160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)
United States Army · Public domain · source
Unit name	160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)
Caption	Regimental Insignia
Dates	1981–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Special operations aviation
Role	Aerial reconnaissance, direct action, Combat search and rescue
Size	Regiment
Garrison	Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Nickname	"Night Stalkers"
Motto	"Night Stalkers Don't Quit"
Battles	Operation Urgent Fury, Operation Just Cause, Gulf War, Operation Gothic Serpent, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War, Operation Neptune Spear, Operation Inherent Resolve
Decorations	Presidential Unit Citation

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) is a special operations force of the United States Army that provides helicopter aviation support for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Known as the "Night Stalkers," the regiment is renowned for its ability to conduct precise, clandestine aviation missions under conditions of extreme darkness and adverse weather. Headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, its aviators and support personnel are selected from the best within the U.S. Army Aviation Branch and undergo a rigorous training and assessment program.

History

The unit was formed in 1981 following the failed Operation Eagle Claw rescue attempt of American hostages in Iran, which highlighted a critical lack of dedicated, specially trained aviation assets for special operations. Initially designated Task Force 160, it was formally established as the 160th Aviation Battalion and saw its first major combat deployment during the Invasion of Grenada. The unit was pivotal in operations during the United States invasion of Panama and the Gulf War, where it supported units like the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. It achieved significant public recognition for its role in the Battle of Mogadishu, later depicted in the book and film Black Hawk Down. The regiment was subsequently expanded and redesignated to its current form, playing crucial roles in the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the Iraq War, including the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

Organization

The regiment is organized into four battalions and a separate headquarters company. The 1st Battalion, 2nd Battalion, and 3rd Battalion are located at Fort Campbell, while the 4th Battalion is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Each battalion possesses distinct capabilities and is tailored to support different geographic combatant commands and specific special missions units like the 75th Ranger Regiment and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. The regiment falls under the operational control of United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and is tasked by Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) for the most sensitive missions.

Aircraft

The Night Stalkers operate a specialized fleet of modified helicopters designed for low-altitude, night-time penetration. Its primary aircraft include the stealth-modified MH-60M Black Hawk, used for assault and infiltration, and the heavy-lift MH-47G Chinook, equipped for long-range, all-weather operations. The regiment also utilizes the armed reconnaissance AH-6 Little Bird and the MH-6 Little Bird for light assault and special operations. These aircraft are outfitted with advanced avionics, terrain-following radar, FLIR systems, and extensive defensive countermeasures to survive in high-threat environments.

Missions and operations

The regiment's mission set encompasses clandestine infiltration and exfiltration of special operations forces, precision reconnaissance, personnel recovery, and direct action assaults. It has participated in nearly every major U.S. special operations campaign since its inception. Notable operations include the capture of Manuel Noriega during Operation Just Cause, the Mogadishu raid, the Tora Bora offensive in Afghanistan, and the raid on Abbottabad, Pakistan. The unit continues to deploy regularly in support of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts under United States Central Command and United States Africa Command.

Training and selection

Prospective Night Stalkers, drawn from volunteers within the U.S. Army Aviation Branch, must pass the stringent Special Operations Aviation Assessment and Selection (SOAAS) process. This assesses physical stamina, mental fortitude, and aviation skills under stress. Selected personnel then enter the extensive Special Operations Aviation Training (SOAT) pipeline, which includes advanced flight training in night vision goggle (NVG) operations, tactical formation flying, and combat skills at facilities like the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence. Continuous training emphasizes mastery of nap-of-the-earth flight techniques, long-range navigation, and mission planning alongside United States Navy SEALs and other special operations elements.

Nickname and insignia

The regiment's nickname, "Night Stalkers," derives from its expertise in nocturnal aviation operations, with the unofficial motto "Night Stalkers Don't Quit." Its distinctive unit insignia features a winged dagger piercing a crescent moon, symbolizing the unit's airborne capability and preference for night operations. The regimental crest includes the motto "DE OPPRESSO LIBER," linking it to the United States Army Special Forces it often supports. The unit's heritage and fallen members are honored at the Night Stalkers Memorial located at Fort Campbell.

Category:Special operations units and formations of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1981 Category:Aviation regiments of the United States Army