The Army owes its modern night fighting aviation capabilities to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) who pioneered night flight techniques, shared in the development of equipment, and proved that "Night Stalkers Don't Quit," a motto the Regiment lives by. The unit originally was formed of attachments from the 229th Aviation Battalion and the 159th Aviation Battalion, immediately entered into a period of intensive night flying and quickly became the Army's premier night fighting aviation force and the Army's only Special Operations Aviation force. Task Force 160 was officially recognized as a Unit on 16 October 1981 when it was designated as the 160th Aviation Battalion. Since that time, the 160th has become known as the "Night Stalkers," because of their capability to strike undetected during darkness, and their distinguished performance around the world.

The 160th received its baptism by fire during Operation URGENT FURY in Grenada. Despite flying against a heavily armed Cuban and Grenadan force, the Task Force was able to complete its mission.

Since 1983, the unit has responded to numerous missions at the request of the National Command Authority. This includes the eminently successful MOUNT HOPE III Operation in June 1988, performed in the most demanding environmental flight conditions imaginable, clearly demonstrating the ability of man and machine to strike deep, accomplish the mission and return safely. Night Stalkers participated in Operations PRIME CHANCE conducting sustained operations and ably supported a joint military Task Force under extraordinarily difficult and hazardous conditions. Aircrews of the 160th habitually operated 30 feet above the water, at night, using night vision goggles and forward looking infrared devices. Operation PRIME CHANCE resulted in the first successful night combat engagement which neutralized an enemy threat while using Aviator Night Vision Goggles and Forward Looking Infrared Devices.

Night Stalkers were called upon to spearhead Operation JUST CAUSE, the liberation of Panama. Soldiers of the 160th deployed from Fort Campbell during the harshest winter conditions on record into the sweltering darkness of Panama. Night Stalkers conducted successful pre H-Hour combat airborne and air assaults, striking the first blows to oust a hostile dictator and safeguard American and Panamanian lives.

The reckless and senseless destruction of Kuwait was met by the swift introduction of Special Operations Aviation into the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Both operations proved the 160th's ability to conduct complicated night and sustained combat operations as a Unit against a determined enemy. In October 1993, while supporting the requirements of the National Command Authority, Night Stalkers engaged an unconventional hostile force under the direction of gang leader, Farah Aideed. The soldiers of the 160th entered into an 18-hour firelight of an intensity that had not been encountered since Vietnam. The dedicated efforts exhibited by these soldiers to overcome adversity and rescue fellow comrades once again demonstrated that Night Stalkers don't quit. The courageous response of the Army's only special operations aviation unit has successfully deterred aggressive and provocative threats by those who seek harm upon our country, bolstered national morale and prestige, and support national foreign policy goals.

As the 160th has evolved, various unit configurations have occurred. On 16 October 1986, the tough warrior spirit of the airborne and the tenacious determination of the Night Stalkers were joined as the Task Force further evolved and became an airborne Unit. With redesignation as the 160th Aviation Group (Airborne), came the honored and rich tradition of the airborne soldier. The organization continued to grow and was of ficially activated as the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in June 1990. Responding to an increased demand for elite highly trained special operations aviation assets, the Regiment activated three battalions, a separate detachment, and incorporated one National Guard battalion.

FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT

The formation of the 160th SOAG (A) in October 1986, was an interim step in the creation of one special operations aviation unit to serve as a unifying headquarters for all Army Special Operations Aviation. Plans were underway, by 1987, to create a SOF Aviation Brigade at Hunter AAF. In addition, TRADOC was tasked to submit a layout of the design concept plan for the 160th Aviation Group.

In August 1987, the U.S. Army Aviation Center at Ft. Rucker proposed that the 160th SOAG be regimentally designated as separate companies and one Battalion of the 7th Aviation Regiment. In October and November 1987, the 160th and 1st SOCOM requested that the 160th SOAG (A) be redesignated as the 160TH Aviation Regiment, instead of the 7th Aviation Regiment. Although the 160th was a relatively new unit, it had been combat tested, had earned two unit citations, and had a special operations affiliation. Activation of the 160th Aviation Regiment under the U.S. Army Regimental System was approved.

In his 27 June 1988 outgoing report, the CG 1st SOCOM cited 160th mishaps and stated that the potential for additional mishaps was related to over commitment and inadequate force structure. In June 1988, 1st SOCOM prepared a concept brief on the formation of a Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) and briefed the Commander in Chief, United States Special Operations Command.

After receiving Army and TRADOC concurrence, the 160th SOAG(A) was redesignated as the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) with an effective date of 16 May 1990. A Regimental activation ceremony was held on 28 June 1990.