'Battle of the Bay' demonstration took over downtown Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. - Explosions and gunfire erupted near the Tampa Convention Center around noon on Wednesday. It was a simulation, a rare demonstration of what our special operators like Navy SEALs can do.

Spectators witnessed ‘The Battle of the Bay.’ Helicopters, boats, drones, ATVs, scuba divers, and much more were in action throughout the demonstration.

"Obviously, when we show some of the capabilities it’s a little Hollywood, but it’s to showcase the quiet professionals and what we do out there in other places," said Lt. Col. Vern Theis of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), based at MacDill Air Force Base.

International special operations forces also partner with SOCOM in operations and for the demonstration.

More than 170 United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and international service members from ten nations took part in the mock scenario, defending the City of Tampa from ‘hostile invaders.’

"We’ve got people from Sweden, from Czech Republic, Chile, and Colombia," said Orlando Cepeda of Colombian Special Forces. 

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The demonstration is a highlight of a week-long special operations forces conference in Tampa called SOF Week that brought more than 20,000 people to town.

"So it really is a privilege to host it and then also just to see our military and the capabilities, the demonstration," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. "You know we, as Americans, take a lot of things for granted."

Castor said the demonstration was an opportunity to appreciate the service that Special Operations Forces provide for the security of our nation.