thedrifter
11-15-07, 08:09 AM
President seals deal recognizing Fort Pierce museum's national status
By Amie Parnes
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
WASHINGTON — The Navy UDT-SEAL Museum has a home — officially.
On Tuesday, President Bush signed into law legislation that recognizes the Fort Pierce museum as the official national museum of Navy SEALs and their predecessors.
"We're just elated," said Michael Howard, the director of the museum and a former SEAL. "It's like a dream come true and a huge achievement for this museum."
Fort Pierce is considered the birthplace of the SEALs because the Navy trained forces on Hutchinson and North Hutchinson islands in underwater and combat demolition during World War II.
The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors, including the Underwater Demolition Teams, Naval Combat Demolition Units, Office of Strategic Services Maritime Units and Amphibious Scouts and Raiders.
The designation, he added, will help the museum "get the national recognition it deserves" by attracting state and federal grants. Those grants will help expand the museum and build a SEALs memorial.
"The museum will now be able to tell (the SEALs') stories to thousands more visitors," said Sen. Bill Nelson, the Florida Democrat who introduced the legislation in the Senate.
Howard — who had been wanting the museum to achieve official status for years — mentioned the idea to Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Palm Beach Gardens, when the congressman visited the museum this summer.
A few days later, Mahoney introduced the legislation in the House and "it took off like lightning," Howard said.
With Nelson's help, Howard said, the bill flew through the Senate, too.
Staff writer Tyler Treadway contributed to this article.
SIGNED, SEAL-ED, DELIVERED
Facts about the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum
•At 3300 N. State Road A1A, just south of Pepper Beach Park, site of Navy amphibious training base during World War II.
•With artifacts and photos, traces history of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors: the Underwater Demolition Teams, Naval Combat Demolition Units, Office of Strategic Services Maritime Units and Amphibious Scouts and Raiders.
•Owned by St. Lucie County, which leases it to the UDT-SEAL Association at minimal cost.
•About 30,000 people visit each year.
•Association's plans include adding up to 8,000 square feet to the 4,000-square-foot-structure at a cost of up to $3.5 million.
•Hours and costs: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays; $6 for adults 13 and over, $3 for children ages 6 to 12, free for kids 5 and under; group rates available. Call (772) 595-5845.
•Web site: www.navysealmuseum.com
Ellie
By Amie Parnes
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
WASHINGTON — The Navy UDT-SEAL Museum has a home — officially.
On Tuesday, President Bush signed into law legislation that recognizes the Fort Pierce museum as the official national museum of Navy SEALs and their predecessors.
"We're just elated," said Michael Howard, the director of the museum and a former SEAL. "It's like a dream come true and a huge achievement for this museum."
Fort Pierce is considered the birthplace of the SEALs because the Navy trained forces on Hutchinson and North Hutchinson islands in underwater and combat demolition during World War II.
The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors, including the Underwater Demolition Teams, Naval Combat Demolition Units, Office of Strategic Services Maritime Units and Amphibious Scouts and Raiders.
The designation, he added, will help the museum "get the national recognition it deserves" by attracting state and federal grants. Those grants will help expand the museum and build a SEALs memorial.
"The museum will now be able to tell (the SEALs') stories to thousands more visitors," said Sen. Bill Nelson, the Florida Democrat who introduced the legislation in the Senate.
Howard — who had been wanting the museum to achieve official status for years — mentioned the idea to Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Palm Beach Gardens, when the congressman visited the museum this summer.
A few days later, Mahoney introduced the legislation in the House and "it took off like lightning," Howard said.
With Nelson's help, Howard said, the bill flew through the Senate, too.
Staff writer Tyler Treadway contributed to this article.
SIGNED, SEAL-ED, DELIVERED
Facts about the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum
•At 3300 N. State Road A1A, just south of Pepper Beach Park, site of Navy amphibious training base during World War II.
•With artifacts and photos, traces history of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors: the Underwater Demolition Teams, Naval Combat Demolition Units, Office of Strategic Services Maritime Units and Amphibious Scouts and Raiders.
•Owned by St. Lucie County, which leases it to the UDT-SEAL Association at minimal cost.
•About 30,000 people visit each year.
•Association's plans include adding up to 8,000 square feet to the 4,000-square-foot-structure at a cost of up to $3.5 million.
•Hours and costs: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays; $6 for adults 13 and over, $3 for children ages 6 to 12, free for kids 5 and under; group rates available. Call (772) 595-5845.
•Web site: www.navysealmuseum.com
Ellie