Airborne Command & Control Squadron 125
VAW-125 is an active United States Navy airborne early-warning and command-and-control squadron operating the E-2 Hawkeye family of aircraft.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Airborne Command & Control Squadron 125, designated VAW-125 and known by the nicknames “Torch Bearers” and “Tigertails,” is a United States Navy carrier aviation unit specializing in airborne early warning, battle management, communications relay, and command-and-control support. The squadron was established on 1 October 1968 at Naval Air Station Norfolk and initially supported Carrier Air Wing Three aboard USS Saratoga. Its core aircraft has been the E-2 Hawkeye, a carrier-based turboprop aircraft whose radar, communications, and battle-management systems extend a carrier strike group’s situational awareness and help coordinate defensive and offensive operations. VAW-125 became the first East Coast Navy squadron to operate the E-2B in 1968. It was among the early units to transition to the E-2C in 1975, received the E-2C 2000 during that aircraft’s first operational year in 2003, and became the first unit to operate the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in 2014. These transitions reflect the squadron’s continuing role as an operational test and early-adopter unit for improvements in radar processing, communications, sensor fusion, and networked command and control. The squadron has repeatedly deployed with carrier air wings and aircraft carriers across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Caribbean, and Western Pacific. Its missions have included carrier battle-group air defense, support for freedom-of-navigation operations, monitoring and coordination during regional conflicts, counter-drug surveillance, humanitarian assistance, and support to multinational operations. During the 1990–91 Gulf War, VAW-125 flew more than 890 combat hours while providing airborne early-warning coverage and controlling strike operations. Its controllers also helped direct Navy fighters against Iraqi aircraft on 17 January 1991. VAW-125 supported NATO and United Nations-related activity in the former Yugoslavia, including Operations Deny Flight, Provide Promise, and Joint Endeavor. In 1994 it tested a Mini-DAMA satellite communications suite and used it to operate as an Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center. Following the September 2001 terrorist attacks, squadron personnel deployed aboard USS George Washington in support of Operation Noble Eagle and flew command-and-control missions around New York City while commercial aviation gradually resumed. In 2010, the squadron supported humanitarian relief after the Haiti earthquake by providing communications relay, airborne radar, and command-and-control services that helped distribute food, water, and medical supplies. In 2015, VAW-125 deployed with USS Theodore Roosevelt as part of the first carrier strike group deployment incorporating Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air. In 2017, the squadron relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and joined Carrier Air Wing Five aboard USS Ronald Reagan. Its later force structure continued to be shaped by the Navy’s carrier-air-wing reassignments, including the planned transition of Carrier Air Wing Five to USS George Washington in 2024. Unlike a commercial brand, VAW-125 is an institutional military identity rather than a consumer-facing business: its reputation is based on operational readiness, aircraft modernization, safety, deployment performance, and contribution to naval command networks.
History
VAW-125 was formed at Naval Air Station Norfolk on 1 October 1968 and began its operational life supporting Carrier Air Wing Three aboard USS Saratoga. The squadron entered the E-2 Hawkeye community during a period when the Navy was expanding carrier-based airborne early warning and developing more capable radar and command networks. It received E-2B aircraft at establishment, became an early E-2C operator in the mid-1970s, and later adopted successive upgrades that increased its ability to manage air operations and share sensor information across a carrier force. The 1970s established the squadron’s reputation for readiness and safety. In 1976 it received the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle “E,” the CINCLANTFLT Golden Anchor Award, and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” Award in the same year. In 1978 the unit lost an aircraft and three aviators. That year it also took the E-2C Advanced Radar Processing System to sea for the first time. In 1979 it joined Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and continued Mediterranean deployments aboard USS Forrestal. During the 1980s, VAW-125 participated in freedom-of-navigation activity and exercises in the Mediterranean and Gulf of Sidra. It supported the 1981 confrontation involving Libyan aircraft, provided range-control services for the second Space Shuttle launch, and undertook an early E-2C counter-drug mission. Its 1982 deployment aboard USS Forrestal extended