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Naval Special Warfare Development Group
Active1987
BranchUnited States Navy
TypeSpecial Operations
RoleMaritime Counter-terrorism
Part ofUnited States Naval Special Warfare Command
United States Special Operations Command
Joint Special Operations Command
Garrison/HQDam Neck, Virginia
Nickname(s)DEVGRU, SEAL Team Six
EngagementsSEAL Team Six
Operation Urgent Fury
TWA Flight 847 Hijacking
Achille Lauro Hijacking
DEVGRU
Operation Just Cause
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Restore Hope
Operation Gothic Serpent
Manhunt for Serbian war criminals
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom

The United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group, commonly known as DEVGRU or SEAL Team Six (ST6) by civilians, is the United States Naval Special Warfare Command's tier-one special missions and counter-terrorism unit. It is located at Dam Neck, Virginia. DEVGRU operators are selected from the current United States Navy SEAL Teams. DEVGRU it is the evolutionary descendent of super-secret SEAL Team Six which was created as part of the Joint Special Operations Command in 1980.[1]

The origins of ST6 can be traced to the aftermath of Operation Eagle Claw the failed 1980 attempt to rescue American hostages at the Iranian Embassy.[2] [3][4] Prior to this, the existing SEAL teams had already begun counterterrorism training, including 12 platoons in SEAL Team One on the West Coast. On the East Coast, however, elements of the SEAL Team Two had taken the issue one step farther. They formed a dedicated two platoon group known as "MOB Six" (Mobility Six) in anticipation of a maritime scenario requiring a CT response and had begun training to that end.[4]

History

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SEAL Team Six was formally created in October 1980, and a progressive work-up training program made the unit mission-ready six months later. At the time, only two SEAL Teams were in existence; popular knowledge backed up by actual SEAL claims say that the name was chosen to confuse Soviet intelligence as to the number of SEAL Teams in operation. It became officially operational in 1981.[5][4]

In 1987, a new unit was formed, given the official title of 'Naval Special Warfare Development Group' (NAVSPECWARDEVGRU, or DEVGRU) after SEAL Team Six was dissolved. Reasons for the disbanding are varied, ranging from operational security, the team's reputation, to charges leveled at ST6 founder and now-public figure Richard Marcinko.[4] Whatever the truth behind these, the name "SEAL Team Six" is often used in reference to DEVGRU because of the similarities as a maritime counter-terrorism unit.[5]

DEVGRU's mission is to conduct intelligence and counter-terrorism operations for SPECWARCOM and the U.S. Special Operations Command, is responsible for the testing, evaluation and development of technology and maritime, ground and airborne tactics applicable to NSW forces such as U.S. Navy SEALs.[6][7] DEVGRU and the Army's 1st SFOD-D train together and deploy together on counter-terrorist missions usually a part of a joint special operations task force. [1][5] A rivalry between these units has lasted since the creation of SEAL Team Six. Delta perceived SEAL Team Six as unprofessional. Delta's aversion to Six has grown into a loathing of DEVGRU. In the War on Terror many operations that were exclusively Delta's are often given to DEVGRU. The current commander of U.S. Special Operations Command Admiral Eric T. Olson is a former Commander, Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Admiral Olson was one of four SEALs who, as part of Task Force Ranger, fought in the Battle of Mogadishu.[8][9]

An executive order by President Clinton added Naval Special Warfare Development Group to those units exempt from the contents of Title 5, Section 7103 of the US Code.[10]

Operation Urgent Fury

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In October 1983, a military coup, on the island of Grenada deposed the government and a new Communist government took control of the country. The new Communist leader Maurice Bishop aligned the new government with Cubans, Soviets and communist organizations. The Reagan administration reviled the leftist government for being to closely allied to Cuba and the Soviet Union.[11] On October 25, Reagan decided to act and United States invaded the small island of Grenada.

