December 3, 2007: After six years, SOCOM has disbanded a special helicopter unit (Company E of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment) and sent its troops, and six MH-47E helicopters, back to Washington State (from South Korea) to become part of a new unit (4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment). Company E was unique because it was organized and trained for one primary mission; getting commandoes into North Korea. The new unit will still be responsible for that task, but will also support special operations throughout the Pacific.

Apparently it was believed that the threat from North Korea had declined to the point where the expense of maintaining the specialized Company E in South Korea was no longer worth the expense, effort and resources.