DEPLOYMENTS:
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August 11, 1969 -
September 26, 1969 with
CVW-17
aboard USS
Forrestal (CVA 59)
December 2, 1969 -
July 8, 1970 with CVW-17 aboard USS
Forrestal (CVA 59)
January 5, 1971 -
July 2, 1971 with CVW-17 aboard USS
Forrestal (CVA 59)
September 22, 1972
- July 6, 1973 with CVW-17 aboard USS
Forrestal (CVA 59)
March 11, 1974 -
September 6, 1974 with
CVW-17 aboard USS
Forrestal (CVA 59)
September 6, 1974
- October 12, 1974 with
CVW-8
aboard USS America
(CVA 66)
April 12, 1977 -
November 21, 1977 with
CVW-9
aboard USS Constellation
(CV 64)
September 26, 1978
- May 17, 1979 with CVW-9 aboard USS Constellation
(CV 64)
August 8, 1980 -
March 28, 1981 with CVW-1
aboard USS John
F. Kennedy (CV 67)
January 4, 1982 -
July 14, 1982 with CVW-3
aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)
April 26, 1983 -
July 1, 1983 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F.
Kennedy (CV 67)
September 27, 1983
- May 2, 1984 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F.
Kennedy (CV 67)
August 18, 1986 -
March 2, 1987 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F.
Kennedy (CV 67)
August 2, 1988 -
February 1, 1989 with
CVW-3 aboard USS John
F. Kennedy (CV 67)
August 15, 1990 -
March 28, 1991 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F.
Kennedy (CV 67)
October 7, 1992 -
April 7, 1993 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F.
Kennedy (CV 67)
October 20, 1994 -
April 13, 1995 with CVW-3 aboard USS
Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
November 25, 1996
- May 22, 1997 with CVW-3 aboard USS
Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
November 6, 1998 -
May 6, 1999 with CVW-3 aboard USS Enterprise
(CVN 65)
November 28, 2000
- May 23, 2001 with CVW-3 aboard USS
Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)
December 5, 2002 -
May 23, 2003 with CVW-3 aboard USS Harry S.
Truman (CVN 75)
June 2, 2004 -
July 25, 2004 with CVW-3 aboard USS Harry S.
Truman (CVN 75)
October 13, 2004 -
April 18, 2005 with CVW-3 aboard USS Harry S.
Truman (CVN 75)
November 5, 2007 -
June 4, 2008 with CVW-3 aboard USS Harry S.
Truman (CVN 75)
May 21, 2010 -
December 20, 2010 with
CVW-3 aboard USS Harry
S. Truman (CVN 75)
July 22, 2013 -
April 18, 2014 with CVW-3 aboard USS Harry S.
Truman (CVN 75)
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E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - September 2014
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked on
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - April 2014
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - March 2014
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - March 2014
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - January 2014
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - October 2013
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - October 2013
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - August 2013
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2013
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - January 2013
2013
2012
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) during a
change-of-command ceremony - Norfolk, Virginia - January 2012
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2010
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - October 2010
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - August 2010
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2009
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - March 2008
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - September 2007
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - July 2007
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - July 2007
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - July 2007
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - March 2007
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - October 2005
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - July 2005
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - July 2005
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - March 2005
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - February 2005
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked on
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - January 2005
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - January 2005
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2004
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2004
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2004
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2004
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - July 2004
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - July 2004
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked on
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2004
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2004
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - May 2003
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - April 2003
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - March 2003
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - undated
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - undated
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - undated
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - undated
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - undated
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - undated
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - undated
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - circa 1999
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - circa 1999
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) - undated
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1994-95 (NNAM)
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1980’s
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1980’s
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1980’s
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1980’s
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1980’s
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1980’s
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1980’s
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1980’s
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1980’s
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1980’s
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1986
E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-3) embarked
on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1986
E-2B Hawkeye (VAW-126 / CVW-17) embarked
on USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - 1969-74
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Carrier
Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE TWO SIX (VAW-126), nicknamed the
SEAHAWKS, is an integral part of the tactical air forces of the United States
Navy. VAW-126 is one of six Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons based in
Norfolk. Equipped with four E-2C Group II aircraft, the squadron's primary
mission is airborne command and control in support of Joint Warfare
Commanders. VAW-126 implements command and control through diverse operations
such as air intercept control, strike control, surface search and
coordination, search and rescue coordination, and airborne battlefield
command and control.
