The UNSC Naval Special Warfare Group - SPARTAN-IV, better known as the SPARTAN-IV Program, is the UNSC Navy's principal special operations force. SPARTAN-IV teams are trained and have been deployed in a wide variety of missions, including direct action and special reconnaissance operations, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defence, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and other missions. Formed in 2563 after the merger of the Delta Company of the SPARTAN-III Program with a number of other clandestine Navy supersoldier programs uncovered by Operation: VORAUSSICHT, the SPARTAN-IV's have a superb combat record (though little is known about their missions), and are known for an almost fanatical loyalty to the UNSC.