Which elite unit evolved from UDTs after WWII?

The elite unit that evolved from Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) after World War II is the SEALs. UDTs were originally formed for reconnaissance and demolition missions in preparation for amphibious assaults, and their talents in specialized combat operations laid the groundwork for more advanced special operations in the coming decades.

In the early 1960s, the need for a more versatile naval special operations force capable of conducting a wider range of missions, including direct action, unconventional warfare, and counter-terrorism, led to the establishment of the Navy SEALs. This unit incorporated the skills developed by UDTs while expanding their operational capabilities beyond beach reconnaissance and demolition to include direct ground combat and special reconnaissance in various environments.

The evolution into SEALs represents a significant shift toward a more comprehensive approach to special operations within the Navy, which included sea, air, and land combat missions. With their training in various environments, including maritime operations and asymmetrical warfare, the SEALs became one of the most renowned special operations forces in the world, continuing the legacy of the UDTs but with a broader mission profile.