Recent report by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Inspector General highlights a worrying situation at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado (California). Navy SEAL candidates became ill from contaminated ocean waters during training.
Waterborne Diseases: What are the Risks?
San Diego County’s Beach and Bay Water Quality Program, which oversees the county’s beaches and bays, has issued repeated beach closures at NAB Coronado in recent years. Water testing revealed unsafe levels of bacteria that causes feces. While not harmful in themselves, these bacteria can indicate that other bacteria or viruses are present. Acute gastrointestinal illness can be caused by exposure to contaminated water. Some symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.
An Acute Gastrointestinal Disorders: The Extent of Problem
In the inspector general report, it is detailed that from January 2019 to May 2023 a shocking 1,168 cases were reported of acute gastroenteritis among Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWC) candidates at NAB Coronado. The inspector general’s report details that between January 2019 and May 2023, 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illness were reported among Navy SEAL and Special Warfare Combat Crewman candidates at NAB Coronado.
The data collected from the beach north of NAB Coronado in February to September 2024 revealed that 76% of time, water bacteriological levels were above state safety standards. The U.S. Navy has only moved 12 out of 265 Navy SEAL candidates water training sessions scheduled.
In some cases, the report shows that beaches to both the south and north of NAB Coronado have been closed because water was contaminated during scheduled training hours. The report shows that trainee safety was not given priority.
Hell Week in 2023 is a particularly alarming example. San Diego County officials closed beaches due to the “excessive amount of enterococcus in the water”. However, Navy SEAL candidates continued their training in these waters despite the closure. These unacceptable health risks were clearly preventable, and could impact their future missions of training as well as overall readiness.
Comments and Official Reactions
Office of the Naval Inspection General (NAVINSGEN). It was acknowledged, with the statement that: “Our Sailors safety is of paramount importance during SEAL Candidate training and following graduation.” They must continue to be successful in generating, sustaining and employing forces under challenging conditions.
NAVINSGEN, however, also voiced concerns. They added that, “Naval Special Warfare will find it difficult to cancel or relocate 75 percent” of the water-based training.
Report of the Inspector General for DoD The statement directly addressed NAVINSGEN concerns. “We acknowledge NAVINSGEN comments but their comments didn’t require a revised advisory.” The Inspector General appears to believe that relocation is needed, regardless of any logistical challenges.
Recommendations & Next Steps
The Inspector General’s report urges U.S. Navy strongly to review its protocol for Navy SEAL Candidate water training. The protocols must be revised to relocate all training sessions immediately when water bacteria exceeds state standards. The safety of the future Navy Seals as well as the operational readiness of Naval Special Warfare are at stake.