently resides in Florida where on the first Wednesday of every month he meets with other retired Navy SEALS for lunch and fellowship. The bond they share obviously remains strong.

The Navy SEAL Creed

In times of war and uncertainty there is a special breed of Warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call.

A common man with uncommon desires forged by adversity he stands alongside America’s finest Special Operation Forces to serve his Country, the American people, and protect their Way of Life. I am that Man!

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage bestowed upon me by the Heroes that have gone before and embodies the trust of those I am sworn to protect.

By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and it is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a Guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work or seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions regardless of circumstances sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast.

My Word is my Bond.

We expect to lead and be lead. In the absence of Orders I will take charge, lead my Teammates, and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will NEVER Quit!

I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies.

If knocked down I will get back up every time!

I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my Teammates and accomplish the mission.

I am NEVER out of the fight!

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my Teammates and the success of our mission depend on me, my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail.

My training is NEVER complete!

We train for War and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my Country. Execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required, yet guided by the principle that I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and fear of reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions the legacy of my Teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed.

I will NOT fail!

________________________________________ Cdr. Aubrey Davis currently resides in Florida where on the first Wednesday of every month he meets with other retired Navy SEALS for lunch and fellowship. The bond they share obviously remains strong.