501 Aviation Regiment 2 (U.S. Army) Black Coffee Mug

The 501st Aviation Regiment, also known as the "Wild West Helicopters," is a unit within the United States Army Aviation Branch. This regiment belongs to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), which reports directly to the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). Established in 1983, the 501st Aviation Regiment operates a variety of helicopters including the UH-60 Black Hawk, MH-47 Chinook, and MH-6 Little Bird. The unit's primary role is to provide responsive aviation support to special operations forces in both conventional and unconventional warfare environments. The 501st Aviation Regiment is known for its unique history and specialized mission sets. Over the years, it has played a significant role in numerous military operations, including Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983), Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989), Operation Desert Storm (Kuwait/Iraq, 1990-1991), and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The 501st Aviation Regiment's operational area of focus is global, with the unit often conducting missions in remote and challenging environments. Its personnel undergo rigorous training to ensure they are capable of operating in these demanding conditions. Their expertise lies not only in flying but also in navigating, maintaining equipment, and providing tactical support to special operations forces on the ground.