Former Navy SEAL Veterans Lead Veteran-Led Marine Conservation Missions

Rodolfo 'Rudy' Reyes, a highly decorated combat diver, experienced a life-changing dive in the Cayman Islands in 2015 that helped him cope with depression and post-traumatic stress after years of military service. Inspired by the vibrant marine life and the revelation that the underwater world was in danger, Reyes, along with Jim Ritterhoff and Keith Sahm, co-founded Force Blue in 2016. This nonprofit organization recruits veterans, particularly Navy SEALs and other military divers, to use their specialized skills in marine conservation. Force Blue's initiatives include freshwater and brackish water projects, installation of artificial reefs, and deploying buoys and sensors for hurricane detection. Reyes describes their mission as transferring combat diving expertise to protect and provide refuge for aquatic environments. The project not only aids ocean conservation but also gives veterans a renewed sense of purpose.