What is one of the missions of an assault helicopter battalion?

One of the primary missions of an assault helicopter battalion is to achieve surprise against enemy forces. This capability is critical in military operations, where speed, stealth, and the element of surprise can dramatically impact the success of an engagement. Helicopters can move quickly and access terrain that might be difficult for ground troops, enabling them to strike unexpectedly and disrupt enemy operations before they can effectively respond. The ability to achieve surprise allows the battalion to seize the initiative and gain a tactical advantage on the battlefield.

In the context of the other options, conducting maritime operations is typically associated with naval forces, while providing logistics support is a function more aligned with support battalions rather than assault helicopers, which focus on direct combat roles. Controlling air traffic in combat zones is primarily the responsibility of air traffic control units, rather than an assault helicopter battalion, whose focus is on direct engagement rather than airspace management.