This month, Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) marked a major milestone—30 years of advancing night vision technology and supporting aviation professionals around the world. We celebrated with a company-wide anniversary party that brought together Idaho Governor Brad Little, customers, international representatives, employees, friends, and family for an evening of gratitude, connection, and reflection.
Honoring Three Decades of Night Vision Excellence
Founded in 1995 by Mike Atwood, ASU began with a simple but powerful mission: to make flying at night safer. Over the past three decades, that mission has taken us across the globe, into helicopters and cockpits of every kind, and into partnerships with lifesaving crews and courageous pilots. From early NVIS cockpit modifications to the recent launch of our revolutionary E3 and E3 PANO goggles, ASU has remained a trusted name in aviation night vision.
A Legacy of Leadership in Aviation Night Vision Technology — Honored by Governor Brad Little
At the anniversary party, we honored that legacy with food, music, memories, and a whole lot of camaraderie. Founder Mike Atwood and his wife Chris Atwood, ASU’s CFO, were in attendance, along with their daughter and ASU’s current COO, Hannah Gordon. It was a moment of celebration not just for our products and milestones—but for the people who made them possible.
A Legacy of Leadership in Aviation Night Vision Technology
Displays throughout the venue showcased ASU’s history, while employees wore commemorative shirts and guests took home limited-edition swag. We also paused to remember the teammates we’ve lost and the contributions they made along the way.
Celebrating the People and Partnerships Behind ASU’s Success
More innovation, more growth, and more missions accomplished safely under NVGs. We’re grateful to every customer, employee, and partner who has walked with us on this 30-year journey. Your trust, dedication, and support have shaped who we are today. As we look ahead, we’re more committed than ever to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation night vision—developing next-generation technology, expanding global partnerships, and supporting the heroes who rely on NVGs to complete critical missions safely.
Thank you for being part of the ASU family.
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Photography by Michael Najera | @najera.original
Videography by Mark VanderSys | PixelLight Creative Group
Music by Addam Chavarria | @addamchavarria
