Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124 (CARAEWRON 124)

VAW-124 ‘Bear Aces’

 

vaw-124 bear aces insignia patch crest badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye

vaw-124 bear aces carrier airborne early warning squadron caraewron grumman e-2c hawkeye carrier air wing cvw-8 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77

 

STATUS:

VAW-124 established on September 1, 1967

    

Homebase: NS Norfolk, Virginia

Carrier Air Wing: CVW-8

Aircraft Carrier: USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77)

ACTIVE UNIT

    

Nickname: Bullseye Hummers (1967-79) / Bear Aces (1979- )

AIRCRAFT:

Grumman E-2A Hawkeye (1967-71)

Grumman E-2B Hawkeye (1971-75)

Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (1975- )

 

 

DEPLOYMENTS:

April 30, 1968 - January 27, 1969 with CVW-7 aboard USS Independence (CVA 62)

January 5, 1970 - March 8, 1970 with CVW-9 aboard USS America (CVA 66)

April 10, 1970 - December 21, 1970 with CVW-9 aboard USS America (CVA 66)

July 6, 1971 - December 16, 1971 with CVW-8 aboard USS America (CVA 66)

June 5, 1972 - March 24, 1973 with CVW-8 aboard USS America (CVA 66)

January 3, 1974 - August 3, 1974 with CVW-8 aboard USS America (CVA 66)

April 15, 1976 - October 25, 1976 with CVW-6 aboard USS America (CV 66)

September 29, 1977 - April 25, 1978 with CVW-6 aboard USS America (CV 66)

March 13, 1979 - September 22, 1979 with CVW-11 aboard USS America (CV 66)

August 29, 1980 - October 17, 1980 with CVW-8 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

August 3, 1981 - February 12, 1982 with CVW-8 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

April 15, 1982 - June 11, 1982 with CVW-8 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

November 10, 1982 - May 20, 1983 with CVW-8 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

March 8, 1985 - October 4, 1985 with CVW-8 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

August 15, 1986 - October 16, 1986 with CVW-8 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

December 30, 1986 - July 2, 1987 with CVW-8 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

August 25, 1988 - October 11, 1988 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

December 30, 1988 - June 30, 1989 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

January 19, 1990 - February 23, 1990 with CVW-8 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

December 28, 1990 - June 28, 1991 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

March 11, 1993 - September 8, 1993 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

March 22, 1995 - September 22, 1995 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

April 29, 1997 - October 28, 1997 with CVW-8 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

March 26, 1999 - September 22, 1999 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

April 25, 2001 - November 10, 2001 with CVW-8 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

January 6, 2003 - May 29, 2003 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

September 1, 2005 - March 11, 2006 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

September 8, 2008 - April 18, 2009 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

May 11, 2011 - December 10, 2011 with CVW-8 aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77)

February 15, 2014 - November 15, 2014 with CVW-8 aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77)

 

images

 

carrier airborne early warning squadron vaw-124 bear aces e-2c hawkeye cvw-8 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2015

 

vaw-124 bear aces e-2c hawkeye cvw-8

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2015

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2015

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2014

 

vaw-124 bear aces e-2c hawkeye cvw-8 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014

 

vaw-124 bear aces e-2c hawkeye cvw-8 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 2014

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - March 2014

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2013

 

vaw-124 bear aces e-2c hawkeye cvw-8 ns norfolk virginia

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia - December 2011

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2010

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2010

 

vaw-124 bear aces e-2c hawkeye cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2009

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2009

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2009

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2008

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2008

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2008

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2008

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2008

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2008

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during flight deck certifications - January 2007

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2006

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

 

carrier airborne early warning squadron vaw-124 bear aces grumman e-2c hawkeye carrier air wing cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - undated

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2005

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2005

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2005

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2005

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2005

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2005

 

E-2C+ Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia - December 2004

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) - November 2004

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - September 2004

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2003

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2003

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2003

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2003

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2003

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2003

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2002

 

undated

 

vaw-124 bear aces e-2c hawkeye cvw-8 uss enterprise cvn-65

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - circa 2001

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - undated

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - undated

 

vaw-124 bear aces e-2c hawkeye cvw-8 nas fallon nevada

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - undated

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - undated

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - undated

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - undated

 

vaw-124 bear aces e-2c hawkeye cvw-8 uss nimitz cvn-68

E-2C Hawkeyes (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - 1980’s

 

excerpt from above

 

E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - 1980’s

 

vaw-124 bear aces e-2c hawkeye cvw-8 uss america cva-66

E-2B Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS America (CVA 66) - circa 1972

 

E-2B Hawkeye (VAW-124 / CVW-8) embarked on USS America (CVA 66) - 1971

 

 

history

VAW-124 was commissioned on 1 September 1967 and nicknamed the "BULLSEYE HUMMERS." In 1968, the squadron was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7) and deployed aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA 62).

In April 1970, VAW-124 deployed with CVW-9 aboard USS AMERICA (CVA 66) to Southeast Asia.

In June 1972, VAW-124 embarked again aboard 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 Vietnamese Agreement was signed on 28 January 1973.

VAW-124 deployed with CVW-6 aboard AMERICA in the summer of 1976 and again in October 1977. The squadron was awarded the COMNAVAIRLANT-Battle Efficiency Award in recognition of accomplishments during the year.

In December 1980, the squadron received immediate deployment orders to Keflavik, Iceland. As a result of numerous VAW-124 directed intercepts of Soviet "Bear" reconnaissance aircraft, the squadron acquired the new nickname "BEAR ACES."

