Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 (CARAEWRON 117) VAW-117 ‘Wallbangers’
STATUS:		VAW-117 established on July 1, 1974 Homebase: NAS Point Mugu, California Carrier Air Wing: CVW-7 Aircraft Carrier: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) ACTIVE UNIT
AIRCRAFT:		Grumman E-2B Hawkeye (1974-81) Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (1982-2002) Grumman E-2C HE2K Hawkeye 2000 (2002- )
DEPLOYMENTS:		October 15, 1975 - May 5, 1976 with CVW-7 aboard USS Independence (CV 62) March 30, 1977 - October 21, 1977 with CVW-7 aboard USS Independence (CV 62) February 21, 1979 - September 22, 1979 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CV 61) September 10, 1980 - May 5, 1981 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CV 61) September 1, 1982 - April 28, 1983 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) May 30, 1984 - December 20, 1984 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) January 11, 1986 - August 13, 1986 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) October 25, 1987 - November 24, 1987 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) January 5, 1988 - July 3, 1988 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) September 17, 1989 - March 16, 1990 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) September 25, 1990 - November 20, 1990 with CVW-11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) May 28, 1991 - November 25, 1991 with CVW-11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) June 15, 1993 - December 15, 1993 with CVW-11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) April 11, 1995 - October 9, 1995 with CVW-11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) October 11, 1996 - April 11, 1997 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) May 1998 - June 1998 with CVW-11 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) November 6, 1998 - May 6, 1999 with CVW-11 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) July 23, 2001 - January 23, 2002 with CVW-11 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) March 3, 2003 - November 5, 2003 with CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) May 27, 2004 - July 23, 2004 with CVW-11 aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) May 7, 2005 - November 8, 2005 with CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) April 2, 2007 - September 30, 2007 with CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) January 24, 2008 - June 3, 2008 with CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) July 31, 2009 - March 26, 2010 with CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) June 11, 2012 - August 10, 2012 with CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) September 29, 2012 - November 19, 2012 with CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) April 19, 2013 - December 12, 2013 with CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) ?? with CVW-7 aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)
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E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - September 2015 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - September 2015 excerpt from above E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - September 2015 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2015 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2015 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2014 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2013 E-2C Hawkeye previously assigned to the Liberty Bells of VAW-115 lands on USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz and George Washington Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) performed a plane swap between VAW-117 and VAW-115. - November 2013 E-2C Hawkeye previously assigned to the Wallbangers of VAW-117 launches from USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz and George Washington Carrier Strike Groups performed a plane swap between VAW-117 and VAW-115. - November 2013 E-2C Hawkeye, previously assigned to the Liberty Bells of VAW-115, flies over USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz and George Washington Carrier Strike Groups performed a plane swap between VAW-117 and VAW-115. - November 2013 E-2C Hawkeye, previously assigned to the Wallbangers of VAW-117, prepares to launch from USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz and George Washington Carrier Strike Groups performed a plane swap between VAW-117 and VAW-115. - November 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2013 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) - November 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) - November 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) - November 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) - November 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) - November 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) - November 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) - November 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) - November 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) - November 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2012 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2010 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2009 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2009 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2009 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2009 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2009 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2008 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2008 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2008 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) at NAS Point Mugu, California - September 2007 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2007 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2007 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2007 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2007 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2006 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during carrier qualifications - July 2006 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2005 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2005 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2005 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2003 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2003 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2003 