Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 122
A former United States Navy carrier airborne early warning squadron that operated E-2 Hawkeye aircraft from 1967 to 1996.
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Overview
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 122, commonly designated VAW-122, was a United States Navy aviation unit based at Naval Air Station Norfolk and active from 1 April 1967 until 31 March 1996. The squadron formed part of the Atlantic Fleet carrier airborne early warning force and operated the E-2 Hawkeye, a carrier-based aircraft designed to detect and track airborne and surface activity, extend the fleet's radar picture, coordinate fighter aircraft, and support maritime and strike operations. VAW-122 began operations with the E-2A Hawkeye and was initially known by the nickname Hummer Gators. It later adopted the name Steeljaws. Its early operational history quickly placed it in demanding international situations. In June 1967, shortly after its establishment, the squadron helped establish communications and coordinate fighter coverage for USS Liberty in the Mediterranean after the intelligence-collection ship was attacked by Israeli aircraft and torpedo boats. During a 1968 deployment aboard USS America with Carrier Air Wing 6 off Vietnam, VAW-122 crews supported the interception that resulted in a VF-33 F-4 Phantom shooting down a North Vietnamese MiG-21 and directed interdiction strikes against targets in North Vietnam. During the 1970s, the squadron repeatedly operated in areas affected by political and military crises. A 1970 Mediterranean deployment aboard USS Independence with Carrier Air Wing 7 coincided with the Jordanian crisis. Afterward, VAW-122 transitioned to the improved E-2B. Subsequent Mediterranean deployments occurred during the 1973 Yom Kippur War and the 1974 Cyprus crisis. In April 1975, the unit moved to the E-2C, which became its principal aircraft for the remainder of its carrier-based service. A later Pacific deployment aboard USS Kitty Hawk in 1978 was followed by operations in the Arabian Sea, Mediterranean, and North Atlantic from carriers including Independence and USS Forrestal. In the 1980s, VAW-122 supported United States naval responses in Lebanon and Grenada. Its 1982 deployment aboard Independence contributed to operations connected with Beirut, while the 1983 deployment supported combat operations in Grenada and Lebanon. The squadron also supported a range of Cold War maritime, surveillance, command-and-control, and contingency missions across the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, African approaches, Indian Ocean, Eastern European vicinity, and Middle East. It participated in support activities for NASA Space Shuttle launches and developed operational methods that included airborne battlefield command-and-control, or ABCCC, missions. VAW-122 expanded beyond traditional carrier airborne warning work in the final phase of its existence. Beginning with shorter detachments in 1983 under Operation Thunderbolt, it undertook its first major squadron-level counter-narcotics deployment in 1990 to the Caribbean and Central America. In 1992, counter-narcotics became the unit's permanent mission. By the time of its deactivation, VAW-122 had completed eight deployments in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, with some missions extending over South and Central America and far into the Pacific. The squadron was credited with helping seize more than 16 metric tons of illegal drugs. VAW-122 was disestablished at Naval Air Station Norfolk on 31 March 1996. Its aircraft and drug-interdiction role were transferred to VAW-77, which was then based at Naval Air Station Atlanta. The squadron's legacy encompasses carrier-based airborne early warning, fighter direction, strike coordination, maritime surveillance, crisis response, space-launch support, and counter-narcotics operations across three decades.
History
VAW-122 was established on 1 April 1967 as an Atlantic Coast United States Navy carrier airborne early warning squadron. Stationed at Naval Air Station Norfolk, it was equipped initially with the E-2A Hawkeye and operated under the Navy's carrier air wing structure. The squadron's function was to provide airborne radar coverage, maintain communications, extend the fleet's situational awareness, and direct fighters and other aircraft during maritime, defensive, and offensive missions. Its first operational period coincided with the June 1967 crisis involving USS Liberty in the Mediterranean. VAW-122 helped establish communications and coordinate fighter coverage for the damaged intelligence-gathering ship after it was attacked by Israeli aircraft and torpedo boats. In 1968, while deployed aboard USS America off Vietnam, the squadron supported combat aviation by assisting a VF-33 F-4 Phantom crew during an engagement with a North Vietnamese MiG-21 and by controlling interdiction strikes against North Vietnamese targets. The squadron continued to operate in crisis-prone regions during the 1970s. Its 1970 Mediterranean deployment aboard USS Independence with Carrier Air Wing 7 took place during the Jordanian crisis. Following that deployment, the unit upgraded to the E-2B Hawkeye. Further Mediterranean deployments brought it into the operational environment of the 1973 Yom Kippur War and the 1974 Cyprus crisis. In April 1975, VAW-122 received the E-2C, a more capable version of the Hawkeye that supported its subsequent surveillance and command-and-control