Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126

VAW-126, currently designated Airborne Command and Control Squadron 126, is a United States Navy aviation unit based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Known as the Seahawks, the squadron operates the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, a carrier-based aircraft used for airborne early warning, battle management, communications relay, and command-and-control support. Its operational role is not the manufacture or sale of a commercial product; it is to provide airborne situational awareness and coordination for naval carrier strike groups and joint or coalition forces. The squadron was established at Naval Air Station Norfolk on 1 April 1969. It initially operated four E-2A Hawkeye aircraft and was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 17 aboard USS Forrestal. After its first deployment in 1970, it transitioned to the E-2B and subsequently to successive versions of the E-2C. These aircraft enabled the squadron to detect and track airborne and surface activity at extended ranges, support fleet air defense, coordinate strike operations, and provide command-and-control services to carrier air wings. During the 1970s, VAW-126 operated with several carrier air wings and carriers, including USS Forrestal, USS America, and USS Constellation. It also shifted between the Norfolk and Miramar areas while preparing for Pacific operations. In 1979, the squadron adopted the Seahawks nickname in memory of Commander Vady Clark, its commanding officer, who died suddenly that year. The 1980s brought a sustained association with USS John F. Kennedy and Carrier Air Wing 3. The squadron received repeated Battle Efficiency awards and other Navy recognition, including the Airborne Early Warning Excellence Award. Its activities included Mediterranean deployments, missile exercises, Aegis-support missions, fleet exercises, and counter-drug operations. In 1990 and 1991, it deployed with Kennedy in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, accumulating more than 2,850 flight hours during those operations. In the 1990s, the squadron moved with the Carrier Air Wing 3 team to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and later USS Theodore Roosevelt. It supported operations in the Mediterranean, Bosnia, the Adriatic, the Persian Gulf, and Kosovo. During a 1998–1999 deployment aboard USS Enterprise, it participated in Persian Gulf operations, Operation Desert Fox, Southern Watch, and Kosovo-related activity. It also conducted Caribbean counter-narcotics missions and helped coordinate the response to Hurricane Floyd. The 2000s saw repeated deployments aboard USS Harry S. Truman. VAW-126 supported Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. During the 2004–2005 deployment, the unit flew combat missions over Iraq and dispatched aircraft to Afghanistan, supporting two campaigns during the same deployment. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, it directed more than 150 aircraft involved in rescue and relief operations along the Gulf Coast. In 2006, it transitioned to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000, gaining updated systems and instrumentation. During the 2007–2008 deployment, it provided command and control over Iraq and helped generate a single integrated air picture for coalition forces in the Persian Gulf. The squadron flew the E-2C Navigation Upgrade aircraft during a 2013–2014 Operation Enduring Freedom deployment. In 2015, it participated in Green Flag joint exercises and left Carrier Air Wing 3 for assignment to Commander, Airborne Command, Control and Logistics Wing. Its transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye began in January 2016. On 1 January 2020, the Navy redesignated its VAW squadrons as Airborne Command and Control Squadrons, reflecting the broader mission of the units while retaining the VAW-126 identifier in common usage. In late September 2024, VAW-126 deployed with Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard USS Harry S. Truman. After exercises with European forces, the carrier group moved to the Red Sea area to support the defense of international shipping and Israeli security interests against Houthi attacks. The squadron began combat operations in the United States Central Command area in December 2024 and continued supporting carrier air operations against Houthi targets into 2025. Its current identity therefore combines the traditional early-warning mission of the E-2 Hawkeye with a wider command-and-control role across carrier, joint, and coalition operations.

