In 1983, the rest of the UDT has been transformed into SEAL units and / or SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams. After the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam in 1973, the mission of SEAL turned to the hydrographic reconnaissance and destruction of underwater obstacles. The Naval Special Warfare Command was established April 16, 1987 on Naval Base Coronado (California) with the task of preparing the special naval operations, to conduct research and development of doctrines, strategies and tactics for anti terrorism, inheriting the tradition of the Seabees teamwork and improvisation happy.

In 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that four volunteers (two officers) for this service would be selected each year to integrate the curriculum of SEAL training. If they succeed, they will be assigned to a SEAL Team for five to seven years and then never return to serve in their original that they accept. Many Coast Guard in all specialties have expressed interest but it is expected that candidates are those qualified as rescue swimmers. This is the first time that personnel outside the U.S. Navy will be allowed to train with SEALs 2.