Underwater Demolition Team
The Underwater Demolition Team (UDT), or frogmen, were amphibious units created by the United States Navy during World War II with specialized non-tactical missions. They were predecessors of the navy's current SEAL teams.
| Underwater Demolition Teams | |
|---|---|
Patch of the Underwater Demolition Teams. | |
| Active | 15 August 1942 – 1983 (re-designated as SEALs) |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | Amphibious warfare |
| Role |
|
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S. Maui, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Nickname(s) | UDT, Frogmen |
| Engagements | Operation Overlord Operation Torch Battle of Kwajalein Battle of Roi Namur Battle of Saipan Battle of Tinian Battle of Guam Battle of Peleliu Battle of Iwo Jima Battle of Okinawa Borneo campaign Battle of Leyte Invasion of Lingayen Gulf Operation Beleaguer Korean War Vietnam War |
Their primary WWII function began with reconnaissance and underwater demolition of natural or man-made obstacles obstructing amphibious landings. Postwar they transitioned to scuba gear changing their capabilities. With that they came to be considered more elite and tactical during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. UDTs were pioneers in underwater demolition, closed-circuit diving, combat swimming, and midget submarine (dry and wet submersible) operations. They later were tasked with ensuring recovery of space capsules and astronauts after splash down in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space flight programs. Commando training was added making them the forerunner to the United States Navy SEAL program that exists today.
In 1983, after additional SEAL training, the UDTs were re-designated as SEAL Teams or Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Teams (SDVTs). SDVTs have since been re-designated SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams.