The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) is a special operations unit of the United States Army headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The Regiment was formed to provide aviation support to other Spec Ops warriors after a highly publicized failed hostage rescue attempt. At this time it was noted that there were no U.S. helicopter units trained in the kind of stealthy, short-notice Special Operations mission needed in the rescue. The chosen pilots immediately entered intensive training in night flying. forces and Special Operations Forces. The unit is recognized as the Army’s premier night fighting aviation force, and is its only Special Operations Aviation force and were given their moniker because of their expertise at flying night operations.
The Night Stalkers’ missions have included attack, assault, and reconnaissance, and are usually conducted at night, at high speeds, low altitudes, and on short notice.
Night Stalker Creed
Service in the 160th is a calling only a few will answer for the mission is constantly demanding and hard. And when the impossible has been accomplished the only reward is another mission that no one else will try. As a member of the Night Stalkers I am a tested volunteer seeking only to safeguard the honor and prestige of my country, by serving the elite Special Operations Soldiers of the United States. I pledge to maintain my body, mind and equipment in a constant state of readiness for I am a member of the fastest deployable Task Force in the world, ready to move at a moments notice anytime, anywhere, arriving on target plus or minus 30 seconds.
I guard my unit’s mission with secrecy, for my only true ally is the night and the element of surprise. My manner is that of the Special Operations Quiet Professional, secrecy is a way of life. In battle, I eagerly meet the enemy for I volunteered to be up front where the fighting is hard. I fear no foe’s ability, nor underestimate his will to fight.
The mission and my precious cargo are my concern. I will never surrender. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Gallantly will I show the world and the elite forces I support that a Night Stalker is a specially selected and well trained soldier.
I serve with the memory and pride of those who have gone before me for they loved to fight, fought to win and would rather die than quit.
Night Stalkers Don’t Quit!