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2003 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2003 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - April 2003 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2003 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117) landing aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2002 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - November 2001 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - November 2001 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - October 2001 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - October 2001 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - October 2001 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - October 2001 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - October 2001 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - September 2001 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1996 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated undated undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117) at NAS Miramar, California - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - undated E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 1990 E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 1990 E-2B Hawkeye (VAW-117 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - 1970’s
history
The World Famous “Wallbangers” of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron One One Seven (VAW-117) are home ported in NBVC Point Mugu, California. The Wallbangers fly the Navy’s only carrier-based command and control platform, the E-2C Hawkeye. The Hawkeye is designed for airborne early warning. It is a 5-seat, twin-turboprop, all-weather aircraft. From higher altitudes, the Hawkeye looks beyond the horizon and over obstacles to deny the enemy their most valuable asset: surprise. This allows the air defense system at least 30 minutes of warning providing time to detect, classify the threat, and deploy fighter aircraft or surface missiles for optimum effect. Equipped with state-of-the-art systems, the Hawkeye provides fully automatic detection and tracking over land and water. Additionally, it supplies simultaneous surveillance of air and surface traffic. Though the Hawkeye can operate independently, it normally functions as an extension of existing air defense systems. All data obtained aboard the plane can be relayed to surface command posts for display and decision-making. The Wallbangers were established at NAS North Island, CA on 01 July 1974, as part of Fighter Early Warning Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. The squadron received its first E-2B aircraft in October 1974 and a year later they deployed to the Mediterranean Sea onboard the USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). The squadron made its first Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment with Carrier Air Wing TWO onboard the USS RANGER (CV-61) in February 1979. Over the past 30 years, the Wallbangers have constantly found themselves at the tip of the spear. During the 1988 WESTPAC onboard the USS ENTERPRISE, VAW-117 played a key role in Operation PRAYING MANTIS during which an Iranian ship was destroyed. In addition, the Wallbangers excelled in providing command and control during the attacks on oil platforms and small ships. Years later, the Wallbangers were still maintaining their rapid operational pace. The onset of Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM led to the most accelerated turn around training cycle ever. Onboard the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN’s maiden WESTPAC Voyage in May of 1991, VAW-117 assisted in the evacuation from the Philippines after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo during “Operation FIERY VIGIL.” The Wallbangers were awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for their efforts in assisting in the evacuation. The Wallbangers have made several advancements in the past few years. In 1999, they were selected to provide operational testing for the Navy’s newest AEW upgrade, the MCU/ACIS (Mission Computer Upgrade/ Advance Computer Information System). This new computer system in the E-2 has given them a distinct advantage in their command and control capabilities. In July 2001, the Wallbangers were the first squadron to deploy with the new MCU/ACIS system. WESTPAC 2001-02 onboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) proved to be a rewarding deployment for the Wallbangers. After the terrorist bombings of Sept. 11th, 2001, the Wallbangers and CARRIER AIR WING 11 were among the first aircraft to lead in the strikes on Afghanistan as part of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The Wallbangers flew an unprecedented amount of combat sorties in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The extensive radar and communication equipment on board the E-2C Hawkeye allowed the Wallbangers to become a vital part of our nation’s anti-terrorist operations. The Wallbangers continuously provided battle space management over Pakistan and southern Afghanistan, ensuring the safety of all airborne assets and deconfliction with commercial airways. They served as an information-clearing house, providing a communications relay between command authorities on the ground tactical aircraft airborne. What began as an operation that consisted mainly of carrier-based naval air assets evolved into a multi-service and multi-faceted, combined operation. The Wallbangers were crucial in ensuring the smooth integration of aircraft from Navy, Air Force, and allied nations. The Bangers continued to aggressively spearhead the Hawkeye community with ongoing modifications and upgrades. They were the first fleet squadron to receive the Hawkeye 2000 aircraft. The Hawkeye 2000 also features the Cooperative Engagement Capability system (CEC). CEC is the Navy’s most comprehensive sensor fusion system and drastically improves the Carrier Strike Group’s situational awareness and self-defense capabilities. The Hawkeye 2000’s advanced features have allowed the Wallbangers to give warfare commanders the most complete, up-to-the-minute picture possible of theater operations. The Wallbangers recently received four Hawkeye 2000 aircraft with the Communications Navigation Surveillance and Advanced Traffic Management upgrade. This new upgrade incorporates a modern glass cockpit, replacing 1950’s era steam gauges. As part of the navigation upgrade, a system combining a Global Positioning System and an inertial navigation system has been integrated