On 19 August 1981, USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) captured world attention while operating in the Gulf of Sidra. In response to an unprovoked attack, F-14 Tomcats under the control of a VAW-124 intercepted and shot down two Libyan SU-22 "Fitter" fighter aircraft. This demonstrated the deadly effectiveness of the "Hawkeye-Tomcat" team. In June 1985, VAW-124 provided tracking of hijacked TWA Flight 847 as it crisscrossed the Mediterranean. The Bear Aces were awarded their second COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency Award at the conclusion of 1987. On 21 January 1991, CVW-8 launched its first major strike of "Desert Storm" with the BEAR ACES providing critical AEW, command and control, and SAR coordination. By the time the cease-fire went into effect on 28 February, the BEAR ACES 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. Remarkably, over 750 of the combat hours were flown in a single thirty-day period. After transiting the Suez Canal on 20 April, USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) assumed station northeast of Cyprus between Turkey and Syria to lead the multi-national Operation PROVIDE COMFORT. The transit home ended a highly successful and unforgettable combat cruise for the BEAR ACES. On 26 June, the BEAR ACES returned home to a hero's welcome.

In August, VAW-124 was awarded the 1991 AEW EXCELLENCE AWARD the finest E-2C squadron in the Navy.

In April 1999, VAW-124 departed Norfolk aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). The BEAR ACES flew combat missions during Operation ALLIED FORCE against targets in Kosovo. Transiting to the Arabian Gulf, the BEAR ACES completed the deployment enforcing the no-fly zone in Iraq in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.

VAW-124 left home again in April 2001 aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). After several months of operations in the Northern and Mediterranean Seas, the BEAR ACES flew airborne early warning missions in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Iraq and proved crucial in numerous strikes against Iraqi targets. In September, with their mission complete, the ENTERPRISE headed south towards Capetown, a rare African port call.

Due to the tragic events of September 11th, the USS ENTERPRISE would not make it to Capetown, South Africa. Demonstrating the flexibility of a Carrier Strike Group, the Strike Group quickly took station in the Northern Arabian Sea as VAW-124 and CVW-8 prepared for what would become Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The BEAR ACES led the first strikes of the operation by providing Airborne Early Warning and Command/Control for Allied Air Forces. The deployment demonstrated the inherent flexibility of naval forces and proved once again the value of Navy Carrier Strike Group and the importance of the E-2C in both combat and peacetime operations.

In an unprecedented move and demonstrating incredible professionalism and flexibility, the BEAR ACES and the rest of the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) Strike Group departed in 2003 during COMPTUEX and steamed to the Mediterranean in support of the escalating situation that would eventually develop into Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Once again, the BEAR ACES proved to be the right instrument at the right time in history, as they led the first strikes into Iraq. The skilled professionals of the BEAR ACES provided Airborne Early Warning and Command/Control for the carrier strike group and the strike assets attacking Iraqi targets.

VAW-124 departed Norfolk in September 2005 to support Operation SEA DRAGON THREE in the Arabian Gulf. During their six and a half month deployment, VAW-124 provided Airborne Early Warning and Command/Control for CVW-8 and the THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) Carrier Strike Group. During the deployment, the dedicated men and women of VAW-124 proved their mettle by helping ensure maritime security environment and continued to lead from the front in the war on terror.

In September 2008, VAW-124 again deployed onboard THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). During this deployment the BEAR ACES provided Airborne Early Warning and Command/Control for CVW-8 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the course of seven months the BEAR ACES ensured Coalition forces successfully and effectively transited Afghanistan Joint Operation Area as well as provided necessary Airborne Command and Control to conduct missions for coalition forces on the ground. BEAR ACE Air Intercept Controllers also participated in Exercise Neon Falcon, a Joint military training exercise between the U.S. Navy and the Bahraini Air Force and in Exercise Eastern Angler, a Joint military training exercise between the U.S. Navy and the Qatari Air Force. At the conclusion of the deployment, the BEAR ACES were awarded the CNO Safety “S.”

The year 2011 would once again allow the BEAR ACES to prove themselves on a combat deployment. Onboard the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) for her maiden deployment, the BEAR ACES provided Carrier Strike Group TWO with Command and Control and Airborne Early Warning in support of Exercise Saxon Warrior, Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN. Over the course of seven months, the BEAR ACES successfully and effectively supported Coalition Forces as they transited the Afghanistan Joint Operation Area while providing necessary Airborne Command and Control in support of Coalition Forces on the ground. The BEAR ACES also facilitated the drawdown of Coalition Forces in Iraq. In recognition of their accomplishments, the BEAR ACES received the 2011 Battle “E.”

In February 2014, the BEAR ACES and CVW-8 deployed aboard the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH as a member of Carrier Strike Group TWO to the Afghanistan Joint Operation Area to provided Command and Control and Airborne Early Warning in support Operations ENDURING FREEDOM. In June 2014, after spending just a few short months over Afghanistan, CSG-2 was ordered to the Arabian Gulf to support the Government of Iraq against the invasion by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in what was later named Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. The BEAR ACES would also support the first strikes into Syria in an attempt to deny ISIL safe haven. Over the course of the nine month deployment, the BEAR ACES flew 548 sorties and 2,210 mishap-free flight hours, 465 combat sorties and 2,120 were combat flight hours. In recognition of their contributions in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE the BEAR ACES were awarded the 2014 CNAL Battle “E” and the 2014 RADM Frank Akers Award. In addition, the squadron was awarded the 2014 CNO Aviation Safety “S” Award and the 2014 Blue “M” for outstanding medical readiness.

 

source: VAW-124 website

 

patches

 

vaw-124 bear aces insignia patch crest badge     vaw-124 bear aces patch insignia crest badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy

 

     vaw-124 bear aces bullseye patch e-2c hawkeye

 

vaw-124 bear aces patch    

 

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