Airborne Command & Control Squadron 117
A United States Navy airborne early warning and command-and-control squadron operating the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Airborne Command & Control Squadron 117, commonly designated VAW-117 and nicknamed “The Wallbangers,” is a United States Navy carrier aviation unit specializing in airborne early warning, battlespace management, command and control, and tactical communications relay. The squadron operates the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, a carrier-capable aircraft equipped to detect and track airborne and surface activity, distribute a common operational picture, coordinate aircraft, and connect naval forces with wider joint and coalition command networks. Its present home station is Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California, and it deploys as part of a carrier air wing, including Carrier Air Wing 9 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. The unit was established at Naval Air Station North Island on 1 July 1974 within the Pacific Fleet’s Fighter Early Warning Wing. It received its first E-2B Hawkeye in October 1974 and moved with the other North Island E-2B squadrons to Naval Air Station Miramar the following year. Its first operational deployment began in October 1975 aboard USS Independence with Carrier Air Wing 7, followed by further Mediterranean, Western Pacific, and Indian Ocean deployments. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the squadron shifted among carrier air wings and ships, including USS Ranger and USS Enterprise, reflecting the mobile structure of U.S. Navy carrier forces. VAW-117 transitioned from the E-2B to the E-2C in 1981 and progressively adopted more capable radar, mission-computing, communications, and networking systems. During the 1988 deployment aboard USS Enterprise, the squadron provided secure voice and data links for operations in the Persian Gulf, including Operation Praying Mantis and tanker-escort missions associated with Operation Earnest Will. In the early 1990s it supported Operation Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Restore Hope. It also contributed to Operation Fiery Vigil, helping evacuate military dependents from the Philippines after the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. The squadron received a Joint Meritorious Unit Award for its role in that operation. The 1990s also brought organizational and technological changes. VAW-117 moved through deployments aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Kitty Hawk, and USS Carl Vinson, and received the E-2C Group II aircraft with the APS-145 radar. Following the repeal of restrictions that had barred women from serving aboard combatant ships, the squadron integrated its first female aviator and officer in March 1994 and its first female enlisted sailor in July of that year. In 1999, it was selected for operational testing of the Mission Computer Upgrade and Advanced Computer Information System, later becoming the first fleet squadron to deploy with that capability. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, VAW-117 supported the opening phase of Operation Enduring Freedom from USS Carl Vinson. Its aircraft helped manage airspace over Pakistan and southern Afghanistan, relay information between airborne aircraft and command authorities, and maintain coordination with commercial and military air traffic. The squadron was also the first fleet unit to receive the HE-2K Hawkeye and the first fleet Hawkeye squadron to receive the Cooperative Engagement Capability system. Subsequent deployments supported Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and major multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific, including Valiant Shield and Malabar. VAW-117 continued deploying with carrier air wings aboard USS Nimitz and other carriers during the 2010s. Its operational performance produced recognition such as the Golden Hook award for fixed-wing landing performance, the CVW-11 Top Hook Award, and the Battle Efficiency Award in 2016. In 2009, Commander Valerie Overstreet became the squadron’s first female commanding officer. On 1 January 2020, the unit was redesignated from Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 to Airborne Command & Control Squadron 117. The change reflected the expanding mission of the E-2 fleet beyond traditional radar warning, encompassing networked command, control, communications, surveillance, and management of complex air operations. Later in 2020, VAW-117 transitioned from the E-2C to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. The squadron therefore represents an operational military aviation unit rather than a commercial consumer brand; its “offering” is the specialized airborne command-and-control capability it provides to deployed naval task forces.
