Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124 (VAW-124) was commissioned on 1 September 1967 and nicknamed the "Bullseye Hummers". In 1968, the squadron was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) and deployed aboard USSIndependence.[2]
1970s
E-2B Hawkeye of VAW-124 landing on USSAmerica in 1971
In April 1970, VAW-124 deployed with CVW-9 aboard USSAmerica to Southeast Asia. In June 1972, VAW-124 embarked again aboard USS America for an extended Western Pacific deployment. Seven line periods and 147 combat days later, VAW-124 was present in the Gulf of Tonkin when the Paris Peace Accords were signed on 28 January 1973.
VAW-124 deployed with CVW-6 aboard USS America in the summer of 1976 and again in October 1977. The squadron was awarded the COMNAVAIRLANTBattle Efficiency Award and the Command Retention Silver Anchor Award in recognition of accomplishments during the year.[1]
1980s
In December 1980, the squadron received immediate deployment orders to NAS Keflavik, Iceland. As a result of numerous VAW-124 directed intercepts of SovietTU-95 "Bear"reconnaissance aircraft, the squadron acquired the new nickname "Bear Aces."[1]
On 19 August 1981, during the Gulf of Sidra incident, F-14 Tomcats under the control of a VAW-124 intercepted and shot down two Libyan SU-22 "Fitter" fighter aircraft. In June 1985, VAW-124 provided tracking of hijacked TWA Flight 847 as it crisscrossed the Mediterranean. The squadron was awarded their second COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency Award at the conclusion of 1987 and completed over sixteen years and 32,000 hours of mishap-free flying.[2]
1990s
On 21 January 1991, CVW-8 launched its first major strike of Operation Desert Storm with the squadron providing AEW, command and control, and search and rescue coordination. When the cease-fire went into effect on 28 February, the squadron had flown a total of 331 combat sorties and over 1150 combat hours in support of 1220 strikes against 531 targets in the Kuwait Theater of Operations, the most combat hours and combat sorties of any E-2C squadron, over 750 of the combat hours were flown in a single thirty-day period. After transiting the Suez Canal on 20 April, USSTheodore Roosevelt assumed station northeast of Cyprus between Turkey and Syria to lead a multi-national Operation Provide Comfort. On 26 June 1991, the squadron returned to its home port.[1] In August, VAW-124 was awarded the 1991 AEW Excellence Award by VADM Anthony Less, Commander, U.S. Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet. This award is given annually to the finest E-2C squadron in the Navy.[1]
From The Daily Press on March 27, 1993:
NORFOLK — Five Navy airmen died early Friday when their E-2C Hawkeye surveillance plane crashed into the sea while returning to the carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Ionian Sea.
They were members of the Norfolk-based Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124.
The victims are Lt. Cmdr. Jon A. Rystrom, 38, of Stromburg, Neb.; Lt. William R. Dyer, 26, of Cookeville, Tenn.; Lt. Robert A. Forwalder, 25, of Uniontown, Ohio; Lt. Patrick J. Ardaiz, 28, of Baltimore; and Lt. John A. Messier, 30, of Bellevue, Wash.
President Clinton said, "They made America proud, and I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the relatives and the shipmates of those five servicemen," the Washington Post reported.
The plane went down shortly before 1 a.m. one mile from the Norfolk-based carrier, which had just arrived in the Ionian Sea on a six-month European deployment. The E-2C was one of two that had flown their first mission off the Yugoslav coast, covering U.S. cargo planes dropping food to besieged Muslims in Bosnia.
The plane's first approach to the carrier deck for landing was aborted, said Cmdr. Steve Honda of the Atlantic Fleet's Naval Air Force, "They had a 'foul deck waveoff,' which means the flight deck was not ready to receive them," said Honda. "That is not unusual."
Approximately one mile past the front end of the carrier, the plane crashed into the water, Honda said. He said the planes had been in international airspace and said that the incident "is not related to any hostile fire from the former Yugoslavia."
In April 1999, VAW-124 departed Norfolk on a combat deployment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt. The squadron flew combat missions during Operation Allied Force against targets in Kosovo. Transiting to the Persian Gulf, the squadron completed the deployment enforcing the no-fly zone over Iraq in Operation Southern Watch.[2]
Give these men the respect they deserve! My dad was MMCPO on that det, during this mishap. Remember, When VAW mission readiness was in the crapper and, The man with an impeccable record of upholding Navy standards with utmost dignity, perseverance and, leadership, turned it around. I know you guys werent happy with the 7-12 work week but, how about those 4 day weekends after y'all busted your ass's, and had airplanes on the ramp, not the hanger. If you were there, You know who Im taking about.. He still lives in Newport News, Va...... Look him up! He is on face book, from the most junior sailors he helped to the most senior officers he made into Admirals.. Make the old mans day! Thank you all on that det for being there for each other and, the families of your shipmates and, carrying on the mission. Edited by family of Senior Enlisted who was involved.. Bz friends, new and old
2000s
VAW-124 E-2C flies over the Gulf of Oman, 2009.
