The year 2012 ushers in the golden anniversary of the Navy SEALs, which was officially established on January 1, 1962.

The Naval Special Warfare community marked this important milestone in their history on January 13. Special warfare personnel, both past and present, as well as distinguished guests gathered for the ceremony, which was hosted by SEAL Team 1.

Rear Adm. Sean A. Pybus, commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command, said: “Over the past 50 years, Navy SEALs have become one of the finest irregular warfare forces in the world today… From the Mekong Delta to the Hindu Kush, deep at sea or far into the desert, Navy SEALs have proven themselves to be tough, versatile, and successful. Forged from the same steel as their predecessors, today’s SEALs will continue to adapt, evolve, and win, as our Navy and nation need.”

In his opening remarks, Capt. Collin P. Green, commander, Naval Special Warfare Group 1, said: “I haven’t felt like a new guy in a long time, and I’m just hoping that nobody makes me go get wet… It’s great to be together as a family to celebrate such a significant milestone in our history, and it is a real honor to be up here in front of so many distinguished Naval Special Warfare operators.”

Among those who were in attendance during the event was Medal of Honor recipient Mike Thornton, and former SEAL 1 Team members Louis Mcintosh and Phillip “Moki” Martin. Mcintosh and Martin presented a plaque with the history of SEAL Team 1 to Pybus.