VAW-126 was commissioned in Norfolk, Virginia on April 1st, 1969. Equipped
with four E-2A Hawkeye aircraft, the squadron was assigned to Attack Carrier
Air Wing SEVENTEEN (CVW-17) assigned to USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). Following
completion of their first deployment in July 1970, the squadron transitioned
to the E-2B. This was a newer version of the same aircraft, equipped with a
more flexible, digital computer weapons system. The command received
accolades early in its history, winning the highly coveted COMNAVAIRLANT
Battle Readiness Efficiency "E" and the CNO Safety “S” Award in
1971. The squadron won the Battle "E" a second time in 1974.
While homeward bound from a Mediterranean deployment in September 1974, the
squadron performed a crossdeck to USS AMERICA (CV 66). The NATO deployment
marked VAW-126's final E-2B flying as well. Following their return to Norfolk
in October 1974, the squadron began its transition to the E-2C, Group 0
variant; an aircraft similar in appearance to its predecessor, but with a
significantly more capable and reliable weapon system.
In August 1975, the squadron commenced operations in the Caribbean Sea with
CVW-9, based at NAS Miramar, California. In May 1976, they began the first of
many trips moving the entire squadron back and forth between Norfolk and
Miramar to operate with CVW-9 and prepare for their upcoming deployment
aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64). The squadron made two Western Pacific
deployments with USS CONSTELLATION, their final one was in May 1978.
The SEAHAWKS joined USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) and CVW-1 upon returning to
the East coast in 1979. In August 1980 the SEAHAWKS would once again find
themselves in the Mediterranean Sea for an eight month deployment. In July
1981, VAW-126 joined CVW-3, which replaced CVW-1 as the air wing deployed
aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). As a result of their superior performance
on their 1983-84 deployment they would receive the 1983 Battle "E".
In addition, the SEAHAWKS received the COMNAVAIRLANT "Silver
Anchor" award for superior retention and the Airborne Early Warning
Excellence Award as the best VAW squadron in the Navy. The SEAHAWKS departed
for the Mediterranean aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) a second time in
August 1986.
Upon their return in March 1987, the SEAHAWKS kept active by participating in
a variety of exercises. By November 1987 the squadron was back aboard USS
JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) in preparation for their next deployment.
1988 proved to be another outstanding year for the SEAHAWKS. They once again
were awarded the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle "E," Meritorious Unit
Commendation, and won the CVW-3 and CAEWWING 12 nomination for the Secretary
of Defense Maintenance Excellence Award. The SEAHAWKS departed on USS JOHN F.
KENNEDY (CV 67) in August for its 4th deployment on board.
The SEAHAWKS set sail for their final deployment attached to the USS JOHN F.
KENNEDY STRIKE GROUP in August 1990 answering the call for Operation DESERT
SHIELD and DESERT STORM. During this eight month deployment, the SEAHAWKS
accumulated over 2850 flight hours.
In late 1993, the CVW-3 team was reassigned to USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER (CVN
69) and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in October 1994. The SEAHAWKS were
awarded the 1994 Battle 'E' and the Airborne Early Warning Excellence award.
In late 1995, the CVW-3 team was once again reassigned, this time to USS
THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) BATTLE GROUP.
In November 1996, the SEAHAWKS deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in support
of operations in Bosnia and the Adriatic Sea. While in the Adriatic the
SEAHAWKS provided support of NATO air operations. In November 1998, VAW-126
deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). In its first few months, the squadron
participated in Arabian Gulf operations including Operations DESERT FOX and
SOUTHERN WATCH. VAW-126 also participated in Juniper Stallion, INVITEX, and
in Kosovo operations. The Carrier Battle Group wrapped up the deployment in
the Arabian Gulf and returned home 6 May 1999.
From July to September of 1999, VAW-126 participated in Counter-Narcotics
operations, based out of Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The SEAHAWKS, in
cooperation with Joint Interagency Task Force, monitored and detected illegal
drug suspects in the Caribbean. After returning from Puerto Rico, VAW-126
assisted in search and rescue efforts to rescue Hurricane Floyd survivors in
North Carolina.
