In 1966 the East Coast's first E-2A arrived and in 1967 the Chief of Naval Operations directed the formation of separate squadrons and a functional wing. VC-12 was redesignated VAW-12 in 1960 and in 1962 moved from Quonset Point back to NAS Norfolk, Virginia. VC-12 operated an improved version of the SKYRAIDER, the AD-5W, until 1960 when the new WF TRACER "WILLY FUDD", later redesignated as the E-1B, was acquired. During the Korean War, VC-12 detachments deployed in carriers for combat operations. Within a year, VAW-2 was redesignated VC-12 and relocated to Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where the TBM-3W was replaced with the AD-3W SKYRAIDER. In 1948 VAW-1 on the West Coast and VAW-2 at NAS Norfolk on the East Coast, were formed to replace the FAETU's in 1948. Following World War II, Fleet Aviation Electronics Training Units (FAETU's) were established on both coasts and continued to train pilots, operators and maintenance personnel on AEW equipment. Unfortunately, the war ended before these first AEW units could see action. By June 1945, the first group of modified Carrier Airborne Early Warning (AEW) TBM-3 AVENGERS were conducting trials with the USS RANGER (CV 61). KENNEDY (CV-67) in early 2002.Ĭarrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY ONE (VAW-121) traces its origin to Project Cadillac, a program initiated in 1942 to develop airborne radar relay platforms.
Having won the CNO's second consecutive Safety "S" award in 1999, VAW-121 was tentatively scheduled to next deploy with CVW-7 aboard the USS JOHN F. In July 2000 the Bluetails wrapped up a six month deployment aboard USS Dwight D Eisenhower, CVN-69.Īs of late 2000 the Bluetails was once again conducting Counter-Narcotic Operations in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The hangar and office spaces are in Building LP-34, located on Bellinger Blvd. The Squadron consists of 130 enlisted and 30 officers, and is home ported at Naval Station, orfolk, Virginia. These tasks include airborne sea, coordination and control for power projection ashore and fleet air defense. The principal missions are airborne early warning and battle management.
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Ĭarrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY ONE (VAW-121) flies the Grumman E-2C Group II Hawkeye a dual engine turboprop airborne command and control surveillance aircraft often referred to as the "Hummer." It is the most expensive aircraft in the Air Wing.