History
VAW-117 was established at Naval Air Station North Island, California, on 1 July 1974 as part of Fighter Early Warning Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. It received its first E-2B Hawkeye in October 1974. In 1975, the squadron moved with the other North Island E-2B units to Naval Air Station Miramar and undertook its first deployment aboard USS Independence with Carrier Air Wing 7 in the Mediterranean. Further deployments followed aboard Independence, USS Ranger, and USS Enterprise, taking the squadron into the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf operating environments. The unit converted from the E-2B to the E-2C in 1981. Its 1988 Enterprise deployment demonstrated the increasingly important command-and-control function of the Hawkeye. During Operation Praying Mantis, VAW-117 helped maintain secure voice and data communications between the carrier battle group and joint commanders in the Persian Gulf. It also flew escort and surveillance missions during Operation Earnest Will, which protected Kuwaiti-owned tankers from Iranian attacks. A subsequent world cruise included exercises such as Cope Thunder and Valiant Blitz and participation in Operation Classic Resolve. During the 1990s, the squadron operated with Carrier Air Wing 11 and USS Abraham Lincoln. It participated in Operation Desert Storm, helped evacuate dependents from the Philippines following the Mount Pinatubo eruption during Operation Fiery Vigil, and supported Operation Southern Watch and Operation Restore Hope. In 1994 it received the E-2C Group II aircraft with APS-145 radar. The repeal of statutory restrictions on women serving aboard combatant ships enabled the squadron to welcome its first female aviator and officer in March 1994 and its first female enlisted sailor in July 1994. Deployments during the decade included operations aboard USS Kitty Hawk and USS Carl Vinson. In 1999, VAW-117 was selected to conduct operational testing for the MCU/ACIS mission-system upgrade. The squadron deployed with MCU/ACIS in 2001 aboard Carl Vinson. After the September 11 attacks, its E-2Cs supported the initial air campaign in Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom. The aircraft functioned as airborne information-clearing houses, managing airspace, relaying communications, and connecting tactical aircraft with command authorities. VAW-117 was the first fleet squadron to receive the HE-2K Hawkeye and the first fleet Hawkeye squadron to receive Cooperative Engagement Capability. Later deployments aboard USS Nimitz supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and included engagement visits to Pakistan and India, while other cruises supported Operation Enduring Freedom and exercises including Valiant Shield, Malabar, and Foal Eagle. In 2009, Commander Valerie Overstreet became the squadron’s first female commanding officer. During the 2010s, VAW-117 continued carrier deployments, including an extended 2013 cruise aboard Nimitz. It received the Golden Hook award for fixed-wing landing performance and later the Battle Efficiency Award in 2016. In January 2015 it transferred to Carrier Air Wing 7 aboard USS Harry S. Truman. On 1 January 2020, the Navy redesignated the unit from Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 to Airborne Command & Control Squadron 117. The new designation acknowledged the E-2’s expanded role in networked surveillance, airspace management, communications, and command functions. Later that year, the squadron transitioned from the E-2C to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. It remains an active naval aviation unit based at Point Mugu and deploys with carrier air wings in support of U.S. Navy operations and exercises.
- 2020
Redesignated Airborne Command & Control Squadron 117
[1]The unit adopted its current designation to reflect its broader mission.
- 2020
Transition to E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
[1]The squadron transitioned from the E-2C to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
- 2016
Battle Efficiency Award
[1]VAW-117 received the Battle Efficiency Award while embarked aboard USS John C. Stennis.
- 2009
First female commanding officer
[1]Commander Valerie Overstreet became the first woman to command VAW-117.
- 2001
Support for Operation Enduring Freedom
[1]The squadron deployed with MCU/ACIS and supported early combat operations in Afghanistan.
- 1999
Selected for MCU/ACIS testing
[1]VAW-117 was selected for operational testing of the Navy’s MCU/ACIS upgrade.
- 1994
First female members join
[1]The squadron welcomed its first female aviator and officer in March and first female enlisted sailor in July.
- 1991
Desert Storm and Fiery Vigil support
[1]The squadron supported Operation Desert Storm and the evacuation operation following the Mount Pinatubo eruption.
- 1988
Persian Gulf command-and-control operations
[1]VAW-117 supported Operation Praying Mantis and Operation Earnest Will from USS Enterprise.
- 1981
Transition to E-2C
[1]The squadron completed its conversion from the E-2B to the E-2C Hawkeye.
Products and positioning
A specialized U.S. Navy carrier aviation unit positioned as an airborne information, surveillance, and command-and-control node for naval and joint operations.
Carrier-based airborne early warning and command-and-control aircraft · 2020
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is VAW-117’s current aircraft. It provides carrier strike groups with airborne surveillance, airspace management, battlespace awareness, communications relay, and command-and-control support. Its mission systems allow the crew to collect and distribute information across naval and joint networks while coordinating airborne assets in complex operating environments.
