Along with VAW-122, VAW-123 and VAW-120, VAW-121 was created out of the "super squadron" VAW-12 on 1 April 1967.[1] Until then, VAW-12 had deployed 4-plane detachments to accompany carrier air wings.[2]
In 1978 VAW-121 made its first deployment as part of Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) on the newly commissioned USSDwight D. Eisenhower.[2] During this deployment, VAW-121 changed its squadron call sign from “Griffin” to “Bluetail” and adopted its current tail design.[1]
1980s
In 1980 VAW-121 deployed for 347 days at sea with Dwight D. Eisenhower/CVW-7 setting a modern-day record that would not be broken until the deployment of USSTheodore Roosevelt during Operation Enduring Freedom.[2]
In 1981 the squadron deployed for three months to NAS Keflavik, Iceland, in support of the Icelandic Defense Force. Upon their return, VAW-121 deployed to the North Atlantic for a large NATO exercise in which VAW-121 kept squadron aircraft continuously airborne for 23 days.[3]
The squadron returned to the Mediterranean Sea in January 1982 and was awarded its third consecutive Battle "E" and AEW Excellence Awards, both firsts for a VAW squadron. During this deployment, the squadron was involved in overseeing the evacuation of Americans from Beirut. Returning from the three-month winter deployment to Iceland, the squadron found themselves again in the North Atlantic conducting three CVBG operations with USSForrestal and HMSHermes, the later deploying with the new Sea Harrier.[3]
The 1983 Mediterranean deployment included contingency operations near Libya and periods of 95 and 92 consecutive days at sea in support of multi-national peacekeeping forces in the Eastern Mediterranean.[3]
1990s
VAW-121 E-2C in April 1987
March 1990 saw VAW-121 embark on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for another Mediterranean deployment. This deployment was highlighted by 15 days of around the clock operations in the Red Sea in support of the initial phase of Operation Desert Shield when external AEW support was non-existent. Once again, in March 1991, VAW-121 was awarded both the Battle "E" and AEW Excellence Awards for 1990.[3]
In September 1991, the squadron sailed east once again on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower becoming the first battle group to return to Operation Desert Storm. Although hostilities had ended, the squadron provided coordination and control for several joint multi-national exercises. The cruise culminated in a two-week NATO exercise, Teamwork '92, in the fjords of Norway.[3]
In September 1992, VAW-121 were reassigned to the navy's newest aircraft carrier, USSGeorge Washington, and participated in its initial two-month "shakedown".[3]
February 1993 found VAW-121 deployed to Howard Air Force Base, Panama. For two months, the squadron, as part of Joint Task Force 4, provided airborne surveillance to help stem the flow of drugs in the Central American region, fusing the efforts of the U.S. Air Force, DEA, and Coast Guard units in the interdiction of numerous narcotics flights.[3]
On 20 May 1994, after an extensive work-up period, the squadron, embarked aboard USS George Washington for her maiden deployment. Highlights of the voyage included the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of D-Day off Normandy as well as critical participation in Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia-Herzegovina and Southern Watch over Iraq.[3]
VAW-121 departed on deployment bound for the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian sea in January 1996. The squadron supported Operation Decisive Endeavor over Bosnia-Herzegovina and Southern Watch over Iraq. The squadron returned home in July 1996 and immediately began their transition to the new E-2C Group II aircraft. In December 1996, the squadron passed the 30 year-59,000 hours mishap free hour mark, the best safety record in carrier aviation.[3]
In February 1998 the squadron deployed on board USSJohn C. Stennis. During the ship's around the world deployment, the squadron coordinated multi-service operations with the United States Air Force, United States Army, and United States Marine Corps in support of Joint Task Force-Southwest Asia Operation Southern Watch. In addition, the squadron controlled many multi-national exercises involving air and naval forces of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, France, United Kingdom and Australia. The squadron went on to win three consecutive TOP HOOK awards and became the first E-2C squadron to win the CVW-7 TOP HOOK award for deployment. From October through December 1998 the squadron operated from NS Roosevelt Roads in support of Counter Narcotics operations. The squadron earned the "Triple Crown" of AEW Awards- the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle "E", the CNO Safety "S" and the Fred Akers AEW Excellence Award.[3]
The squadron and CVW-7 returned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for their latest set of workups and deployment. In December 1999, the squadron passed the 33 year-64,000 hours mishap-free mark, the best safety record in carrier aviation. VAW-121 supported peacekeeping missions over Kosovo and Albania while operating in the Adriatic Sea. USS Eisenhower proceeded to the Persian Gulf to support Operation Southern Watch, while the squadron flew multiple missions over Kuwait in support of strikes on Iraq, providing command and control for the first strikes in the Eisenhower's 22-year history to actually drop bombs on foreign soil.[3]
2000s
In 2005, VAW-121 proved support or recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina.[1] While deployed aboard USS George Washington in May 2006, the squadron along with rest of battle group conducted training with the Colombian Navy. The exercise was part of "Partnership of the Americas."[4] Between 2006-2009, participated in several multi-national deployments and exercises.[1][clarification needed]
On returning from a mission on 31 March 2010, an E-2C Hawkeye suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The condition of the starboard engine made the aircraft almost impossible to control. The pilot, LT Steven Zilberman, made sure the aircraft stayed level so the other three crew members could bail out safely. Seconds later, the Hawkeye crashed into the sea. After three days of a massive search, he was declared lost at sea. For his courage, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.[5][6][7]
The squadron began using its first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft in 2014, ending 37-years operating the E-2C Hawkeye, being the second fleet squadron to receive the Advanced Hawkeye.[1][8]
In 2017, they deployed onboard USS Nimitz in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, performing combat Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) operations, being the first E-2 squadron to conduct combat DCA since 1991.Between 2019-2020, VAW-121 complete a near ten-month deployment around the world.[1]
The Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft. This twin-turboprop aircraft was designed and developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Grumman Aircraft Company for the United States Navy as a replacement for the earlier, piston-engined E-1 Tracer, which was rapidly becoming obsolete. The aircraft's performance has been upgraded with the E-2B and E-2C versions, where most of the changes were made to the radar and radio communications due to advances in electronic integrated circuits and other electronics. The fourth major version of the Hawkeye is the E-2D, which first flew in 2007. The E-2 was the first aircraft designed specifically for AEW, as opposed to a modification of an existing airframe, such as the Boeing E-3 Sentry. Variants of the Hawkeye have been in continuous production since 1960, giving it the longest production run of any carrier-based aircraft.
