About this Unit
The 25th Aviation Regiment, part of the 25th Infantry Division, was first constituted in 1957 and has played a vital role in U.S. Army aviation history. The unit saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, providing aerial support, reconnaissance, and troop transport in challenging environments. Over the decades, the 25th Aviation has continued to evolve, participating in major operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, the regiment remains a key asset, delivering critical aviation capabilities for the 25th Infantry Division and supporting missions worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Early Days: The 25th Aviation Regiment was constituted on 1 February 1957 and assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, based in Hawaii, marking the beginning of its storied history.
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Vietnam War Service: The unit, then known as the 25th Aviation Battalion, deployed to Vietnam in 1966 and supported the division with aerial reconnaissance, troop transport, and close air support missions.
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Nickname "Little Bears": During Vietnam, elements of the unit were nicknamed the "Little Bears," a moniker still remembered by veterans and used by some of the company callsigns.
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Distinguished Unit Awards: The regiment earned several awards for valor, including Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards for its actions during the Vietnam War.
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Modernization: Over the decades, the 25th Aviation Regiment has operated various aircraft, from the UH-1 "Huey" and AH-1 "Cobra" to modern UH-60 Black Hawks, CH-47 Chinooks, and AH-64 Apaches.
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Disaster Response: The regiment has played crucial roles in humanitarian missions, such as providing aid after hurricanes in Hawaii and responding to volcanic eruptions, showcasing its versatility beyond combat.
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Global Deployments: Elements of the 25th Aviation Regiment have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, earning commendations for their service.
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Night Stalkers Connection: Some personnel and tactics from the 25th Aviation during the Vietnam era contributed to the development of special operations aviation techniques later used by the famed 160th SOAR ("Night Stalkers").
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"Tropic Lightning": As part of the 25th Infantry Division ("Tropic Lightning"), the aviation regiment shares a proud lineage with one of the Army's most deployed and recognized divisions.
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Unit Insignia: The 25th Aviation Regiment's distinctive unit insignia features a winged sword and the "Tropic Lightning" bolt, symbolizing speed, power, and the unit’s aviation heritage.
