In terms of messages he would like to share about NSW, Pybus began by expressing pride “in how the force contributes to the Navy, USSOCOM, and the nation.”

“I would like the public to know that almost every special operation involves a team effort. So, while there might be a ‘SEAL face’ on some of these operations, I assure you that we don’t do it alone. We routinely work with our SOF brethren, and there is a daily battle rhythm of coordination across both the military and the government to get things done,” he said.

“The American people can be very proud of all of their forces – that includes the conventional forces as well,” he added.

He continued, “Another thing I would like the public to know is that its special operations forces do a lot of things that don’t get press. We’re not all about the capture or killing of our adversaries. We prepare for that and we will do that. But we also do many other things around the world that don’t get the same publicity.

“To be honest, we are a little uncomfortable with some of the recent publicity,” he noted. Following the operation that eliminated al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, a plethora of newspaper articles, magazine articles, and books covering Naval Special Warfare appeared, as well as Act of Valor, a film in which serving NAVSPECWARCOM personnel played major characters.

“I want a force that has humility. And I think we do, for the most part. But we are in a new information age. There’s just a lot more information out there – and much of it can be sensitive.”

Pybus acknowledged that finding a balance between publicity, the public’s right to know, and reducing NSW’s public profile is not an easy task. “We have folks who will write books. Several other movies will be coming out.

“To the extent that I can, I’m trying to manage and, in some cases, reduce our public profile. One reason for this is that we are concerned about our families and information that might get out there. We have respect for our adversaries. They are to be taken seriously. So we have asked our families to be more vigilant and we have asked our members to limit what they provide to the public – either in uniform or in retired status.”

Pybus summarized, “Over the past year, we have been successful in what it is we have been asked to do. We suffered a horrific tragedy in August. [On Aug. 6, 2011, a CH-47 Chinook carrying 38 passengers and crew was shot down by a Taliban rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). All aboard perished, including 17 SEALs and five other Naval Special Warfare personnel.] But that has also galvanized the community, bringing it very close together as we continue to embrace our families that suffered those losses. And we will continue to ‘warrior through’ and do those things that Special Operations Command and the Navy ask us to do.

“For my part, I will continue to take my role very seriously to ensure that this force remains relevant; continues to improve itself; and continues to be able to deal with tough times, both individually and as a force,” he said.

“And that force does continue to improve itself, on both individual and tactical element levels,” he added. “That is critical because we have got to be very efficient in light of current fiscal constraints. So we have to work in priorities around the world and stick to those priorities. As I said earlier, we are not doing any unimportant work. Everything now is part of a commander’s plan in some region of the world.”

Pybus concluded, “We’re very proud. After 70 years of history and 50 years of SEALs, this is a good place to be.”

This article was first published in The Year in Special Operations: 2012-2013 Edition.