FBI counter-terror team celebrates 30 years of service

The FBI is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Hostage Rescue Team. Always ready to respond to a crisis situation, this specialized entity is America's premier SWAT team and a world renowned counter-terrorism force.

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Hostage Rescue Team. Formed three decades ago as the absolute last line of force and defense in American civilian law enforcement, this elite team is the nation's best chance — and sometimes its last hope — in saving lives threatened by terrorism.

HRT is the most storied and honored law enforcement tactical unit in American history. Its name is legend and it is highly revered by both its law enforcement and military counterparts domestically and abroad.

Throughout its history HRT has gone up against some of the most dangerous individuals and organizations that this world has ever known and has successfully tackled some of the most complex and daunting missions ever encountered in U.S. law enforcement, including some that have proved to be too vexing and extreme even for other SWAT teams.

Whether repelling down the side of a craggy mountain range in the deserts of Arizona or a gleaming skyscraper in the urban terrain of Philadelphia, trekking across a frozen tundra in Alaska or wading through the sweltering swamps of the Florida Everglades, HRT stands capable and ready to combat terrorists and defend Americans from the nation's Atlantic Coast to its Pacific Coast.

They are the very best at what they do.

The highly skilled counter-terrorism strike force has long been a source of pride and prestige for the FBI who is commemorating HRT's 30th anniversary with a year long celebration. The celebration, which began earlier this year, includes an extensive online feature at the FBI's official website highlighting HRT's history, accomplishments, and continued contributions to law and order, national security and the defense of the American way of life.