from the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal into the North Arabian Sea and included support to United States and United Nations operations connected with Lebanon. The squadron later cross-decked to USS Saratoga and made further Mediterranean deployments. In 1985, its aircrew assisted in the interception and diversion of the aircraft carrying the hijackers of the cruise ship Achille Lauro. In 1988, it joined USS Independence for an around-the-world cruise to San Diego. The 1990s brought combat operations and broader networked command responsibilities. After Iraq invaded Kuwait, VAW-125 deployed with Carrier Air Wing Seventeen to the Red Sea. It flew around the clock during Operation Desert Shield and logged more than 890 combat hours controlling strikes and maintaining airborne early-warning coverage during Operation Desert Storm. On 17 January 1991, its controllers detected Iraqi MiG-21 aircraft and vectored Navy F/A-18s to intercept them. In the middle of the decade, the squadron supported NATO and United Nations missions over the former Yugoslavia, tested satellite communications, and demonstrated an airborne battlefield command-and-control role. It later participated in counter-drug operations, Operation Joint Endeavor, and Operation Southern Watch. Its 1996 performance earned multiple Navy aviation and safety awards. After the September 11 attacks, VAW-125 rapidly supported Operation Noble Eagle from USS George Washington and flew command-and-control missions in the New York area. The squadron passed a major mishap-free milestone during that cruise. In 2003 it became the first East Coast unit to transition to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000, including improved mission systems and Cooperative Engagement Capability integration. Subsequent deployments supported the War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom, and maritime operations near Somalia. In 2010 the squadron contributed to Operation Unified Response after the Haiti earthquake, using its aircraft as communications and radar platforms for relief forces. In 2014 it became the first unit to operate the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. In 2015 it deployed with USS Theodore Roosevelt during the first carrier strike group deployment using NIFC-CA. The squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in 2017 and joined Carrier Air Wing Five aboard USS Ronald Reagan. Its continuing identity is tied to the Navy’s carrier-air-wing structure and to the modernization of airborne early warning into an integrated, networked command-and-control capability.
- 2024
Carrier air-wing reassignment
[1]Carrier Air Wing Five was reassigned to USS George Washington when that carrier replaced USS Ronald Reagan in Japan.
- 2017
Move to Japan
[1]VAW-125 arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and joined Carrier Air Wing Five.
- 2015
First NIFC-CA carrier strike group deployment
[1]The squadron deployed with USS Theodore Roosevelt in the first carrier strike group deployment incorporating NIFC-CA.
- 2014
First E-2D Advanced Hawkeye operator
[1]VAW-125 became the first unit to operate the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
- 2010
Haiti humanitarian assistance
[1]The unit supported Operation Unified Response after the Haiti earthquake.
- 2003
E-2C Hawkeye 2000 transition
[1]VAW-125 became the first East Coast squadron to transition to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000.
- 1994
Airborne battlefield command-and-control test
[1]The squadron used a Mini-DAMA satellite communications suite to operate as an Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center.
- 1991
Gulf War combat operations
[1]VAW-125 flew more than 890 combat hours and directed fighter activity during Operation Desert Storm.
- 1981
Counter-drug and space-launch support
[1]The squadron provided range-control support for STS-2 and participated in an early E-2C counter-drug tasking.
- 1976
Three major Navy awards
[1]The squadron received the Battle E, Golden Anchor, and CNO Safety S awards in the same year.
Products and positioning
A specialized United States Navy carrier aviation unit positioned around airborne early warning, integrated air defense, battle management, communications relay, and operational command-and-control expertise.
Airborne early-warning and command-and-control aircraft · 1968
E-2 Hawkeye
The E-2 Hawkeye is a carrier-based airborne early-warning aircraft equipped with a prominent radar system and mission crew stations. VAW-125 uses the platform to detect and track aircraft and maritime activity, extend a carrier strike group’s radar picture, coordinate air operations, and relay information among ships and aircraft.
Upgraded airborne early-warning aircraft · 2003
E-2C Hawkeye 2000
The Hawkeye 2000 introduced improved electrical and environmental systems, mission computers, display stations, and Cooperative Engagement Capability functions. VAW-125 became the first East Coast squadron to transition to this configuration in 2003 and participated in evaluation of its networked airborne node.
