Previously Based In South Korea, Unit Joins NW Mission
Pyongtaek, South Korea
Once destined to serve exclusively in South Korea, the 160th Special Operations Helicopter Unit, Company E has been quietly eliminated. The unit was de- activated, and is being absorbed into a new formed Special Aviation Airborne Regiment. The new unit, based at Fort Lewis, Washington State, will be formally activated Weds December 6th.
Having served for many years as an elite U.S. Army Special Ops unit, the 160th leaves behind a proud tradition and heritage, which it will bring to its new role as part of the Fort Lewis Special Operations Unit.
This new group, called the 4th Battalion, 160th SOAR will be tasked with various special ops tasks in the Pacific and Pacific Rim region. This includes Japan, parts of Asia and South Korea.
The old 160th, Company E used to specialize in missions featuring commando style attack postures. It had previously been located in Daegu inside the U.S. Compound located at K-2 Air Base. This base is also known by another name – Daegu Air Base. The Air base is a base of the South Korean Military Air Force, and it shares airspace with the Daegu International Commercial Airport.
4th Battalion 160th SOAR is assigned six new Chinook assault helicopters. These choppers, MH-47E, are a variation of the standard Chinook modified for Special Operations use. Part of the new redeployment mission will be to transport Special Operations and other U.S. Forces long distances and taking them in and out of combat areas, especially in the dark and at night.