SEAL Team Six's Assault Group Three was to conduct a static line drop with boats a few miles away from the Grenadian coast.[12] One of two C-130 cargo planes transporting the SEALs to their drop point veered far off course. A rain squall accompanied by high winds broke out just before the SEALs conducted the drop. Four out of the eight SEALs that made the drop drowned and were never seen again. [12] After the disastrous insertion, Assault Group Three was told to stand-by and began preparing for the next mission. The next was mission was to go the governor's mansion and secure Governor Paul Scoon, protect him and his family and them out of the combat area.[13] A second mission was to capture and secure Grenada's only radio station so that it couldn't be used by the local military to incite the population or coordinate military actions.[13] There was almost no intelligence for either of these operations.[12]

Governor's Mansion

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To reach the governor's mansion the SEALs were flown in on Blackhawk helicopters at night and fast roped to the ground.[12] As the team approached from the back of the mansion the team found the Governor hiding. The SEALs then continued to clear the rest if the house and began to set up a perimeter to ensure security.[12] Soon the mansion started to take fire from AK-47's and RPG's. As the incoming fire started to increase Governor Scoon and his family were moved to a safer location in the house. After the incoming fire had decreased, three men wearing Cuban uniforms approached the mansion, all of them carrying AK-47's. The SEALs shouted for the three men to stop where they were. When the three men heard the yells, they raised their weapons. The SEALs opened fire on the Cubans as soon they brought up their weapons.[12]

Soon afterward, two BTR-60PB's rolled up to the mansion's gates. One of the BTR's at the mansion's front gate opened fire. Just as the SEALs were about to fire a LAW, the BTR backed off and left with other BTR.[12] When the SEALs had inserted on to the compound, they left behind their long range SATCOM radio on a helicopter.[12] The only communications the team had were through MX-360 radios. The team used the radios to communicate with a SEAL command post on the island to call in air strikes. As the radios started to die, communications with the SEAL command post became weak. Once all the radios had finally died and the SEALs urgently needed air support, the SEALs used a regular house phone to call JSOC.[12] JSOC was able to get the AC-130 Spectre gunship hovering over the SEALs position to provide air support.

When the morning came a group of Marines arrived to escort the SEALs, Governor Scoon and his family to a helicopter extraction point. As the team left the compound they noticed splattered blood and discarded weapons all around. The helo finally arrived and extracted everyone to safety.[12]

Radio Station

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Assault Group Three and another squad from SEAL Team Five flew to the radio station on a Pavehawk helicopter.[14] The helo took small-arms fire on the insertion. Once the team unloaded it overran the radio station compound. The SEALs were told hold the station until Governor Scoon and a broadcast team were brought in.[12] After the team took control of the compound, it was not able to make radio contact with the command post. The SEALs set up a perimeter while they continued to try to make radio contact. As this was happening BTR-60 rolled up to the compound and 20 Grenadian soldiers disguised as the station workers piled out.[14] The soldiers carried weapons even in disguise.[14] The SEALs told the soldiers to drop the weapons. The soldiers opened fire but were shot down almost instantly. Afterwards the SEALs continued labor to make radio contact when another BTR and three trucks were spotted coming towards the station.[14]

The trucks carried a dozen soldiers each. The SEALs quickly conducted a defensive maneuever as the soldiers flanked the building. The BTR covered the front entrance with 20mm cannon. The incoming fire on the SEALs position was becoming devastatingly heavy and the SEALs were running out of ammunition. The SEALs followed a pre-planned escape route out behind the station to a broad meadow that lead to a path that cut between cliffs and a beach.[14] The meadow was terribly exposed to Grenadian fire. The team leapfrogged across the exposed meadow and took heavy fire. The team finally reached the end of the field, cut through a chain-link fence and ran into dense brush. The SEALs quickly followed the path to the beach. The Grenadians were still in pursuit, so the SEALs waded into the water and began swimming parallel to beach until they found cliff ledges to conceal themselves.[14] The SEALs remained hidden until long after the Grenadians had given up the search. Once the SEALs were convinced that the Grenadians had given up, the team jumped back into the water and swam out to sea. The SEALs were in the water close to six hours before a rescue plane spotted them and vectored a Navy ship to pick them up.[14]

Current Role

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The Development Group is active in both the Global War on Terror and the Iraq War. DEVGRU has worked closely with Delta Force and civilian government agencies in special task forces (TF) to kill or capture the leaders of terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and insurgent groups in Iraq and Afghanistan.[15][16] One such task force known as TF 145, TF 6-26 and TF 121 have conducted controversial operations in Iraq that led to the capture of the late Saddam Hussein and the death of the leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.[16][17][18]

In Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) U.S. Special Operations forces have led the fighting.[6] During the crucial Battle of Takur Ghar Navy SEALs from DEVGRU participated in one of the most violent battles of Operation Anaconda. Late at night on March 2 2002 a MH-47 Chinook helicopter piloted by the 160th SOAR was carrying a team of Navy SEALs over the mountain of Takur Ghar. As the helicopter was nearing its landing zone both the pilots and the men in the back observed fresh tracks in the snow, goatskins, and other signs of recent human activity. Immediately, the pilots and team discussed a mission abort, but it was too late.[19] An RPG struck the side of the aircraft, wounding one crewman, while machinegun bullets ripped through the fuselage, cutting hydraulic and oil lines. Fluid spewed about the ramp area of the helicopter. The pilot struggled to get the helicopter off the landing zone and away from the enemy fire. Neil C. Roberts, a SEAL DEVGRU operator, was poised to exit the ramp when the aircraft was hit and slipped on the oil as the helicopter took off. He was thrown from the helicopter dropping about 5 to 10 feet to the snowy ground below. Roberts immediately engaged overwhelming Al-Qaeda forces with his M-249 light machine gun. He survived at least 30 minutes before he was shot and killed at close range.[20] Roberts was the first Navy SEAL to die in Afghanistan, and the first to die in combat since 1989.[21][19]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b Emerson, Steven (November 13, 1988). "Stymied Warriors". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ Fallows, James (December 13, 1981). "IRAN FROM FIVE AMERICAN VIEWPOINTS". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ Halloran, Richard (November 26, 1986). "U.S. MOVING TO EXPAND UNCONVENTIONAL FORCES". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  4. ^ a b c d Marcinko, Richard (1993). Rogue Warrior. Pocket. ISBN 0671795937.
  5. ^ a b c Gerth, Jeff (June 8, 1984). "U.S. MILITARY CREATES SECRET UNITS FOR USE IN SENSITIVE TASKS ABROAD". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b Shanker, Thom (August 12, 2002). "RUMSFELD WEIGHS NEW COVERT ACTS BY MILITARY UNITS". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "LT Michael P. Murphy FAQ". U.S. Navy. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
  8. ^ Couch, Dick (2005). The Finishing School: Earning the Navy SEAL Trident. Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0609810464.
  9. ^ Bowden, Mark (2001). Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War. Signet. ISBN 0451203933.
  10. ^ Clinton, President William. "Executive Order 12171--Exclusions from the Federal Labor-Management Relations Program".
  11. ^ Smith, Michael (2007). Killer Elite: The Inside Story of America's Most Secret Special Operations Team. New York, New York: St. Martin's Press. ISBN 978-0312362720.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Chalker, Dennis (2002). One Perfect Op. Avon Books. ISBN 0380809206. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ a b Pfarrer, Chuck (2004). Warrior Soul: The Memoir of a Navy SEAL. Random House. ISBN 0891418636.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g Couch, Dick (October 2001). The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228. Crown. ISBN 0609607103.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  15. ^ E. Sanger, David (February 29, 2004). "New U.S. Effort Steps Up Hunt For bin Laden". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ a b Schmitt, Eric (March 19, 2006). "In Secret Unit's 'Black Room,' a Grim Portrait of U.S. Abuse". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  17. ^ Filkins, Dexter (June 10, 2006). "U.S. Says Zarqawi Survived Briefly After Airstrike". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  18. ^ F. Burns, John (December 16, 2003). "THE CAPTURE OF HUSSEIN: THE SURRENDER; U.S. Officers Display the 'Rathole' Where Hussein Hid". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  19. ^ a b "Executive Summary of the Battle of Takur Ghar" (PDF). Department of Defense. May 24, 2002. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  20. ^ "NavySEALs.com Memorial". NSC. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  21. ^ Schmitt, Eric (May 25, 2002). "U.S. Review of a Deadly Afghanistan Battle Finds Lapses". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

References

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  • Marcinko, Richard (1993). Rogue Warrior. Pocket. ISBN 0671795937.
  • K. Shipler, David (November 26, 1985). "TERROR: AMERICANS AS TARGETS". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Gormly, Robert (1999). Combat Swimmer: The Memoir of a Navy SEAL. Onyx. ISBN 0451193024.
  • MacPherson, Malcolm (2006). Roberts Ridge: A Story of Courage and Sacrifice on Takur Ghar Mountain, Afghanistan. Dell. ISBN 0553586807.
  • Pfarrer, Chuck (2004). Warrior Soul: The Memoir of a Navy SEAL. Random House. ISBN 0891418636.
  • Chalker, Dennis (2002). One Perfect Op. Avon Books. ISBN 0380809206. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
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