1981 — 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is officially established
The legendary aviation unit responsible for flying the most high-risk missions in American Special Operations was officially established on October 16th, 1981. We take for granted the incredibly skilled pilots within the Regiment, but before the Night Stalkers, or TF Brown as they are known within JSOC, had rightly earned their title as the world’s best aviators, the military simply did not have the capability for clandestine special operations missions.
After the disaster at Desert One in 1980, where a series of mishaps during an attempted hostage rescue operation in Iran led to the deaths of eight U.S. servicemen, the military was tasked to come up with another hostage rescue attempt. Recognizing a need for a specialized unit of experienced aviators that could fly almost exclusively at night, the Army began piecing together a unit at Fort Campbell consisting of men from a number of aviation battalions, with most coming from the 158th Aviation Battalion. This unit, training in secret, was known as Task Force 158.
When the second rescue attempt in Iran was called off after the hostages were released, the Army decided to retain this new unit of highly specialized pilots. On October 16th, 1981, what was then called the 160th Aviation Battalion was founded. After participating in operations in Grenada, Panama, Iraq, Somalia, and elsewhere around the world, the Regiment has been running continuously in all theaters of the Global War on Terrorism since 2001. Apart from the grueling task of dismantling Al Qaeda in Iraq as part of JSOC for years, the 160th has cemented itself in American popular culture due to its prominent roles in the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993, and Operation Neptune Spear, the mission to kill Osama bin Laden in 2011.
Image courtesy of the Department of Defense
On this day in SOF history: October 16th
1981 — 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is officially established
The legendary aviation unit responsible for flying the most high-risk missions in American Special Operations was officially established on October 16th, 1981. We take for granted the incredibly skilled pilots within the Regiment, but before the Night Stalkers, or TF Brown as they are known within JSOC, had rightly earned their title as the world’s best aviators, the military simply did not have the capability for clandestine special operations missions.
After the disaster at Desert One in 1980, where a series of mishaps during an attempted hostage rescue operation in Iran led to the deaths of eight U.S. servicemen, the military was tasked to come up with another hostage rescue attempt. Recognizing a need for a specialized unit of experienced aviators that could fly almost exclusively at night, the Army began piecing together a unit at Fort Campbell consisting of men from a number of aviation battalions, with most coming from the 158th Aviation Battalion. This unit, training in secret, was known as Task Force 158.
When the second rescue attempt in Iran was called off after the hostages were released, the Army decided to retain this new unit of highly specialized pilots. On October 16th, 1981, what was then called the 160th Aviation Battalion was founded. After participating in operations in Grenada, Panama, Iraq, Somalia, and elsewhere around the world, the Regiment has been running continuously in all theaters of the Global War on Terrorism since 2001. Apart from the grueling task of dismantling Al Qaeda in Iraq as part of JSOC for years, the 160th has cemented itself in American popular culture due to its prominent roles in the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993, and Operation Neptune Spear, the mission to kill Osama bin Laden in 2011.
Image courtesy of the Department of Defense
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.