The Army's elite helicopter unit based in Savannah is promoting a longtime member to take over as its new commander.

Lt. Col. Chris Black was scheduled Friday to assume command of the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The unit based at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah consists of specially trained helicopter crews that fly in extremely dangerous conditions, often at night and at low altitudes with pilots using night vision goggles.

The Army says Black is a long-time member of the unit, also known as the Night Stalkers.

A ceremony in Savannah is scheduled for Black to assume his new role as the unit's top officer from the battalion's outgoing commander, Lt. Col. William T. Golden.

Tags: commander, military, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia military, 160th special operations aviation regiment