When were the first UDTs established?

The first Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) were officially established in 1943 during World War II. These teams were created to conduct reconnaissance and demolition missions in preparation for amphibious assaults, as it became clear that landing forces needed better intelligence and support to succeed against defended positions. The establishment of UDTs marked the beginning of specialized naval operations tailored for underwater missions, which would later evolve into the Navy SEALs. While there were various experimental units formed prior to 1943, the formal organization and deployment of UDTs occurred in that year, specifically in response to the unique challenges faced during the war. This foundational moment laid the groundwork for future developments in naval special warfare.