missions. A Pacific deployment aboard USS Kitty Hawk with Carrier Air Wing 6 in 1978 preceded a long period of activity across the Arabian Sea, Mediterranean, and North Atlantic. The squadron operated from Independence and USS Forrestal and participated in a broad range of Cold War and contingency missions. Its geographic reach extended from Arctic and North Atlantic conditions to tropical waters, and its deployments included maritime approaches to Africa, the Indian Ocean, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. VAW-122 also supported NASA Space Shuttle launches and developed specialized procedures, including airborne battlefield command-and-control missions. In the 1980s, the unit supported United States operations associated with Lebanon and Grenada. Its 1982 deployment aboard Independence provided support for operations connected with Beirut. The following year's deployment supported combat operations in Grenada and Lebanon. In 1991, during its final combat carrier deployment, VAW-122 supported Operation Provide Comfort over Iraq during and after the Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm period. The squadron's final operational transformation came through counter-narcotics work. Smaller detachments had begun participating in this field in 1983 under Operation Thunderbolt. In 1990, VAW-122 made its first substantial counter-narcotics deployment as a complete squadron to the Caribbean and Central America. Counter-narcotics became its permanent assignment in 1992. During eight deployments in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific by 1996, crews conducted surveillance missions over broad areas, including portions of South and Central America and distant Pacific operating zones. The unit was credited with the seizure of more than 16 metric tons of illegal drugs. VAW-122 was disestablished at Naval Air Station Norfolk on 31 March 1996 after approximately thirty years of service. VAW-77, based at Naval Air Station Atlanta, assumed its aircraft and counter-narcotics mission. The squadron was known first as the Hummer Gators and later as Steeljaws.
- 1996
Disestablishment
[1]VAW-122 was disestablished at Naval Air Station Norfolk on 31 March, with VAW-77 assuming its aircraft and counter-narcotics role.
- 1992
Permanent counter-narcotics assignment
[1]Counter-narcotics became the squadron's permanent mission.
- 1991
Support for Operation Provide Comfort
[1]During its last combat carrier deployment, VAW-122 supported Operation Provide Comfort over Iraq during and after the Desert Storm period.
- 1990
First major squadron counter-narcotics deployment
[1]The unit deployed as a squadron to the Caribbean and Central America for counter-narcotics operations.
- 1983
Operations in Grenada and Lebanon
[1]VAW-122 supported combat operations in Grenada and Lebanon during its 1983 deployment.
- 1982
Support for Beirut-related operations
[1]The squadron deployed aboard USS Independence and supported United States naval operations connected with Beirut and Lebanon.
- 1978
Pacific deployment aboard USS Kitty Hawk
[1]VAW-122 deployed in the Pacific aboard USS Kitty Hawk with Carrier Air Wing 6 and subsequently continued operations across several maritime regions.
- 1975
E-2C Hawkeye introduced
[1]The squadron upgraded to the E-2C Hawkeye in April, replacing the E-2B as its principal aircraft.
- 1974
Cyprus crisis deployment
[1]VAW-122 conducted another Mediterranean deployment during the Cyprus crisis.
- 1973
Yom Kippur War-era operations
[1]A Mediterranean deployment placed the squadron in the regional operating environment of the Yom Kippur War.
Products and positioning
A fleet airborne early warning and command-and-control squadron supporting United States Navy carrier operations, crisis response, combat missions, and later counter-narcotics surveillance.
Carrier-based airborne early warning aircraft
E-2A Hawkeye
The E-2A Hawkeye was VAW-122's initial aircraft. In squadron service it provided airborne radar surveillance, communications support, and the ability to coordinate fighter coverage and other naval aviation activity from an aircraft carrier.
Carrier-based airborne early warning aircraft · 1970
E-2B Hawkeye
VAW-122 adopted the E-2B after its 1970 Mediterranean deployment. The upgraded Hawkeye expanded the squadron's airborne warning and command-and-control capability during subsequent crisis and carrier operations.
Carrier-based airborne early warning aircraft · 1975
E-2C Hawkeye
Introduced to VAW-122 in April 1975, the E-2C was the squadron's principal aircraft during its later carrier deployments, combat-support missions, space-launch support, and counter-narcotics surveillance work. Its role centered on airborne detection, fleet communications, fighter direction, and battle management.
Marketing campaigns
- 1991Operation Provide Comfort
Iraq · Northern Iraq
On its final combat carrier deployment, VAW-122 supported Operation Provide Comfort over Iraq during and after the Desert Storm period.
Outcome. The squadron contributed airborne surveillance and command-and-control coverage to postwar operations.
- 1990Counter-narcotics operations
Caribbean · Central America · Eastern Pacific
VAW-122 conducted its first major counter-narcotics deployment as a complete squadron, building on smaller detachments that had participated in Operation Thunderbolt from 1983.
Outcome. The mission became the squadron's permanent role in 1992, and the unit was later credited with helping seize more than 16 metric tons of illegal drugs.
