VAW-117

Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron One One Seven
VAW-117 insignia
Active	July 1, 1974 - present
Country	United States of America
Branch	United States Navy
Type	Airborne early warning
Size	190+
Part of	Carrier Air Wing 7
Garrison/HQ	NAS Point Mugu
Nickname(s)	The Wallbangers
Engagements	Operation Praying Mantis Operation Restore Hope Operation Southern Watch Operation Desert Fox Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom
Commanders
Current commander	CDR R.W. Carnicky
Aircraft flown
Electronic warfare	Grumman E-2 Hawkeye

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 ( 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 NAS Point Mugu and deploys as part of Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) on board the USS Harry S. Truman.

Mission

The Hawkeyes of VAW-117 provide radar coverage for every facet of battle group defense. Though a Hawkeye can operate independently, it normally functions as an extension of existing air defense systems. All data obtained on board the airplane can be relayed to surface command posts for display and decision-making. The E-2C Hawkeye, particularly with the new improvements in the Hawkeye 2000, has allowed the squadron to give air defense commanders the most complete, up-to-the-minute picture of theater operations possible.

Squadron History

1970s

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. The squadron made its first Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment with Carrier Air Wing Two on board the USS Ranger in February 1979.

1980s

During its 1988 WESTPAC deployment on board the USS Enterprise, 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.

1990s

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.

2000s

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 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.

An VAW-117 E-2C Hawkeye conducts a fly over during an airpower demonstration

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 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.

2010s

E-2C of VAW-117 takes off from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in September 2015

In January 2015 the squadron transferred to Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. ^[1]^[2]

References

Web

VAW-117's official website

United States Navy

Portal
Category

Leadership

Structure

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Personnel and
training

People

Officers	Insignia Designators

Enlisted	Insignia Ratings Classification

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Chief

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Equipment

History and
traditions

United States Navy Aircraft Squadrons

Book
Category:Aircraft squadrons of the United States Navy

Electronic Attack (VAQ)

Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW)

Strike Fighter (VFA)

Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ)

Fleet Fighter Composite (VFC)

Fleet Logistics Support (VR)

Carrier Fleet Logistics Support (VRC)

Patrol

VP	1 4 5 8 9 10 16 22 23 24 26 30 40 45 46 47 60 62 64 65 66 67 68 69 90 91 92 93

VPU	1 2

Unmanned (VUP)

Training (VT)

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM)

Helicopter Anti-Submarine

HS	11

HSL	37 40 43 44 45 46 48 49 51 60

Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC)

Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM)

Helicopter Training (HT)

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