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 122 (VAW-122) was an aviation unit of the United States Navy in service from 1 September 1967 to 31 March 1996. Originally nicknamed the "Hummer Gators" and later as "Steeljaws" was a U.S. Atlantic Coast Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron stationed at NAS Norfolk. During its 30 years of existence, the squadron was deployed around the world and saw action from Vietnam to Desert Storm, conducting operations from the Arctic to the tropics.
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron127 (VAW-127), nicknamed the "Seabats", was an aviation unit of the United States Navy in service from 1983 to 1991. The squadron was equipped with the Grumman E-2C Hawkeye and was assigned only to Carrier Air Wing 13 (CVW-13) on the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43).
Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143), also known as the "Pukin Dogs," is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The Pukin Dogs are an operational fleet squadron and flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet. They are currently attached to Carrier Air Wing One and USS Harry S Truman. They are currently at their homeport of NAS Oceana. Their radio callsign is Taproom.
Strike Fighter Squadron 83 (VFA-83), also known as the "Rampagers", are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 7, their tailcode is AG and their radio callsign is Ram.
Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3), known as the "Battle Axe", is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The wing was created on 1 July 1938 and has seen service in World War II, the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, against Libya, and the Global War on Terror.
Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. At the moment, CVW-7 is assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush. The tail code of aircraft assigned to CVW-7 is AG.
Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)
Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17), is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.
Airborne Command and Control Squadron 123 (VAW-123) is based at Naval Station Norfolk, flying the E-2C Hawkeye. They are attached to Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) while deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The squadron nickname is the Screwtops.
Airborne Command & Control Squadron 116 (VAW-116) is a US Navy Command and Control Squadron that deploys aboard USS Nimitz as part of Carrier Air Wing Seventeen, flying the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft. VAW-116 is stationed at Naval Base Ventura County under the cognizance of Commander, Airborne Command Control and Logistics Wing (COMACCLOGWING). The current commanding officer is Commander Phillip J. Sheridan.
Airborne Command & Control Squadron 117 (VAW-117) is an airborne early warning (AEW) and command and control (C2) squadron. Nicknamed "The Wallbangers,” it flies the E-2D Hawkeye, the only carrier-capable command and control aircraft. The squadron is based in NAS Point Mugu and deploys as part of Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) on board USS Abraham Lincoln.
Airborne Command & Control Squadron 113 (VAW-113), known as "Black Eagles", was established on 20 April 1967 flying the E-2A Hawkeye.
Airborne Command & Control Squadron 125 (VAW-125), known as the "Torch Bearers" or "Tigertails", was established on 1 October 1968, at Naval Air Station Norfolk. The squadron's initial supporting command was Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) deploying aboard USS Saratoga.
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FIVE (HSC-5), also known as the Nightdippers, is a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Station Norfolk operating the Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk. The Nightdippers are a part of Carrier Air Wing Seven and deploy aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) to provide anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, vertical replenishment, Combat Search and Rescue and Naval Special Warfare Support capabilities to the carrier strike group.
Airborne Command and Control Squadron 115 (VAW-115), also known as the "Liberty Bells", is a United States Navy airborne early warning and control squadron that flies the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126), nicknamed the "Seahawks", is a carrier airborne early warning squadron of the United States Navy. The squadron is based at NS Norfolk, equipped with five E-2D Hawkeye aircraft.
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112 (VAW-112) is an inactive United States Navy squadron. It was nicknamed the "Golden Hawks". VAW-112 flew the E-2C Hawkeye out of NAS Point Mugu and last deployed in 2013 as part of Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) on board USS John C. Stennis.
Airborne Command & Control Squadron 124 (VAW-124) "Bear Aces" is a United States Navy airborne early warning and control squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia. It flies the Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye and is currently attached to Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8).
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 114 (VAW-114), nicknamed the "Hormel Hawgs". It was established on 20 April 1967, based out of NAS North Island, at which time it was already flying missions over the Tonkin Gulf in Vietnam. The squadron was disestablished on 31 March 1995 while attached to NAS Miramar.
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