VAW-126 deployed onboard the Navy's newest aircraft carrier at the time, USS
HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) from November 2000 to May 2001. Their time was spent
in the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas flying over 850 flight hours in support
of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. The SEAHAWKS maintenance professionals earned
two Golden Wrench Awards while deployed. Following deployment, the SEAHAWKS
spent several weeks in Puerto Rico supporting counter-narcotic operations in
the region.
The SEAHAWKS deployed aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) with CVW-3 in
December 2002. Driving forward from a small corner of the Mediterranean, the
SEAHAWKS flew 100 sorties and over 445 hours in support of Operation IRAQI
FREEDOM. The SEAHAWKS returned home to Norfolk in May 2003. This would prove
to be the last deployment for the E-2C Group 0 and the SEAHAWKS were the
final squadron to transition to the E-2C+ Group II, ending an important era
in Naval Aviation. In recognition of the year’s accomplishments, VAW-126 was
awarded the 2003 COMNAVAIRLANT Battle “E” as well as the 2003 RADM Frank
Akers Award for Superior AEW Excellence.
In October 2004, VAW-126 deployed aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) to the
Arabian Gulf. During this highly intensive combat cruise, the SEAHAWKS
surpassed all previous records by flying 419 combat missions into Iraq,
accumulating more than 2000 flight hours in support of Operation IRAQI
FEEDOM. In December 2004, the squadron sent two aircraft from the Arabian
Gulf to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM for the
inauguration of the first democratically elected president. The SEAHAWKS
returned home in April 2005.
In September 2005, the SEAHAWKS were called into service to perform rescue
and relief operations in response to Hurricane Katrina. With over 150
aircraft operating over the devastated Gulf Coast at any given time, command
and control was essential to rescue survivors and deliver much-needed
supplies. VAW-126 provided the air coordination, staging out of NAS
PENSACOLA, FL, and flying more than 46 sorties over a period of 18 days.
Entering 2006, the SEAHAWKS transitioned from the E-2C+ Group II aircraft to
the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 (HE2K) platform. The new platform was soon tested in
March when the Seahawks participated in a mini-SFARP (Strike Fighter Advanced
Readiness Program) at NAS KEY WEST, FL. This exercise enabled the flight
officers and pilots to familiarize themselves with the added capabilities of
the HE2K in the air-to-air operational environment. In March, the SEAHAWKS
were informed that they were the recipients of both the CNAL Battle “E”
Efficiency Award and the RADM Frank Akers “A” Award for AEW Excellence for CY
2005, effectively naming them as the finest Hawkeye squadron in naval
aviation.
On November 4th, 2007, the SEAHAWKS deployed onboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN
(CVN 75), commencing flight operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM
that December. The next four months included sustained operations over Iraq
in support of Army, Marine Corps, and coalition personnel on the ground.
In April 2008, increased insurgent activity in Basrah, Iraq, resulted in the
SEAHAWKS flying additional combat missions, providing time sensitive command
and control to coalition forces allowed them to secure the city and
ultimately defeat the uprising. The SEAHAWKS’ Cooperative Engagement
Capability (CEC) capability provided the strike group commander a Single
Integrated Air Picture (SIAP) extending as far north as Baghdad, Iraq. Combat
operations ended for the squadron on April 29th and the strike group prepared
for the long transit home, making final port visits to Rhodes, Greece, and
Marseilles, France, along the way. After departing Marseilles, the SEAHAWKS
hosted French E-2C Hawkeyes for a day of carrier launch and recovery
operations. The SEAHAWKS returned home on June 4th, 2008, concluding another
successful combat deployment and earning the squadron the CNAL Battle “E”
Efficiency Award for FY 2008 and the RADM Akers AEW Excellence Award for CY
2008.
From June 2008 to February 2009, the SEAHAWKS participated in multiple events
controlling fighters off the coast of Virginia in order to remain tactically
proficient to become ready for the next set of deployment work ups.
