Navy SEALs event includes first-ever live helicopter landing at Mandel Recreation Center

Jodie Wagner, Palm Beach Daily News
·3 min read

With more than 300 people looking skyward, a helicopter occupied by a trio of Navy SEALs and their canine companion gently descended from mid-air Saturday morning to a grassy field behind the Mandel Recreation Center.

After setting the aircraft down safely, the pilot, two fast ropers and a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois named Raptor emerged to cheers from the crowd.

They were part of the first-ever helicopter landing at the town's recreation center, which hosted the inaugural Navy SEAL Day.

Previously: 'We wanted to educate': Navy SEALs to host live demonstration in Palm Beach

See photos: Navy SEAL Reception

The free event, launched in an effort to share the history and mission of the Navy SEALs, also included a SEAL roping demonstration, a SEAL rescue dog, a question-and-answer session with the Navy SEALs, a Color Guard presentation and kid-friendly activities.

People get a closeup view of a helicopter during Saturday's Navy Seal Day at the Mandel Recreation Center. The event, which included family friendly activities, was held courtesy of the Palm Beach Navy SEAL Evening of Tribute and the Navy SEAL Museum.
People get a closeup view of a helicopter during Saturday's Navy Seal Day at the Mandel Recreation Center. The event, which included family friendly activities, was held courtesy of the Palm Beach Navy SEAL Evening of Tribute and the Navy SEAL Museum.

The U.S. Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) teams are the Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command.

"This event is about introducing children to the Navy SEALs and about what they do," said Elliott Hershberg, a National Navy SEAL Museum board member and co-chairman of next month's Palm Beach Navy SEAL Evening of Tribute at The Breakers. "These men never stop giving to the community, even after they've done their service."

Gregory Bonner, a West Palm Beach resident, brought his sons Brooks, 10, and Branch, 7, to Saturday's event, which included opening remarks from town Recreation Director Mark Bresnahan as well as ''physical training'' drills conducted by Navy SEAL Museum Executive Director Grant Mann.

Guests also had the opportunity to climb into the helicopter — a Bell MD 530 — and speak with the Navy SEALs who flew it.

The helicopter took off from Palm Beach County Park Airport in Lantana and arrived at the rec center just before 11 a.m.

"I thought this would be interesting to see," Bonner said of Saturday's event. "I wanted to teach (my boys) and have them learn about the Navy SEALs. You don't get to experience that here too often. This is something different to do. I wanted them to see what it's all about."

Asbury Bean, 4, and his younger brother Augustine, 2, do jumping jacks during Saturday's event.
Asbury Bean, 4, and his younger brother Augustine, 2, do jumping jacks during Saturday's event.

Navy SEAL Day offered a sneak peak of next month's Palm Beach Navy SEAL Evening of Tribute, co-chairman Matt Smith said.

The event, which is a fundraiser for the Navy SEAL Foundation and the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, will include a cocktail party at The Breakers Beach Club, a Navy SEAL helicopter and amphibious demonstration, and dinner in the Ponce De Leon Ball Room.

Retired Vice Adm. Joe Maguire will be the event's keynote speaker. He served 36 years as a SEAL and was the former acting director of U.S. National Intelligence.

Capt. Richard Phillips, who was rescued from Somali pirates by Navy SEALs in 2009 and later was portrayed by Tom Hanks in the movie "Captain Phillips," also is expected to attend along with many Navy SEALs and other honored military guests.

Individual tickets start at $2,500 and tables for 10 are $25,000. There are a limited number of Patriot tickets available at $1,250.

Proceeds benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation, which works to provide immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare Community, their families, and the families of the fallen, wounded and transitioning veterans; and The National Navy SEAL Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the U.S Naval Special Warfare Community.

Tickets are available online at www.pbnseveningoftribute.org/sponsorships. For information, contact 561-459-6999 or info@pbnseveningoftribute.org.

Event organizers hope to raise $1.5 million, Smith said.

Following the Navy SEALs event, the recreation center hosted the Palm Beach Recreation Department's Grand Opening 2.0 celebration.

The event, held throughout Seaview Park, included live entertainment, interactive games, a rock-climbing wall and bungee jump, fitness challenges, a scavenger hunt, three-point and free-throw contests, pickle ball lessons, food and refreshments, and prizes.

Jodie Wagner is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

@JRWagner5

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Navy SEALs Palm Beach event includes live helicopter landing