The 700-Mile Journey – Retired WWII SEALs set record with swimming

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua T. Rodriguez, Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Public Affairs



Imagine swimming one mile a week for the past 15 years with your best swim buddy. That is what Louis A. Cruz, 89, and Fredrick G. Robbins, 86, did Dec 8 when they completed their 700th mile in the Naval Special Warfare Combat Swimmer Trainer at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Cruz and Robbins met in the early 90’s and began to work out together at Rockwell Gym on JEB. They went from working out at the gym 3 times a week to also adding a one-mile swim once a week. They started their 700-mile quest in 1995. Cruz joined in Feb. 1942, and served during World War II through the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 as a Chief Boatswain’s Mate. Robbins joined the Navy in Jan 1942, and was on a minesweeper in the Mediterranean during World War II. He became a Navy SEAL in 1950 after training with Underwater Demolition (UDT) Class 5 and was stationed at JEB Little Creek for most of his career. Robbins served 20 years in the Navy. Cruz and Robbins both said that serving in the Navy gave them the motivation and self-dedication needed to complete their swimming milestone. “Once I started I didn’t want to stop,” said Robbins Both men said the secret to their success is that they both eat right and neither of them smoke or drink. “We motivate each other; we stay side by side and I never leave my swim buddy,” said Cruz The Navy veterans have been swimming 100-miles every two years for the last 15 years and have no plans on quitting now. The next task for Cruz and Robbins is to swim to 800-miles in their quest for the 1000-miles mark. “If we both get too 800-miles it will be an amazing feeling,” said Cruz By the time they reach 1000-miles, Cruz will be 95 and Robbins will be 92 and both men said they are positive they will reach their next milestone. “These guys are the greatest generation,” said Mark E. Courrier, a retired Master Chief SEAL, and now head of the Naval Special Warfare East Coast Scout Team. “They lead by the commitment, drive, discipline, and motivation. They set a great example.” “The next generation is inspired by these two role models,” said Captain Tim Szymanski, Commander of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. “I would send these two guys back to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUDS) tomorrow, because they have the drive and motivation to make it through.” Both Cruz and Robbins said they swim for their health and because it enriches their lives, but most off all, they are doing this for the friendship. They said they have become more than just friends over their life journey, they have become brothers who are proud of their Naval service and proud of the life they have led