Vice President JD Vance Joins Navy SEAL Training at Coronado, Pushes Limits in Grueling 90-Minute Workout
Vice President JD Vance joined Navy SEALs for a grueling 90-minute training session at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado on Dec. 22, 2025, participating in log carries, ocean rowing, beach sprints and obstacle courses to observe readiness.
- On-site participation: Vance completed a 90-minute physical training session alongside SEALs, including log carries, ocean rowing, beach runs and rope/net obstacles (Fox News; Chosun; YouTube).
- Personal reaction: Vance posted that the SEALs “took it easy on me and I still feel like I got hit by a freight train,” praising special operations standards (Fox News).
- Context: Vance is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran; the visit underscores leadership messaging on military readiness and community implications for nearby areas such as Hesperia, California.
Overview
When and where: The session took place on Dec. 22, 2025, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Media outlets released photos and video showing the vice president moving through hallmark SEAL physical training elements. Reported coverage includes Fox News, Chosun and publicly available video on YouTube.
Training details: what was reported
Media photos and video show Vance participating in a group-format session with active SEALs. The reported workout included multiple hallmark elements:
- Log carries on sand — a classic team strength and endurance exercise (Fox News).
- Open-ocean rowing in swells off Coronado Beach — testing coordination and upper-body endurance (Fox News; YouTube).
- Beach runs and sprints on uneven sand for cardiovascular toughness (Fox News).
- Rope climbs and net obstacles demanding grip strength and mental focus (Fox News).
Vance’s public remarks and social post
Social reaction: After the workout, Vance posted on X:
“Just finished PT with the Navy SEALs for 90 minutes. They took it easy on me and I still feel like I got hit by a freight train.”
He used the visit to thank and praise U.S. special operations forces for their standards and service (Fox News).
Vance’s military background
Service record: JD Vance is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who enlisted in 2003 and deployed to Iraq in 2005 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, serving in public affairs. His time in uniform is central to his public profile and informs his views on national security and leadership responsibilities (Fox News).
Broader context: leadership messaging on readiness
Trend: Senior officials sometimes train with troops to spotlight physical readiness and morale. The coronado visit aligns with recent Defense Department messaging about the need for fit, capable forces, and with other administration leaders who have participated in on-base demonstrations (Fox News; Chosun).
Supporters say these visits demonstrate respect and provide direct exposure to unit standards; critics note short visits cannot substitute for operational experience. Vance’s Marine service and active participation lent additional credibility for some observers.
Implications for Hesperia, California
Economic impact: Hesperia, in San Bernardino County, could see indirect benefits from heightened awareness of military recruitment and contracting opportunities. Local businesses and contractors that serve military families may notice increased interest when national leaders spotlight readiness.
Political consequences: With many Hesperia voters leaning conservative, the vice president’s public workout and emphasis on elite units may resonate with defense-focused constituents and be used in messaging by local officials or candidates.
Social and cultural effects: Images of a veteran vice president training with SEALs can strengthen civic pride among local veterans, encourage veteran-service organizations, and highlight youth programs oriented toward service.
Practical applications: Residents interested in military careers may view the visit as a reminder of physical standards and commitment required by special operations. Local gyms, ROTC programs and veterans’ groups could host informational sessions or fitness programs.
Sources and transparency
This article draws on published reporting and visual media from the training day. Key sources cited below:
- Fox News reporting and photo package
- Chosun International account
- Publicly available video of the session (YouTube)
Reporting note
This story is based on on-site media coverage and published reports of the Dec. 22 training session at Coronado. Visual and written accounts were used to describe exercises and Vance’s participation; all factual claims above reflect those published sources (Fox News; Chosun; YouTube).
