“TOUR OF DUTY” Rolls On

The Time has Never Been Better, or the Need More Urgent

In 2022, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the formation of NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary System, the Special Operations veterans of FORCE BLUE launched an “until it’s finished” campaign to conduct marine conservation missions in and around each of the country’s eighteen (18) currently designated National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS).

Working with some of our nation’s top scientists and environmentalists, as well as community volunteers, civic leaders, and corporate partners from across the U.S., FORCE BLUE began engaging in projects like sea grass monitoring, marine debris removal, fish population surveys, coral restoration, kelp reforestation, data buoy installation, shipwreck mapping, and more.

Each of these missions also includes a public engagement component designed to instill ownership and inspire action in those communities that are nearest to, and benefit the most from, our national marine sanctuaries.

Dubbed our “Tour of Duty” because of the distance FORCE BLUE veterans will travel to complete it, the program has one over-arching goal — to open eyes, ears, and minds to the beauty and fragility of these national treasures while, at the same time, positively contributing to their preservation.

As we head into 2026 and the semi-quincentennial of our nation’s founding — and with the goal of raising $500,000 annually to support this important effort — FORCE BLUE will be approaching individuals, organizations, corporations, and other like-minded NGOs who believe in this mission and would like to play a role in its success.

View Competed Missions Donate Today

Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish
the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a
sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children.
Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country
of its beauty, its riches or its romance.

– Theodore Roosevelt