The 271st Aviation Company was activated on 25 April 1967 at Fort Benning, Georgia as a result of the Vietnam build-up. It was the first assault support helicopter company to be equipped with the B model CH-47 "Chinook" aircraft. For the next nine months, the 271st prepared itself for its certain deployment to combat. Individual, section, platoon and unit training was furthered by the unit's participation in various field exercises at Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, and Fort Campbell.
On 31 January 1968, the 271st deployed by sea to the Republic of Vietnam. The company arrived at Vung Tau on 27 February 1968. As with all aviation units in Vietnam, the 271st needed a non-tactical callsign. Because the majority of the unit's efforts involved the resupply of combat forces, the callsign of "Innkeeper" was chosen. The mission of the Innkeepers was to provide tactical and logistical airlift for the movement of troops, equipment and supplies within the IV Military Region, better known as the Delta.

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