Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs)

Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) were specialized military units formed by the U.S. Navy during World War II, primarily tasked with conducting reconnaissance and demolishing obstacles in water. They played a crucial role in amphibious assaults by clearing beaches of mines and barriers before troops landed. UDTs combined diving skills, explosives knowledge, and combat training. After the war, their functions evolved into what are now known as Navy SEALs, but UDTs laid the groundwork for modern special operations, emphasizing the importance of underwater tactics in military strategy.