In what major conflict did the capabilities of SEALs see significant expansion post-WWII?

The significant expansion of SEALs' capabilities post-WWII is most closely associated with the Vietnam War. This conflict provided the U.S. Navy SEALs with opportunities to innovate and develop specialized techniques suited for riverine and guerrilla warfare, which were essential in the challenging terrain of Vietnam. During this war, SEAL teams engaged in a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, sabotage, and direct action against enemy targets, which honed their skills in unconventional warfare.

The Vietnam War marked a pivotal shift in how naval special operations were viewed and employed, leading to greater recognition and enhancement of the SEALs' capabilities. The demands of this conflict pushed SEALs to adapt to new environments, utilize advanced skills in combat diving and survival, and work closely with other branches of the military and intelligence agencies. The experiences gained during this time laid the groundwork for the evolution of naval special warfare in subsequent decades, solidifying their role in modern military operations.