VAW-117

VAW-117
United States Navy, vectorized by Nicholas Johnson · Public domain · source
Unit name	Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117
Dates	21 April 1967 – present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Type	Carrier Airborne Early Warning
Role	Airborne radar surveillance, command and control
Garrison	Naval Air Station Norfolk, Naval Air Station North Island
Nickname	"Warhawks"
Motto	"Guardians of the Fleet"
Aircraft	E-2 Hawkeye series, E-2C, E-2D

VAW-117

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 is a United States Navy airborne early warning squadron established in 1967 that provides carrier-based radar surveillance, airborne command and control, and communications relay for carrier strike groups. The squadron, nicknamed "Warhawks", has operated variants of the Grumman/Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye and deployed aboard multiple aircraft carriers assigned to Carrier Air Wings participating in Cold War, post-Cold War, and 21st-century operations. VAW-117 has supported operations involving multinational coalitions, crisis response, and maritime security missions across the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Persian Gulf.

History

Established on 21 April 1967, the squadron entered service during the Vietnam War era and participated in fleet deployments associated with the Vietnam War, Cold War, and subsequent regional contingencies. During the 1970s and 1980s VAW-117 deployed on USS Nimitz (CVN-68), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and other nuclear-powered carriers, contributing to surveillance missions during post‑crisis operations and monitoring Soviet naval activity connected to the Northern Fleet and Pacific Fleet. Following the end of the Cold War, the squadron supported operations related to Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, providing airborne command and control for coalition strikes and maritime surveillance in the Persian Gulf War theater. In the 2000s VAW-117 transitioned to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, participating in expeditionary carrier strike group sorties and joint operations with United States Marine Corps aviation and United States Air Force assets. The squadron continued modernization through E-2C upgrades and eventual transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, aligning with Naval Aviation force structure and carrier air wing reorganizations.

Mission and Role

VAW-117 performs airborne early warning, tactical airborne command and control, airborne surveillance, and communications relay for carrier strike groups and joint forces. Its missions integrate with Carrier Strike Group operations, providing data links to surface combatants such as USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51)-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers, supporting anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare coordination with P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and coordination with EA-18G Growler electronic attack missions. The squadron’s role extends to supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in coordination with United States Southern Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command tasking, as well as escort and airspace coordination for strike packages during multinational exercises such as RIMPAC and Exercise Valiant Shield.

Aircraft and Equipment

Initially equipped with early E-2 variants from Grumman Aerospace Corporation, the squadron operated the E-2A/E-2B/E-2C series, incorporating AN/APS-138 and AN/APY-9 radar systems in later upgrades. VAW-117 received Block II and Group II E-2C Hawkeyes before adopting the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with a fully capable mission computer, radar, and communications suite developed by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. Onboard systems integrate with the Link 16 tactical data network and Cooperative Engagement Capability used by Navy Integrated Fire Control concepts, enabling shared battlespace awareness with Aegis Combat System ships and joint aviation platforms. The squadron trains with airborne sensors, mission planning workstations, and in-flight refueling coordination for extended sortie durations.

Squadron Insignia and Traditions

The squadron’s insignia and nickname "Warhawks" draw from a lineage of Navy squadron heraldry emphasizing vigilance and aerial dominance, reflecting traditions similar to those of VF-1 Wolfpack and other carrier aviation units. Insignia elements incorporate hawk imagery, a shield motif, and squadron colors used in flight deck markings and morale patches shared among aircrew, maintenance, and support personnel. Annual squadron milestones observe the establishment date with ceremonies paralleling traditions of Fleet Week appearances and carrier air wing change-of-command events hosted aboard vessels such as USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).

Deployments and Operations

VAW-117 has deployed aboard multiple carriers across numbered fleets, including deployments to the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility supporting operations in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea, and to the U.S. Seventh Fleet area supporting operations in the Western Pacific and South China Sea. The squadron participated in coalition operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, provided airborne early warning during contingency responses to regional crises like the Gulf War (1990–1991), and took part in multinational exercises such as Marine Corps combined arms events and NATO interoperability exercises. Deployments often included integration with carrier air wings embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), USS George Washington (CVN-73), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).

Awards and Honors

Throughout its service VAW-117 has earned unit commendations, safety awards, and operational commendations recognizing deployed performance and maintenance excellence. Honorary recognitions reflect carrier air wing achievements such as Battle "E" (Battle Effectiveness Award) competition placements, and commendations from numbered fleet commanders for superior airborne surveillance and strike coordination during named operations. Individual squadron members have also received awards from Department of the Navy and Secretary of the Navy level for meritorious service and safety milestones.

Notable Personnel and Commanding Officers

Commanding officers and notable squadron alumni have included career aviators who progressed to leadership positions within carrier air wing commands, Naval Air Systems Command, and joint staff billets. Alumni have participated in advanced aviation development programs with Naval Air Warfare Center, contributed to doctrine at Chief of Naval Operations staff, and served in multinational command roles within United States Central Command and United States European Command. Notable tactical and technical personnel contributed to E-2 systems integration efforts with industry partners such as Raytheon Technologies and General Dynamics.

Category:United States Navy aircraft squadrons Category:Airborne early warning squadrons