Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115 (VAW-115)

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115 (VAW-115)
Unit name	Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115 (VAW-115)
Caption	VAW-115 E-2C Hawkeye over USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
Dates	1967–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Type	Carrier airborne early warning
Garrison	Naval Air Facility Atsugi
Nickname	Liberty Bells
Motto	"Vigilance Wide Awake"

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115 (VAW-115) is a United States Navy carrier airborne early warning squadron established in 1967 and based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi and carrier air wings assigned to United States Pacific Fleet. The squadron operates airborne early warning and command-and-control aircraft to support carrier strike groups, maritime patrols, and joint operations with allied navies such as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Royal Australian Navy. VAW-115 has participated in Cold War, post-Cold War, and contemporary operations across the Pacific Ocean, contributing to multinational exercises like RIMPAC and contingencies including Operation Enduring Freedom.

History

VAW-115 was established during the Vietnam-era expansion of naval aviation and initially supported deployments from Naval Air Station North Island aboard carriers such as USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), participating in operations around the Gulf of Tonkin and the Vietnam War. During the 1970s and 1980s the squadron shifted home stations and equipment while taking part in Cold War patrols tracking Soviet naval task forces including elements of the Soviet Pacific Fleet and shadowing Kirov-class battlecruiser movements. In the 1990s VAW-115 supported Operation Desert Storm and post-Cold War carrier presence missions in the Western Pacific, later relocating to Naval Air Facility Atsugi to strengthen forward basing with the United States Seventh Fleet. During the 2000s and 2010s the squadron flew sorties for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian responses to events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. In recent years VAW-115 transitioned aircraft and systems to integrate with modernized carrier air wings and participated in exercises with the United States Marine Corps, Royal Canadian Navy, and Republic of Korea Navy.

Mission and Role

VAW-115 provides airborne early warning, radar surveillance, and battle management for carrier strike groups centered on carriers like USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), facilitating airspace control over contested regions such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea. The squadron executes maritime domain awareness, electronic warfare support, and tactical coordination with platforms including Boeing P-8 Poseidon, Lockheed P-3 Orion, and fighter squadrons such as Strike Fighter Squadron 27 (VFA-27). Its role encompasses command-and-control for air intercepts by aircraft like the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and integration with aerial refueling assets such as USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO-187). VAW-115 supports joint task forces under commands including United States Indo-Pacific Command and coordinates with allied commands like United States Forces Japan.

Aircraft and Equipment

VAW-115 historically flew variants of the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye family, including the E-2B, E-2C, and later the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, integrating radar suites such as the APS-145 and the AN/APY-9. The squadron's aircraft carry identification friend or foe transponders interoperable with systems used by Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye operators and data-links compatible with Link 16 networks used by NATO partners and Pacific allies. Onboard avionics link to shipboard combat systems like Aegis Combat System and tactical data systems aboard Ticonderoga-class cruiser escorts. Ground support and maintenance rely on equipment and logistics chains tied to Naval Air Systems Command and Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific.

Deployments and Operations

VAW-115 has deployed regularly on aircraft carriers operating in the Indo-Pacific theater, embarking aboard carriers such as USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), USS George Washington (CVN-73), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). The squadron supported enforcement of no-fly zones during Operation Southern Watch and contributed to strike-group operations during Operation Desert Fox and later multinational exercises like Malabar and Keystone Jaguar. VAW-115 conducted surveillance and coordination patrols during heightened tensions involving People's Liberation Army Navy movements and provided command-and-control during humanitarian assistance/disaster relief missions after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Throughout its deployments the squadron integrated with carrier strike groups centered on Seventh Fleet missions and participated in cooperative exercises with the Japan Self-Defense Forces and partners in Southeast Asia.

Command Structure and Organization

VAW-115 is assigned administratively to Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific and operationally to carrier air wings embarked on carriers of United States Pacific Fleet. The squadron's chain of command aligns with air wing leadership, carrier strike group commanders, and fleet command under United States Seventh Fleet when forward deployed. Organizationally, VAW-115 comprises flight crews, airborne electronics technicians, maintenance departments, and a command element reporting to the squadron commanding officer, who typically holds the rank of Commander. Support relationships include Fleet Logistics Center detachments and coordination with Carrier Air Wing Five when embarked on forward-deployed carriers.

Insignia and Traditions

The squadron is nicknamed the "Liberty Bells" and uses a distinctive insignia featuring a bell motif and stylized radar sweep, reflecting traditions of alertness and carrier service emblematic of naval aviation heritage noted in squadrons like VAW-116 and VAW-113. Ceremonial practices include change-of-command traditions, flight-deck color calls aligned with carrier protocols from Naval Aviation Schools Command, and participation in commemorations tied to events such as Battle of Midway anniversaries and Navy Day observances. Unit patches, squadron coinage, and maintenance “roll call” ceremonies sustain esprit de corps in line with norms across United States Navy aviation units.

Notable Personnel and Awards

Personnel from VAW-115 have earned individual decorations including Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and unit citations such as the Navy Unit Commendation during combat and contingency deployments. Distinguished aviators and enlisted leaders from the squadron have advanced to senior roles within Naval Aviation and joint staffs, contributing to programs at Naval Air Systems Command and participating in multinational liaison billets with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. VAW-115's accolades reflect sustained operational tempo in theaters involving entities like the People's Republic of China naval forces and multinational coalitions assembled under Combined Task Force arrangements.

Category:United States Navy aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1967