SEAL Team Six was formally commissioned in November 1980 by Richard Marcinko. It was created as a premier hostage rescue and counter-terrorism unit within the U.S. Navy, with a unique selection process for its founding members.

Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro carrying American citizens was hijacked by Palestinian terrorists led by Mohammed Abul al-Abbas. The hijackers murdered an elderly Jewish American businessman and the ship was eventually freed after a series of events involving SEAL Team SIX and Delta Force operators.

In 1984, Richard Marcinko and a dozen members of SEAL Team Six formed 'Red Cell' (OP-06D), a special unit tasked with testing the security of American military installations. This unit was created to simulate potential threats and vulnerabilities.

In 1987, SEAL Team 6 was disbanded and its role, except for non-CT ship boarding, was transferred to the newly established Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU). Despite being a new entity, DEVGRU consisted of former SEAL Team 6 members and continued to operate with similar principles and procedures. The 'SEAL Team Six' name continued to be associated with the unit, particularly in the media.

In 1992, the autobiography of a former SEAL Team 6 member, titled Rogue Warrior, was published, shedding light on the secretive operations of the unit.

After the September 11 attacks in 2001, SEAL Team 6 became famous for their involvement in pursuing al-Qaeda and Taliban members, as well as participating in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, SEAL Team Six has been playing a more active role in carrying out high-impact operations in various environments.

In 2002, SEAL Team Six operators were pictured protecting Afghan President Hamid Karza.

In 2009, SEAL Team 6 successfully rescued Capt. Richard Phillips, who was held hostage by Somali pirates after the hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama.

In 2010, British aid worker Linda Norgrove died during a rescue attempt by SEAL Team Six in Afghanistan. Her death was a result of injuries sustained from a SEAL's errant hand grenade during the operation.

SEAL Team 6 is best known for the successful assassination of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011. This operation garnered international attention and showcased the elite skills of the team.

On August 6, 2011, a Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan, resulting in the tragic loss of all 38 individuals on board, including 15 SEALs from Team 6's Gold Squadron. This incident marked the costliest day in ST6 history.

In 2012, a book titled No Easy Day was released, written by a retired SEAL Team 6 member under the pseudonym Mark Owen, providing insights into the missions of the unit.

A raid conducted by U.S. special operations forces and Yemeni troops near the border with Saudi Arabia, resulting in the rescue of hostages and the killing of eight militants. The raid led to the capture of valuable information on future terror plots.

A raid carried out by SEAL Team 6 on an AQAP-linked compound in Ma'rib Governorate, resulting in the killing of 7 AQAP militants. The objective was to seize important information from the compound.

SEAL Team Six conducted a precision operation to rescue U.S. citizen Philip Walton, who was abducted by armed kidnappers in southern Niger. The operation resulted in the rescue of Walton and the elimination of 6 out of 7 captors.

SEAL Team Six and the Army's 3rd Special Forces Group evacuated 70 staff members from the US Embassy in Sudan. The operation ensured the safety of the embassy personnel.