VAW-124 left home again in April 2001 aboard USSEnterprise. After several months of operations in the North Sea and Mediterranean, the squadron flew missions in support of Operation Southern Watch over Iraq. In September, with their mission complete, USS Enterprise headed south towards Cape Town, a rare African port call.[2] However, due to the September 11 attacks, USS Enterprise would not make it to Cape Town and instead took station in the Northern Arabian Sea as VAW-124 and CVW-8 prepared for what would become Operation Enduring Freedom.[2]
During the normal workup cycle in early January 2003, while preparing for a June 2003 deployment, the squadron deployed to the Mediterranean on board USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of the escalating situation that would eventually develop into the Iraq War.[2]
VAW-124 departed Norfolk in September 2005 to support Operation Sea Dragon Three in the Persian Gulf. During their six and a half month deployment, VAW-124 provided Airborne Early Warning and Command and Control for CVW-8 and USS Theodore Roosevelt.[2]
In September 2008 VAW-124 deployed on board USS Theodore Roosevelt. During this deployment, the squadron provided support for CVW-8 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the course of 7 months, the squadron provided Coalition forces with transit control for the Afghanistan Joint Operation Area as well as providing airborne command and control to conduct missions for Coalition forces on the ground. The squadron's intercept controllers also participated in Exercise Neon Falcon, a joint military training exercise between the U.S. Navy and Royal Bahraini Air Force and in Exercise Eastern Angler, a joint military training exercise between the U.S. Navy and Qatar Air Force. The squadron conducted over 400 sorties flying over 2000 flight hours and over 800 traps on board USS Theodore Roosevelt. The squadron also awarded the CNO Safety "S" on 13 April 2009.[2]
2010s
In 2011 the squadron deployed on board USSGeorge H.W. Bush for her maiden deployment. During the deployment, Carrier Strike Group Two provided support of Exercise Saxon Warrior, Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. In addition to combat operations, the squadron supported Exercise Nautical Artist by sending a detachment of their aircrew to Saudi Arabia. The squadron also facilitated the drawdown of coalition forces in Iraq. During this deployment, the squadron completed 552 sorties and 2,643 mishap-free flight hours. In recognition of their performance, they received the 2011 Battle "E", 2011 COMACLOGWING East Coast Top Hook Award and the 2011 Blue "M".[2]
On 15 February 2014, the squadron again deployed on board USS George H.W. Bush. During the deployment, the squadron supported Operation Enduring Freedom until the sudden collapse of the Government of Iraq resulted in USS George H.W. Bush being redeployed within 30 hours to Iraq. VAW-124 provided Tactical Command and Control during the initial response of Operation Inherent Resolve and took part in the initial strikes against ISIS. The squadron returned to Norfolk on 15 November 2014. In 2015, the squadron was awarded the 2014 CNAL Battle "E," 2014 Safety "S," and 2014 Akers Award for AEW Excellence.[2]
The last Group II variant of the E-2C in the US Navy was retired on 19 November 2019 at a ceremony onboard Navy Station Norfolk.[3] The squadron then flew the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 until 1 June 2021. The squadron transitioned to the E-2D Hawkeye in 2021. At the same time CVW-8 was reassigned to USSGerald R. Ford.
Since 1967, all VAW-squadrons were designated "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron". Sometime in 2021, the designation changed to "Airborne Command & Control Squadron".
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.
Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 137 (VAQ-137) also known as the "Rooks", is a United States Navy electromagnetic attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Washington, flying the Boeing EA-18G Growler. The squadron is attached to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11), which is currently assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Their radio callsign is "Rook" and their tailcode is "NH" of CVW-11.
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 Squadron 121 (VAW-121), also known as the "Bluetails", is an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and Command and control (C2) squadron of the United States Navy, operating the E-2D Hawkeye. Established in 1967, the squadron is based at NAS Norfolk. It is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing 7 and deploys aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.
Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The Air Wing is currently assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). The Tail Code of aircraft assigned to CVW-9 is NG.
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 Eleven (CVW-11) 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 Theodore Roosevelt.
Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14), was a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.
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.
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. All VAW-squadrons were originally since 1948.
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.
Carrier Strike Group Ten was involved in a number of operations between 2004–2009. Carrier Strike Group Ten was a U.S. Navy carrier strike group. In 2004–09 it was based at Naval Station Norfolk. In those five years it made two Middle East providing air and naval support for the War in Iraq and the War in Afghanistan, as well as Operation Vigilant Resolve, and Joint Task Force Exercise 05-2 . In 2004–09 the group's flagship was the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrierUSS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).
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.
Fighter Squadron 1 (VF-1) was a fighter squadron of the United States Navy. Originally established on 14 October 1972 it was disestablished on 30 September 1993. It was the fifth US Navy squadron to be designated VF-1. Known as the "Wolfpack" the squadron saw combat during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The squadron was de-activated and its personnel reassigned in 1993 when its carrier, USS Ranger, was decommissioned.
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