Nonetheless, a lesser-known phrase used to label probably the most skilled of SEALs exists. Whereas the trendy SEAL is synonymous with “Frogman,” solely a particular few can declare the coveted title —“Bull Frog”. A nod to each the legacy of Frogmen and the naval custom of a “Bull Ensign” in each wardroom. The thought of the Bull Frog pulls upon NSW’s heritage and the naval custom of cultivating management inside a neighborhood.
Cmdr. Steve Elias, NSW’s seventeenth Bull Frog, defined that the senior ensign at a command is taken into account a bull as a result of they’re accountable for bullishly guiding junior ensigns to success and function the point of interest of the wardroom’s expression of spirit and pleasure. Wardrooms grant that senior ensign the title of Bull Ensign.
“In that vein, Rear Adm. Richard Lyon, the primary SEAL flag officer adopted the time period Bull Frog as a parallel in our warfare specialty,” stated Elias. “The one requirement to turn into the Bull Frog is to be the longest, repeatedly serving active-duty SEAL on obligation on the time of receiving the title from their predecessor.”
Though Rear Adm. Lyon adopted the time period as soon as he retired in 1981, former commander, Naval Particular Warfare Command (NSWC), Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan made it official with a Navy instruction in 2007.
When a Bull Frog retires, NSWC formally passes the title on throughout a ceremony. The previous Bull Frog fingers over an engraved trophy adorned with a small picket frog on high and the names of former Bull Frogs inscribed on the facet to the newly acknowledged Bull Frog.
“I’m humbled simply to have obtained a trophy with my title and the dates of cumulative service following the completion of my BUD/S coaching,” stated Elias. “The spotlight of this title is simply being referred to as the Bull Frog by present and former teammates who transitioned to the civilian sector. It actually feels cool to say it now.”
The Bull Frog title highlights a few of the key traits which are valued within the NSW and the SEAL neighborhood – adaptability, energy, and management.
“Quite a lot of nice folks have served within the Navy, so that they perceive the custom,” stated Elias. “Most SEALs take pleasure in themselves staying in nice bodily form; it’s a part of the tradition. I might not be as sturdy or as quick as I used to be up to now, however I’m nonetheless a extremely aggressive man.”
Whereas it might not be probably the most well-known custom within the Navy, the passing of the Bull Frog has been an necessary a part of SEAL tradition, serving to honor and acknowledge the contributions of probably the most senior members of the group whereas additionally making certain that their legacy and knowledge dwell on by way of the following technology of SEALs.
“I by no means thought I might be that man, but it surely occurred,” stated Elias. “I just like the problem that comes with being a SEAL and being a job mannequin to at the present time.”
