Dear POW Network,

If the name you provided is spelled correctly, I do NOT find a listing in the SEAL Database (SEAL Teams and predecessor units from1943 to the Present Day) for anyone named HERMAN D. ‘SONNY’ RIDLEY. I have also examined possible alternate spellings, and names with similar pronunciations without finding any that appear to be applicable.

Unless he has undertaken the unlikely action of a legal name change (an action for which there would be evidence in the form of court documentation) since his claimed participation in SEAL training, and based upon the information you have provided, I can state conclusively that HERMAN D. ‘SONNY’ RIDLEY has NEVER COMPLETED SEAL training, and he is not now, nor was he ever a Navy SEAL, a Navy UDT “Frogman”, a member of any Naval Combat Demolition Unit (NCDU), or a member of the Naval Amphibious Scouts & Raiders (S&R).

When members of the Naval Special Warfare community meet others who claim similar service, but whom they do not recognize, there is a conversational exchange of information that establishes the bona fides of each to the other. There is no set formula for this exchange, nor for the information that is exchanged, but it ALWAYS takes place, and the REAL Naval Special Warfare members can ALWAYS spot an imposter as a result of this exchange. If Mr. HERMAN D. ‘SONNY’ RIDLEY persists in insisting that his SEAL claims are legitimate, I might suggest that someone ask him these questions:

-Since there is no listing in the SEAL Database for the name you are currently using, WHAT NAME DID YOU USE during SEAL training?

-What was his Training Class Number? (No SEAL ever forgets his class number, and there are no secret classes)?

-When did he graduate from SEAL training? (i.e. a specific graduation DAY/DATE)?

-Which SEAL Team(s) did you serve on, and when?

 

The answers to those questions are totally UNCLASSIFIED, and every real SEAL will gladly provide that substantiating information upon request. Asking him these questions will make it very clear to him that you are not only informed on the subject of Navy SEALs, but that you are aware of the truth regarding his fraudulent claims.

Before any classified operations may be undertaken as a SEAL Operator, a man must first successfully complete the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training program and then the follow-on secondary training program. The names of all those who successfully graduate from that training program sequence are compiled in the SEAL database. Later participation in classified operations has no impact on whether or not a person is listed as a graduate of the training program. There are records of every man who has qualified for the title of “SEAL”; there have been and will continue to be secret missions, but there are NO secret SEALs.

Thank you again for your concern in this matter, and for your assistance in upholding the honor of the US Navy SEAL Teams. If I can be of any further assistance to you in this matter, please contact me at your convenience.

 

Respectfully,