Advanced airborne early-warning and command-and-control aircraft · 2014
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
The E-2D is a later-generation Hawkeye with enhanced radar, mission-system, and network-integration capabilities. VAW-125 was the first unit to operate the type in 2014, reinforcing its role as an early adopter of Navy airborne command-and-control technology.
Marketing campaigns
- 2015NIFC-CA carrier strike group deployment
Middle East
VAW-125 deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt as part of the first carrier strike group to employ Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air.
Outcome. The deployment demonstrated the squadron’s role in networked, integrated air and missile defense.
- 2010Operation Unified Response
Haiti · Caribbean
The squadron provided communications relay, radar, and command-and-control support for the distribution of relief supplies after the Haiti earthquake.
Outcome. Airborne support helped forces afloat and ashore coordinate delivery of food, water, and medical supplies.
- 2001Operation Noble Eagle
United States East Coast · New York City area
Following the September 11 attacks, the squadron flew airborne command-and-control missions supporting the security response and the controlled resumption of commercial aviation.
Outcome. The unit contributed airborne surveillance and coordination during the immediate homeland-defense response.
- 1996Operation Joint Endeavor and Operation Southern Watch
Former Yugoslavia · Southwest Asia
VAW-125 supported NATO activity over the former Yugoslavia and later provided coverage during Operation Southern Watch.
Outcome. The squadron received several Navy aviation and safety recognitions for its 1996 performance.
- 1994Operations Deny Flight and Provide Promise
Former Yugoslavia · Adriatic and Mediterranean regions
The squadron supported NATO operations and conducted testing of satellite communications and airborne battlefield command-and-control capabilities.
Outcome. The unit demonstrated expanded command-and-control functionality beyond traditional radar surveillance.
- 1990Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Red Sea · Persian Gulf
The squadron provided continuous airborne early warning and controlled strike operations during the coalition response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent war.
Outcome. VAW-125 logged more than 890 combat hours and supported the only Navy fixed-wing air-to-air kills of Operation Desert Storm by directing Navy fighters toward Iraqi MiGs.
- 1985Achille Lauro hijacker interception
Mediterranean Sea · Sicily
VAW-125 aircrew assisted the interception of the Egyptian airliner carrying the hijackers of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro and helped persuade the aircraft to divert to Naval Air Station Sigonella.
Outcome. The aircraft was diverted to Sigonella, enabling authorities to take control of the situation.
- 1982Lebanon support operations
Eastern Mediterranean · Lebanon
The squadron supported United States and United Nations operations connected with Lebanon during a Mediterranean and North Arabian Sea deployment.
Outcome. Participating personnel were associated with a deployment for which Navy Expeditionary Medals were awarded.
- 1981Freedom of Navigation operations and Gulf of Sidra exercise
Central Mediterranean · Gulf of Sidra
VAW-125 participated in freedom-of-navigation activity and an open-ocean missile exercise during a deployment involving confrontation with Libyan aircraft.
Outcome. The operations demonstrated the squadron’s surveillance and battle-management role in a contested maritime environment.
Brand decisions
2017
Relocation to Japan and assignment to Carrier Air Wing FiveStrategyBackground
The Navy adjusted its forward-deployed carrier aviation structure in the Indo-Pacific.
Action taken
VAW-125 moved to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and replaced VAW-115 in Carrier Air Wing Five aboard USS Ronald Reagan.
Aftermath
The squadron gained a continuing forward-deployed role in the Western Pacific.
2014
Adoption of the E-2D Advanced HawkeyeGeneration changeBackground
The Navy introduced the E-2D as a more capable generation of airborne early-warning and command-and-control aircraft.
Action taken
VAW-125 became the first unit to operate the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Aftermath
The squadron continued its historical role as an early operational user of major Hawkeye upgrades.
2003
Transition to E-2C Hawkeye 2000Generation changeBackground
The Navy was upgrading airborne early-warning aircraft with improved mission systems and network connectivity.
Action taken
VAW-125 became the first East Coast squadron to transition to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 and evaluated the AN/USG-3 airborne Cooperative Engagement Capability node.
Aftermath
The transition expanded the squadron’s role in sensor fusion and networked carrier-defense operations.
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