San Diego is facing a severe water contamination crisis that has drawn alarming comparisons to the infamous Camp Lejeune water issues. This serious threat stems from Mexican sewage infiltrating U.S. waters, specifically affecting Navy SEAL training areas and raising national security concerns.
The persistent sewage leakage into the Tijuana River estuary in California has posed health problems for military personnel and threatens the safety of national defense exercises, Fox News reported.
Navy SEAL veteran Rob Sweetman has voiced concerns over the contamination of water bodies in the San Diego area. His worries are focused on the impact on Navy SEAL training, as the condition has sickened over a thousand candidates in a span of five years. A recent report by the Department of Defense watchdog highlights the intense health challenges faced during training exercises.
The current situation, likened to the Camp Lejeune fiasco, has repeatedly caught public attention due to its enduring effects. The discharge of 44 billion gallons of contaminated water along the California coast in 2023 is one significant metric of this decline. This volume is notably the highest since at least 2000. Outdated infrastructure in Mexico has been identified as a significant factor behind these sewage leaks.
The Naval Special Warfare Center, which trains elite military personnel, reported 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal issues in the SEAL candidates from January 2019 to May 2023. Veterans have also brought attention to health complications attributed to the polluted waters. These include gastrointestinal disorders, skin conditions, and rare cancers developed during their training period.
According to Rob Sweetman, "Everyone who goes through training is going to get sick." His sentiment underscores the immediate health risks facing SEAL trainees. Sweetman emotionally referred to the visible pollution, describing the water as a "tremendous amount of green, nasty water." This health hazard adds stress not only to the candidates but also impacts ongoing military preparedness.
National security implications cannot be ignored amidst these health concerns. Both Marine Corps veteran Kate Monroe and retired SEAL Jeff Gum have addressed the crisis's potential fallout. Monroe labeled the situation as a "FEMA-level travesty," stating that it has been poorly managed and obscured. Gum echoed the gravity of the situation by describing it as a "huge national crisis."
Trump's administration has shown renewed interest in resolving the issue. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin visited San Diego on April 22, 2025, to assess the problem. Zeldin emphasized the importance of maintaining clean American waters as part of the EPA's core mission.
To reassure service members and their families, a spokesperson for Naval Special Warfare stated that the Navy prioritizes the well-being and safety of its personnel. This consistent message aims to alleviate fears even as awareness of this ongoing crisis continues to spread.
Finding solutions to address the root causes of this crisis requires international cooperation. The outdated wastewater systems in Mexico contribute largely to the sewage overflow impacting American territory. Collaborative efforts to modernize and repair these systems remain crucial steps in addressing this cross-border environmental challenge.
Despite the complexities involved, the current efforts to alleviate the crisis show a commitment to safeguarding the living conditions around the San Diego training grounds. The collaboration between governmental agencies, veterans, and environmental bodies could lay the groundwork for sustainable solutions.
With health and safety being core to military training, tackling this sewage issue is more than just an environmental necessity—it's also critical for national security. This crisis highlights the interconnected nature of environmental health and national defense demands.
