Vice President J.D. Vance took part in a demanding 90-minute physical training session with U.S. Navy SEALs at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California, pushing through running drills, rope climbing, log carrying, and other conditioning exercises. Vance said the workout left him feeling as if he had “been hit by a freight train,” even after SEAL trainers moderated the pace for him.
A former U.S. Marine who served from 2003 to 2007 and deployed to Iraq, Vance shared images of the session on social media, expressing respect and gratitude for the Navy’s elite special operations forces and their high standards. The SEALs involved in the training had their faces blurred in the released photos prior to publication.
Vance’s participation in the rigorous drills aligns with the current administration’s broader emphasis on physical readiness and healthy living initiatives. He used the opportunity to highlight the dedication and capability of America’s armed forces while reflecting on his own military background shaping his views on service and leadership.