The SEAHAWKS had an incredibly busy and arduous year in 2009, as workups
began. VAW-126 was getting ready for their next deployment by training in NAS
Fallon and participating in TSTA, COMPTUEX, and JTFX aboard the USS HARRY S.
TRUMAN (CVN 75). The SEAHAWKS were honing their operational skills and
carrier landings in preparation for their upcoming deployment.
On May 20th, 2010, the SEAHAWKS deployed onboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN
75), in support of Operations NEW DAWN and ENDURING FREEDOM. VAW-126 deployed
for seven months supporting maritime security operations and theater security
cooperation efforts in the U.S. FIFTH FLEET area of responsibility. This
deployment included sustained operations over Iraq and Afghanistan in support
of Army, Marine Corps, and coalition personnel on the ground. The SEAHAWKS
enjoyed port visits in Marseilles, Dubai, Bahrain, and Souda Bay. Before
stopping in Marseilles, the SEAHAWKS hosted French E-2C Hawkeyes for a day of
carrier launch and recovery operations. The SEAHAWKS conducted 324 combat
sorties accumulating over 1,520 flight hours in support of Operations
ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN and were an integral part of CARRIER AIR WING
THREE (CVW 3). The SEAHAWKS returned home on December 20th, 2010, concluding
another successful combat deployment. They earned the CNAL Battle “E”
Efficiency Award for FY 2010, the RADM Akers AEW Excellence Award for CY
2010, and the Safety “S” for CY 2010.
In 2011 the SEAHAWKS transitioned from the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft to the
E-2C+ Group II aircraft. In June 2011 VAW-126 participated in FRUKUS, a
maritime interoperability exercise with France, Russia, the United Kingdom,
and the United States. Later in the year the SEAHAWKS found themselves
participating in Independent Deployers Certification Exercises (IDCERTEX) to
verify interoperability among the Atlantic Fleet. By November the squadron
would travel to Key West, Florida to participate in Exercise VIGILANT SHIELD,
a Joint Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense (J-DIAMD) exercise.
In April 2012 the SEAHAWKS would once again begin workups for an upcoming
deployment. They would have a busy year participating in HARP, SFARP, TSTA,
and Air Wing Fallon across the United States and aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN
(CVN 75). By the end of this year VAW-126 had finely honed their war fighting
skills for the rapidly approaching deployment.
As a final test of the air wing and battle group’s deployment readiness, 2013
would start with COMPTUEX. The SEAHAWKS’ February scheduled deployment would
be delayed days before leaving. In order to maintain readiness VAW-126 would
find themselves performing Sustainment Exercises (SUSTAINEX) and an
additional COMPTUEX prior to leaving on deployment July 22nd onboard USS
HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75).
The SEAHAWKS’ deployed for nine months in support of OPERATION ENDURING
FREEDOM and maritime security operations and theater security in the U.S.
FIFTH FLEET area of responsibility. During this period the squadron would
lead multiple air defense exercises and sea strike exercises that involved
both naval assets and other coalition forces. While deployed aboard USS HARRY
S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), the SEAHAWKS had the unique opportunity to represent
Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3) as the sole aircraft to participate in the
Dubai Air Show. VAW-126 also seized the opportunity to support international
relations by participating in multiple events with foreign nations. As a
culmination of events the SEAHAWKS provided liaison officers to the French
aircraft carrier the CHARLES DE GAULLE (R91) while hosting French liaison
officers, greatly improving the working relations between the two nations.
Additionally, the SEAHAWKS landed aboard the French carrier and became the
first U.S. Navy Hawkeye aircrew to provide a mission brief to French Naval
Aviators. The SEAHAWKS launched from the CHARLES DE GAULLE (R91) and
controlled a large force exercise consisting of both French and U.S. Navy
aircraft.
During deployment the SEAHAWKS would enjoy port calls in Marseille, Dubai,
Bahrain, and Palma de Mallorca. They conducted 665 sorties accumulating over
1,600 flight hours in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and nearly 2,300
total flight hours as a key element to a successful deployment. The SEAHAWKS
returned home from deployment on April 18th, 2014. While on deployment they
earned the CNAL Aviation Battle Efficiency Award for FY 2013, the 2013
Medical Blue “M”, and the Retention Excellence Award.
source:
VAW-126 (2015)
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