Second Annual Naked Warrior Project Fishing Tournament set for May 2 from Pompano Beach

South Florida resident John Owens, a retired Navy SEAL, started The Naked Warrior Project as a memorial to his brother, Ryan Owens, also a Navy SEAL, who was killed in action on January 29, 2017, an event widely covered by the media.

The Naked Warrior Project, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, and 26 North Yachts, have again teamed up to host the Second Annual Naked Warrior Project Fishing Tournament. All proceeds from the tournament will support The Naked Warrior Project’s mission to memorialize fallen Navy SEALs, help injured Navy SEALs in their recovery and to provide support to their families through education, connecting families and building memorials.

“The mission of this organization is to memorialize the courageous sacrifice made by these heroes and to provide support to their families,” said John Owens. “We are extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such a supportive community that shares our purpose and is willing to jump in and support our cause. Last year’s tournament was more successful than we could have imagined and we’re looking forward to an even greater event this year.”

Tournament Details

May 2, 2020. Tournament headquarters are at the Sands Harbor Resort and Marina in Pompano Beach. Eligible fish include Dolphin, Kingfish, Wahoo, Tuna, and Cobia. The entry fee per vessel and four anglers is $475 if paid on or before April 15, 2020 and $550 if paid after April 15, 2020. Additional anglers are $125. Anglers may register and pay online at NakedWarriorProject.org, in person at 26 North Yachts at 2525 Marina Bay Drive West Ft Lauderdale, FL 33312 or by mail to Naked Warrior Project c/o John Owens PO Box 843 Deerfield Beach, FL 33443. More information on registration, the Captain’s Dinner, Kick- Off party, tournament rules and other helpful information can be found at NakeWarriorProject.org.

The Second Annual Naked Warrior Fishing Tournament is sponsored by YETI, Gray Taxidermy, Sterling Associates, Offshore Anglers of Pompano Beach, Holy Cross Orthopedic Group.

The Origin of Naked Warriors

In early 1944 during World War II, sailors were clearing boat channels across the South Pacific to make way for troop landings. These units were called Underwater Demolition Teams, and they are the only naval special warfare units that remained after World War II. The focus was on swimming. These troops, who became known as “frogmen,” went on missions clad in swim trunks, fins and a face mask and carried a K-Bar knife. As a result, they got the nickname “Naked Warriors.”