160th Special Operations Aviations Regiment

Overview:
The "Night Stalkers" are experts at flying Special Operations forces into combat. They fly modified OH-6, MH-60, and MH-47 helicopters.

History:
The Army realized that a special unit was necessary after Desert One ended in catastrophe. After aborting the hostage-rescue attempt, a Marine helicopter crashed into an MC-130 waiting on a runway in the middle of the Iranian desert. The mission was originally scrubbed due to severe dust clouds, mechanical problems and pilots inexperienced at flying night operations. The unit was originally formed in 1981 as "Task Force 160" but redesigned as the 160th SOAR and assigned to Special Operations Command.

Training & Capabilities:
Only the Army's best aviators are recruited, and all have to complete challenging training regimen that can last up to 48 months. The unit's nickname comes from their ability to fly in the darkest of nights at dangerously low altitudes. The "Night Stalkers" is known to fly Black Hawks specially modified with weapons and AH/MH-6 "Little Bird" helicopters with the latest in thermal imaging gear.
Their motto: "Night Stalkers don't quit."

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