About this Unit
Bravo Company, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment (B Co, 5-159th AVN) has a distinguished history within U.S. Army aviation. Originally constituted from elements of the 159th Aviation Battalion, the company has supported a variety of missions, including air assault, medevac, and logistical operations. Over the decades, B Co has deployed in support of major conflicts such as Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, providing critical rotary-wing support to ground forces. Known for its professionalism and adaptability, the company has earned commendations for excellence in both combat and peacetime missions.
Historical Facts
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Vietnam War Origins: The 159th Aviation Battalion traces its lineage to service in the Vietnam War, where it played a vital role in air mobility operations, particularly in troop transport and logistical support.
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B Company Nickname: B Company, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment has often been referred to as "Big Windy" due to its operations involving heavy-lift helicopters that generate significant downwash.
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CH-47 Chinook Operators: The unit has a long-standing history of operating the CH-47 Chinook, one of the U.S. Army's most iconic heavy-lift helicopters.
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Desert Storm Service: B Co, 5-159th AVN RGT was actively involved in Operation Desert Storm, providing essential logistical and troop movement support in the harsh Middle Eastern environment.
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Humanitarian Missions: The company has participated in numerous humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations following hurricanes and floods in the United States and abroad.
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Medal of Honor Connection: Personnel from the 159th Aviation Battalion have been recipients of distinguished awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, for acts of heroism and extraordinary achievement.
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Operation Enduring Freedom: B Company deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where its helicopters transported troops, equipment, and supplies over challenging terrain.
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Night Operations Pioneers: The unit was among the first to implement advanced night-vision capabilities, enabling safer and more effective missions in low-visibility conditions.
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Air Assault Support: B Co, 5-159th AVN RGT has supported air assault operations, inserting and extracting troops from hostile zones with precision and speed, often under enemy fire.
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Global Reach: The company’s deployments have spanned the globe, including Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific, showcasing its adaptability and importance to U.S. Army aviation operations.
