About this Unit
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the "Night Stalkers," was officially activated in 1981 following the lessons learned from Operation Eagle Claw, the failed 1980 Iran hostage rescue mission. Tasked with providing precision rotary-wing support to U.S. Special Operations Forces, the 160th SOAR specializes in night-time, low-level, and covert missions using advanced helicopters like the MH-47 Chinook, MH-60 Black Hawk, and MH-6 Little Bird. Over the decades, Night Stalkers have participated in numerous high-profile operations, including Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia, and the raid that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011. Renowned for their motto, "Night Stalkers Don't Quit," the regiment continues to be a critical component of U.S. special operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the Iran Hostage Crisis: The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), known as the "Night Stalkers," was formed in the aftermath of Operation Eagle Claw—the failed 1980 attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran. The operation highlighted the need for a dedicated, highly trained special operations aviation unit.
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Motto: The Night Stalkers’ motto is “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit,” reflecting their relentless determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
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World-Class Night Operations: The 160th SOAR is renowned for its proficiency in night flying. They were pioneers in the use of night vision goggles (NVGs) and developed many of the tactics, techniques, and procedures now standard in night aviation.
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Black Hawk Down: Night Stalkers played a pivotal role in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, memorialized in the book and film “Black Hawk Down.” They provided helicopter support for Army Rangers and Delta Force operators in Somalia.
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Highly Modified Aircraft: The regiment operates specially modified versions of the MH-60 Black Hawk, MH-47 Chinook, and MH-6 Little Bird helicopters. These aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics, weapon systems, and stealth features.
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Osama bin Laden Raid: Night Stalkers flew the modified stealth Black Hawks that inserted Navy SEALs into Abbottabad, Pakistan during Operation Neptune Spear, which resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011.
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Intensive Selection and Training: Pilots and crew must pass a rigorous selection process and extensive training program known as “Green Platoon” before joining the regiment, ensuring only the most skilled aviators are selected.
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Global Reach: The 160th SOAR has deployed to nearly every major U.S. conflict and contingency mission since its creation, operating in Panama, Grenada, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and many undisclosed locations.
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Innovators in Aerial Refueling: The regiment was a trailblazer in adapting “aerial refueling” for helicopters, greatly expanding their operational range and mission flexibility.
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Family and Legacy: The unit has a strong sense of camaraderie, honoring fallen members with the Night Stalker Memorial and maintaining a tradition of “never leaving a Night Stalker behind.”