- 1983Grenada and Lebanon operations
Grenada · Lebanon · Caribbean · Eastern Mediterranean
During its 1983 deployment, VAW-122 supported combat operations in Grenada and Lebanon.
Outcome. The squadron extended carrier airborne surveillance and aviation coordination to two separate operational theaters.
- 1982Beirut and Lebanon support
Lebanon · Eastern Mediterranean
The squadron deployed aboard USS Independence and supported United States operations associated with Beirut and Lebanon.
Outcome. VAW-122 provided airborne early warning and command-and-control support.
- 1974Cyprus crisis operations
Mediterranean Sea · Cyprus
VAW-122 returned to the Mediterranean during the Cyprus crisis.
Outcome. The squadron supported regional carrier operations and maritime awareness.
- 1973Yom Kippur War-era Mediterranean operations
Mediterranean Sea · Middle East
The squadron conducted a Mediterranean deployment during the regional tensions surrounding the Yom Kippur War.
Outcome. VAW-122 maintained airborne surveillance and carrier aviation support.
- 1970Jordanian crisis deployment
Mediterranean Sea · Middle East
VAW-122 deployed aboard USS Independence with Carrier Air Wing 7 during the Jordanian crisis.
Outcome. The squadron contributed carrier airborne warning and command-and-control coverage in the regional crisis environment.
- 1968Vietnam combat support
Vietnam · South China Sea
From USS America, VAW-122 supported fighter operations and controlled interdiction strikes against North Vietnam.
Outcome. The squadron assisted a VF-33 F-4 Phantom crew during the downing of a North Vietnamese MiG-21 and supported strike coordination.
- 1967Mediterranean USS Liberty response
Mediterranean Sea
VAW-122 helped establish communications and direct fighter coverage for USS Liberty after the intelligence-gathering ship was attacked by Israeli aircraft and torpedo boats.
Outcome. The squadron provided airborne communications and fighter-control support during the response.
Brand decisions
1996
Disestablishment and transfer of missionStrategyBackground
The Navy reorganized the force after approximately three decades of VAW-122 service.
Action taken
VAW-122 was disestablished at Naval Air Station Norfolk on 31 March 1996, and VAW-77 assumed its aircraft and counter-narcotics mission.
Aftermath
The VAW-122 designation ceased to represent an active Navy squadron.
1992
Permanent counter-narcotics assignmentStrategyBackground
After earlier short-duration detachments and a major squadron deployment in 1990, the Navy expanded VAW-122's role beyond conventional carrier operations.
Action taken
The squadron was permanently assigned to counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
Aftermath
VAW-122 completed eight deployments in the region before its 1996 disestablishment and was credited with helping seize more than 16 metric tons of illegal drugs.
1975
Adoption of the E-2C HawkeyeGeneration changeBackground
The squadron required a more capable aircraft for sustained fleet surveillance and command-and-control operations.
Action taken
VAW-122 transitioned to the E-2C Hawkeye in April 1975.
Aftermath
The E-2C remained the squadron's principal aircraft through its later combat-support and counter-narcotics years.
1970
Transition from E-2A to E-2B HawkeyeGeneration changeBackground
Following a Mediterranean deployment during the Jordanian crisis, the squadron received an improved version of its carrier airborne early warning aircraft.
Action taken
VAW-122 upgraded from the E-2A to the E-2B Hawkeye.
Aftermath
The upgrade supported the squadron's continuing crisis-response and carrier command-and-control missions.
Recent events
- 1996
VAW-122 disestablished and mission transferred to VAW-77[1]
Leadership change · Other
The squadron was disestablished at Naval Air Station Norfolk on 31 March 1996. Its aircraft and drug-interdiction mission were assumed by VAW-77 at Naval Air Station Atlanta.
- 1992
Counter-narcotics mission became VAW-122's permanent role[1]
Other
The squadron was permanently assigned to counter-narcotics operations and subsequently conducted deployments across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
- 1990
VAW-122 began major squadron-level counter-narcotics deployment[1]
Other
The squadron deployed to the Caribbean and Central America for its first major counter-narcotics operation as a complete unit, following earlier smaller detachments.
- 1975
Squadron transitioned to the E-2C Hawkeye[1]
Product generation
VAW-122 upgraded from the E-2B to the E-2C Hawkeye, the aircraft type it used through the later carrier and surveillance phases of its service.
- 1967
VAW-122 established as a United States Navy aviation squadron[1]
Other
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 122 entered service on 1 April 1967 as an Atlantic Fleet carrier airborne early warning unit based at Naval Air Station Norfolk.
- 1967
VAW-122 supported USS Liberty response in the Mediterranean[1]
Other
During its first year, the squadron helped establish communications and direct fighter coverage for USS Liberty after the ship was attacked in the Mediterranean.
Sources1 sources
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