The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the “Night Stalkers,” is the Army’s premier special operations aviation unit. Masters of flying low, fast, and under cover of darkness, the 160th has supported missions from Grenada and Panama to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia during Operation Gothic Serpent—the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu made famous in Black Hawk Down. Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 160th SOAR (A).
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) was formed in 1981 in the aftermath of the failed 1980 hostage rescue attempt in Iran (Operation Eagle Claw). The Army recognized the need for a specialized aviation unit capable of precision, long-range, low-level flying in support of special operations forces. From its inception, the 160th was trained and equipped to fly where others could not—earning the nickname “Night Stalkers.”
Early Operations
In its first decade, the Night Stalkers supported critical missions, including:
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Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983) – inserting Rangers and SOF into combat zones.
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Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989) – conducting nighttime air assaults to seize key objectives.
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Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1991) – long-range helicopter raids in Iraq and Kuwait.
Operation Gothic Serpent – Somalia, 1993
The 160th’s most famous action came during Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu, Somalia. On 3–4 October 1993, Night Stalker MH-60 Black Hawks and MH-6 Little Birds supported Delta Force and Rangers in a mission to capture key lieutenants of Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.
When two Black Hawks were shot down, the 160th’s crews continued to fly into intense enemy fire to insert reinforcements, resupply ground troops, and evacuate the wounded. Their bravery under fire became legendary—though at great cost, with several aircrew lost. These events were later chronicled in the book and film Black Hawk Down, cementing the regiment’s place in modern military history.
Global War on Terror and Beyond
After 9/11, the 160th deployed immediately to Afghanistan, conducting some of the earliest missions of the war. They supported Special Forces and Rangers in mountain assaults, precision raids, and resupply missions under extreme conditions. In Iraq, Night Stalkers enabled long-range raids, counterterrorism operations, and close support for special operations units.
Identity and Legacy
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Nickname: The Night Stalkers.
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Motto: “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.”
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Aircraft: MH-60 Black Hawk, MH-47 Chinook, and MH-6 Little Bird—each heavily modified for special operations.
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Insignia: Winged sword with lightning bolts, symbolizing speed, precision, and power.
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Reputation: Unmatched mastery of night flight, extreme low-level operations, and support for the most sensitive missions.
Enduring Role
From Grenada to Mogadishu, and from Iraq to Afghanistan, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) has remained the Army’s elite aviation force—always ready to fly into the toughest conditions to support America’s special operations warriors. Their courage in Operation Gothic Serpent continues to define their ethos: “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.”
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne).