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How did Navy SEAL Team 6 carry out the mission against Osama bin Laden in Pakistan?

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The mission to locate and kill Osama bin Laden, known as Operation Neptune Spear, was carried out by the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), or SEAL Team 6, on May 1, 2011.123

The assault team departed from an airbase in Afghanistan aboard two stealth-modified UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Upon arriving at the compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, one helicopter made a hard landing within the outer perimeter wall, forcing the team to abandon their planned fast-rope descent. The SEALs breached the compound’s defenses by blasting through gates and doors.1

Equipped with night-vision goggles, the team moved through the residence, killing several individuals, including bin Laden’s son and associates, before reaching the third floor. Bin Laden was killed during the encounter, and his body was recovered along with various computer equipment and documents. Following the operation, the SEALs destroyed the downed helicopter and departed the site via a transport Chinook. This mission demonstrated the U.S. Navy’s versatility in conducting special operations warfare far from the open sea.12