Navy SEAL veterans are raising alarms about a serious sewage crisis affecting their training in San Diego. The issue stems from raw sewage flowing from Mexico into U.S. waters, particularly impacting areas where SEAL candidates train. This situation has reportedly made over 1,000 candidates ill in the past five years, highlighting a growing public health concern.
Rob Sweetman, a veteran who served eight years in the SEALs, described the smell and appearance of the contaminated water as "disgusting." He stood near the Tijuana River estuary, where the sewage is a constant issue. Sweetman brought attention to the problem by documenting the water’s condition, showing how it flows into the U.S. just a mile from where SEAL candidates train.
The crisis has persisted for decades but has gained renewed attention, especially with the Trump administration’s focus on military readiness and health. Local veterans warn that this situation could escalate into a national security issue, comparable to the water crisis at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where Marines suffered health problems from contaminated water for decades.
Kate Monroe, a Marine Corps veteran and CEO of VetComm, emphasized the widespread impact of the crisis. She noted that the water contamination affects not only military personnel but also the millions of residents in the San Diego area. Monroe called it a "FEMA-level travesty," indicating the severity of the situation.
Reports have shown that the sewage problem worsened significantly in 2023, with 44 billion gallons of contaminated water released along the California coast—the highest amount recorded since 2000. The outdated wastewater infrastructure in Mexico is largely to blame for this ongoing issue. Local media have reported efforts to improve this infrastructure, yet the problem remains critical.
The Department of Defense’s inspector general recently revealed that 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illnesses among SEAL candidates were reported between January 2019 and May 2023. The report indicated that many candidates were exposed to contaminated water due to the Navy’s failure to adhere to local beach closure advisories.
Sweetman stated that it is common for trainees to get sick, but he believes the situation has become more severe in recent years as the population in Tijuana has doubled. He recalled how training sessions often had to be canceled due to unsafe water conditions.
Veterans like Jeff Gum, who trained in the same waters, have experienced health issues as a result. Gum recalled a time when he was unable to keep water down before a crucial training week, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis. This illness can lead to serious complications, especially in a physically demanding environment like SEAL training.
As the crisis continues, both Sweetman and Monroe are hopeful that the current administration will take decisive action to address the situation. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is set to visit San Diego to assess the crisis firsthand. He has expressed concern about the health risks to Navy SEALs and emphasized the need for a strategy to stop the flow of raw sewage into U.S. waters.
The ongoing sewage crisis poses significant health risks for both military personnel and local communities, and it highlights the urgent need for improvements in wastewater management along the border.