History of the 160th SOAR(A) | The Night Stalkers

The World's Most Elite Night-Flying Aviation Force

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) is the US Army's only special operations aviation unit. Headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky,

Night Stalkers fly heavily modified Chinook, Black Hawk, and Little Bird helicopters. They're ready to execute the toughest missions anywhere in the world, day or night.

They earned the name "Night Stalkers" for their ability to strike undetected during nighttime operations. Since 9/11, units of the 160th have been continuously engaged in special operations combat deployments around the globe.

"Never Again"

The 160th was born from failure. In April 1980, Operation Eagle Claw, the mission to rescue American hostages in Iran, ended in disaster. Eight servicemembers died. The hostages remained captive.

The lesson was clear: America needed a dedicated night-flying aviation force.

In October 1981, Task Force 160 was formally recognized as the 160th Aviation Battalion. The motto "Never Again" became the standard. A promise that this unit would never fail for lack of preparation, training, or capability.

1983

Grenada

The Night Stalkers' first combat test.

During Operation Urgent Fury, they conducted assault operations to rescue American medical students and neutralize Cuban forces.

It proved the concept: a dedicated special operations aviation unit could deliver results that conventional forces couldn't.

1987

Persian Gulf

Night Stalkers deployed to protect Kuwaiti oil tankers from Iranian attack. Using forward-looking infrared technology, they hunted enemy vessels in complete darkness.

This operation refined the night-fighting techniques that would define the regiment.

1988

Chad

A Soviet Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter went down in the Chadian desert.

Night Stalkers flew deep into hostile territory, recovered the aircraft, and brought it back for intelligence exploitation.

The kind of mission nobody else could pull off.

1989

Panama

Operation Just Cause.

Night Stalkers executed precision strikes and inserted special operations forces to capture Manuel Noriega.

The regiment flew more than 200 sorties in the first 24 hours of the invasion.

1990

Official Activation

Task Force 160 became the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne).

No longer a provisional unit. A permanent regiment with four battalions and a mandate to be the best rotary-wing aviators in the world.

1991

Desert Storm

Deep behind Iraqi lines, Night Stalkers inserted reconnaissance teams and conducted raids that shaped the battlefield before ground forces ever crossed the border.

Their ability to operate undetected gave commanders options nobody else could provide.

1993

Mogadishu

The battle that became Black Hawk Down. Night Stalkers flew into the most intense urban combat since Vietnam, extracting American forces under withering fire.

Six Night Stalkers gave their lives.

Two received the Medal of Honor posthumously.

1994

Haiti

Operating from an aircraft carrier for the first time, Night Stalkers supported operations to restore Haiti's elected President.

Another proof point: this regiment could adapt to any environment, any mission profile.

2001 - Present

Global War on Terror

Since September 11, the 160th has been in continuous combat. Afghanistan. Iraq. Syria. And operations that remain classified.

Night Stalkers have flown the most sensitive missions of the past two decades, including the 2011 raid in Abbottabad.

The cost has been steep: dozens of Night Stalkers killed in action. Their sacrifice is honored on the Memorial Wall at Fort Campbell.

The Regiment Today

The 160th SOAR(A) has grown into an elite force with four assault battalions, one training battalion, and two unmanned aerial systems companies. They continue to pioneer night-flight techniques and develop specialized equipment that keeps them ahead of any adversary.

Night Stalkers have fought in every combat action this nation has undertaken since 1983. Their names are etched on the Memorial Wall at Fort Campbell. Their sacrifice is why we exist.

VISIT MEMORIAL WALL

History ofthe 160th SOAR(A)

The story of America's only special operations aviation regiment.

The World's Most Elite Night-Flying Aviation Force

"Never Again"

Operations Through the Decades

1983

Grenada

1987

Persian Gulf

1988

Chad

1989

Panama

1990

Official Activation

1991

Desert Storm

1993

Mogadishu

1994

Haiti

2001 - Present

Global War on Terror

The Regiment Today

Honor Their Legacy

They gave it all.We give it back.

Engage

Participate

Follow

Subscribe

NIGHT STALKERS

Don't Quit

NIGHT STALKERS

Don't Quit

NIGHT STALKERS

Don't Quit

NIGHT STALKERS

NIGHT STALKERS

Don't Quit

NIGHT STALKERS

Don't Quit

NIGHT STALKERS

Don't Quit

NIGHT STALKERS

NIGHT STALKERS

Don't Quit

NIGHT STALKERS

Don't Quit

NIGHT STALKERS

Don't Quit

NIGHT STALKERS

History of
the 160th SOAR(A)

They gave it all.
We give it back.