to provide accurate positioning and velocity, allowing flight crews to perform precise GPS landing approaches. VAW-117 is comprised of 150 officers and enlisted personnel hailing from all corner of the United States. Their diverse backgrounds have helped forge an aggressive war fighting squadron renowned for its operational excellence, innovation, and battle efficiency. Within the Nimitz Strike Group and the Hawkeye-Greyhound community, the “Bangers Lead The Way.” commanding officers: May 2014 - Present: CDR Richard W. Carnicky December 2012 - May 2014: CDR William R. Reed July 2011 - December 2012: CDR Fred C. Goldhammer May 2010 - July 2011: CDR Brent A. Trickel February 2009 - May 2010: CDR Valerie R. Overstreet November 2007 - February 2009: CDR Brian L. Morgan August 2006 - November 2007: CDR James P. Laingen June 2005 - August 2006: CDR Yancy B. Lindsey March 2004 - June 2005: CDR Karl O. Thomas December 2002 - March 2004: CDR Christopher W. Plummer September 2001 - December 2002: CDR J. C. Oberst April 2000 - September 2001: CDR R. Pawlowski December 1998 - April 2000: CDR Richard Beck October 1997 - December 1998: CDR Joseph Kupcha July 1996 - October 1997: CDR Roger D. Jaskot September 1995 - July 1996: CDR Nicholas A. Trongale March 1994 - September 1995: CDR D. T. "Tex" Keuhlen January 1993 - March 1994: CDR James C. Tellefson September 1991 - January 1993: CDR Frank N. Clark April 1990 - September 1991: CDR Ronald A. Wiley November 1988 - April 1990: CDR Joel M. Edmonson April 1987 - November 1988: CDR Mark D. Fellows October 1985 - April 1987: CDR Mark H. Allen May 1984 - October 1985: CDR Dannie H. Allen November 1982 - May 1984: CDR Harry M. Highfill July 1981 - November 1982: CDR Steve Jogan May 1980 - July 1981: CDR James W. Law February 1979 - May 1980: CDR Rovery L. E. Prath December 1977 - February 1979: CDR J. Compton French September 1976 - December 1977: CDR Grady F. Ghrer June 1975 - September 1976: CDR Eldon S. Baker July 1974 - June 1975: CDR Monroe J. Ahrenstein source: VAW-117 (2015) - - - another history: Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron One One Seven (or VAW-117) is a United States Navy (USN) airborne early warning (AEW) squadron. Nicknamed The Wallbangers (formerly the Nighthawks), it flies the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye, the USN’s only carrier-based command and control platform. The squadron is based out of Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California and deploys as part of Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) on board the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). The squadron was established at NAS North Island, California on 1 July 1974, as part of Fighter Early Warning Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. The squadron received its first E-2B aircraft in October 1974 and in October the following year deployed to the Mediterranean Sea on board the USS Independence (CV-62). The squadron made its first Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment with Carrier Air Wing Two on board the USS Ranger (CV-61) in February 1979. During its 1988 WESTPAC deployment on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), VAW-117 played a key role in Operation Praying Mantis during which an Iranian ship was destroyed. In addition, the squadron provided command and control during attacks on oil platforms and small ships. Years later, the squadron was still maintaining its rapid operational pace. The onset of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm led to the most accelerated turn around training cycle ever. On board the USS Abraham Lincoln’s maiden WESTPAC voyage in May 1991, VAW-117 assisted in the evacuation of dependents from the Philippines after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo during Operation Fiery Vigil. VAW-117 was awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for its efforts in assisting in the evacuation. In 1999, VAW-117 was selected to provide operational testing for the Navy’s newest AEW upgrade, the MCU/ACIS (Mission Computer Upgrade/ Advance Computer Information System). This new computer system in the E-2 has given the squadron a distinct advantage in its command and control capabilities. In July 2001, VAW-117 was the first squadron to deploy with the new MCU/ACIS system. WESTPAC 2001-02 on board the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) proved to be an active deployment. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, aircraft from VAW-117 and CVW-11 were among the first aircraft to lead the strikes on Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron flew an unprecedented number of combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The extensive radar and communication equipment on board the E-2C Hawkeye allowed the squadron to become a vital part of the anti-terrorist operations. It continuously provided battle space management over Pakistan and southern Afghanistan, ensuring the safety of all airborne assets and clearance from commercial air routes. The squadron's Hawkeyes served as an information-clearing house, providing a communications relay between command authorities on the ground and tactical aircraft airborne. VAW-117 was the first fleet squadron to receive the HE-2K variant of the Hawkeye. In addition, it was also the first fleet Hawkeye squadron to receive the Cooperative Engagement Capability system (CEC). In May 2005, VAW-117 deployed on USS Nimitz (CVN-68) with CVW-11 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This was VAW-117's first deployment with the HE2K variant. During the deployment, VAW-117 flew into Karachi, Pakistan, and Goa, India, to display the E-2C to partner nations. The Nimitz while on deployment visited Hong Kong; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Guam; Manama, Bahrain; Dubai, UAE; Perth, Australia; and Pearl Harbor, HI, twice. In April 2007 VAW-117 deployed on WESTPAC 2007. The squadron flew 101 sorties and 227 hours in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It also took part in several exercises including Valiant Shield and Malabar. In January 2008 the squadron deployed on a four-month surge to the Western Pacific, where it took part in Exercise Foal Eagle 08. During the course of the cruise VAW-117 demonstrated its aviation skills, earning the CVW-11 Top Hook Award for the first time in nearly eight years. In January 2015 the squadron transferred to Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). source: wikipedia (2015)
patches
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