Carrier-based airborne early warning and command-and-control aircraft · 1981
E-2C Hawkeye
The E-2C was VAW-117’s principal aircraft from the early 1980s until its transition to the E-2D in 2020. The squadron operated progressively improved versions, including Group II aircraft with APS-145 radar, HE-2K aircraft, MCU/ACIS mission computers, and Cooperative Engagement Capability networking.
Carrier-based airborne early warning aircraft · 1974
E-2B Hawkeye
The E-2B was the squadron’s first aircraft type. VAW-117 received its first example in October 1974 and operated the model during its first Mediterranean and early carrier deployments before moving to the E-2C.
Marketing campaigns
- 2005Operation Iraqi Freedom
Iraq and Persian Gulf
VAW-117 deployed aboard USS Nimitz with the HE-2K variant in support of coalition operations.
Outcome. The squadron provided carrier-based airborne warning and command-and-control services.
- 2001Operation Enduring Freedom
Afghanistan and surrounding airspace
VAW-117’s E-2C aircraft managed battlespace information, relayed communications, and coordinated aircraft during the opening phase of operations in Afghanistan.
Outcome. The squadron helped maintain airspace safety and connectivity between tactical aircraft and command authorities.
- 1992Operation Southern Watch
Southern Iraq and Persian Gulf
VAW-117 provided airborne command-and-control support for the enforcement of the southern Iraqi no-fly zone.
Outcome. The squadron supported surveillance and coordination for coalition air operations.
- 1992Operation Restore Hope
Somalia
The squadron supplied command-and-control support during the U.S.-led humanitarian intervention in Somalia.
Outcome. VAW-117 contributed to the carrier air wing’s operational coordination.
- 1991Operation Desert Storm
Persian Gulf
VAW-117 supported carrier aviation command-and-control during the Gulf War.
Outcome. The squadron helped coordinate airborne operations as part of its carrier air wing.
- 1991Operation Fiery Vigil
Philippines
The squadron supported the evacuation of U.S. military dependents after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.
Outcome. VAW-117’s contribution was recognized with a Joint Meritorious Unit Award.
- 1988Operation Praying Mantis
Persian Gulf
Operating from USS Enterprise, VAW-117 provided airborne command-and-control and secure communications support during U.S. attacks on Iranian military targets.
Outcome. The squadron supported coordinated naval operations against Iranian oil platforms and surface combatants.
- 1987Operation Earnest Will
Persian Gulf
The squadron conducted surveillance and escort-support sorties during U.S. protection of Kuwaiti-owned tankers from Iranian attacks.
Outcome. VAW-117 contributed airborne coordination and situational awareness to maritime security operations.
Brand decisions
2020
Redesignation to reflect expanded command-and-control dutiesStrategyBackground
The E-2 mission had expanded from traditional airborne early warning to networked surveillance, communications, and battlespace management.
Action taken
The Navy redesignated the unit from Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 to Airborne Command & Control Squadron 117.
Aftermath
The new designation aligned the squadron with the broader operational role of the E-2C and E-2D communities.
2020
Transition to E-2D Advanced HawkeyeGeneration changeBackground
The E-2D offered newer sensors, networking, and command-and-control capabilities for carrier strike group operations.
Action taken
VAW-117 transitioned from the E-2C to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Aftermath
The squadron’s mission shifted further toward integrated, networked airborne command and control.
1999
Selection for MCU/ACIS operational testingStrategyBackground
The Navy was modernizing the E-2C’s mission-computing and information-management architecture.
Action taken
VAW-117 was selected to test the Mission Computer Upgrade and Advanced Computer Information System.
Aftermath
The squadron became the first fleet unit to deploy with MCU/ACIS in 2001.
1981
Transition from E-2B to E-2CGeneration changeBackground
The Navy sought improved airborne warning and command capabilities for carrier operations.
Action taken
VAW-117 completed a five-month conversion to the E-2C Hawkeye.
Aftermath
The squadron operated increasingly capable radar and mission-system variants through the 1990s and 2000s.
Sources1 sources
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