Chinooks in the Dark: MH-47s, And The 160TH SOAR Night Stalkers

Chinook helicopters of the U.S. Army's Special Operations Command have a reputation for power, speed, and reliability. The Night Stalkers of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) fly them in fair and foul weather and almost exclusively in the dark. Conventional CH-47s are used worldwide to lift heavy equipment, transport cargo, and carry passengers during administrative and tactical missions. Special Operations variants such as the MH-47E and G take on the role of Heavy Assault and clandestine deep penetration missions. The blend of well-trained volunteers and high-tech hardware led to the completion of secret missions, many of which have not been made public until now. Mack reveals what it takes to become one of the most elite aviators in the world. Find out how pilots, crews, and support teams operate Chinooks in the dark using Night Vision Goggles (NVG). Retired Army CW5 Alan C. Mack, author of RAZOR 03, A NIGHT STALKER'S WARS, brings war stories and tales of bravery to light in CHINOOKS IN THE DARK. AUTHOR: CW5 Alan C. Mack retired from the Army as a Master Aviator. He served over 35 years in the Army, first as an aircraft mechanic then as a pilot. He flew CH-47s in support of Operations Desert Shield and Storm. Additionally, he spent 17 years flying MH-47 Chinooks with the 160th SOAR. As a Night Stalker Flight Lead, he participated in Operations Desert Thunder, Desert Fox, Enduring, and Iraqi Freedom. His awards include the Legion of Merit, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 10 Air medals 1 with 'V,' and a Combat Action Badge. Alan finished his career as Commander of the West Point Flight Detachment. Now he and his wife Patti live happily in New York's Hudson Valley. His website is www.alancmack.com 16 colour illustrations