Navy SEAL Museum San Diego officially opens to the public

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Following decades of planning and anticipation, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego (NSMSD) finally opens to the public on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Located near the Embarcadero at 1001 Kettner Blvd., the museum sheds light on the area's rich military history through exhibits, interactive experiences and more.

• Watch the sneak peek with Jason Austell in the video player above.

Retired SEALs will serve as museum docents to educate the public about their work.

NSMSD joins a similar establishment -- the National UDT-Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida -- where SEALs trained for World War II.

Now, the extension into San Diego showcases the legacy of the Navy SEALs in America's Finest City. Just across the San Diego Bay, Coronado is home to Naval Special Warfare and serves as the training ground for all Navy SEALs.

Aside from educating the public, the museum serves as a tribute to fallen servicemembers at the Navy SEAL Memorial and support their families through the Trident House Charities Program.

The program provides aid for medical needs not covered by federal funding and takes donations for a scholarship program for children of Special Operations members, a respite home and a K9 project for veterans.

Tickets to the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego can be purchased online or in person. Tickets cost $20 for guests 13 and up and $13 for youth ages 4-12. Kids age 3 and under as well as military personnel receive free admission.

More detailed ticket information can be found on the museum's website.