VAW-126 was commissioned at Naval Air Station Norfolk on 1 April 1969. It began with four E-2A Hawkeye aircraft and joined Attack Carrier Air Wing 17 aboard USS Forrestal. The squadron made its first deployment in July 1970 and then transitioned to the E-2B. It earned the Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Battle Efficiency award in 1971 and again in 1974, as well as the Chief of Naval Operations Safety award in 1971. In the mid-1970s, the unit transferred to USS America and began moving from the E-2B to the E-2C Group 0. It operated with Carrier Air Wing 9 from the Miramar area and made repeated moves between Norfolk and Miramar while preparing for a Western Pacific deployment aboard USS Constellation, completed in 1978. In 1979, after the death of commanding officer Commander Vady Clark, the squadron adopted the Seahawks nickname in his memory. It subsequently joined USS John F. Kennedy and Carrier Air Wing 1. In 1981, VAW-126 joined Carrier Air Wing 3, which deployed aboard Kennedy. Its 1983–1984 deployment was particularly successful: the unit won the Battle Efficiency award, the COMNAVAIRLANT Silver Anchor for retention, and the Navy's Airborne Early Warning Excellence Award. Later activity included Mediterranean deployments, missile exercises, operations near the Virginia Capes, Aegis support, fleet exercises, and counter-narcotics work. In 1988, it again received the Battle Efficiency award and a Meritorious Unit Commendation and was nominated for a Secretary of Defense maintenance award. The squadron's final Kennedy deployment began in August 1990 in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm. It flew more than 2,850 hours during those operations. In the following decade, the Carrier Air Wing 3 team moved first to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and then to USS Theodore Roosevelt. VAW-126 supported Mediterranean, Bosnian, Adriatic, NATO, Persian Gulf, and Kosovo-related operations. During the 1998–1999 deployment aboard USS Enterprise, it participated in Operation Desert Fox, Southern Watch, Juniper Stallion, INVITEX, and Kosovo operations. It also conducted counter-drug patrols from Puerto Rico and assisted the Hurricane Floyd search-and-rescue response. From late 2000 to May 2001, the unit deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman and flew more than 850 hours over the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas in support of Southern Watch. A subsequent deployment aboard Truman in 2002–2003 included Operation Iraqi Freedom, during which the squadron flew 100 sorties and more than 445 hours. In 2004–2005, it flew 419 combat missions over Iraq and supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, marking the first occasion on which its aircraft supported two campaigns simultaneously. In September 2005, the squadron shifted to disaster response after Hurricane Katrina, directing more than 150 aircraft involved in rescue and relief operations from Naval Air Station Pensacola. The squadron transitioned from the E-2C+ Group II to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 in early 2006. It later supported a 2007–2008 deployment over Iraq, providing airborne command and control and helping relay a single integrated air picture from the Persian Gulf toward Baghdad. It flew the E-2C Navigation Upgrade during the 2013–2014 Operation Enduring Freedom cruise. In 2015, it participated in Green Flag joint exercises, left Carrier Air Wing 3, and joined Commander, Airborne Command, Control and Logistics Wing. The move to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye began in January 2016. On 1 January 2020, the Navy redesignated VAW squadrons as Airborne Command and Control Squadrons. VAW-126 nonetheless remains the squadron's established identifier and Seahawks identity. In late 2024, it deployed with Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard USS Harry S. Truman. After European exercises, the carrier group operated in the Red Sea in response to Houthi attacks and began combat operations in the Central Command area in December 2024. The squadron continued supporting carrier air operations against Houthi targets into 2025.

• 2024

  Carrier Air Wing 1 deployment

  [1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron deployed with Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard USS Harry S. Truman in late September 2024 and later operated in the Red Sea.

• 2020

  Formal redesignation of VAW squadrons

  [1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  On 1 January 2020, Navy VAW squadrons were formally redesignated Airborne Command and Control Squadrons.

• 2016

  Transition to E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

  [1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  VAW-126 began transitioning to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in January 2016.

• 2006

  Transition to Hawkeye 2000

  [1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron transitioned from the E-2C+ Group II to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 platform.

• 2005

  Hurricane Katrina relief operations

  [1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  VAW-126 directed more than 150 aircraft during rescue and relief operations after Hurricane Katrina, flying from Pensacola for 18 days.

• 1990

  Desert Shield and Desert Storm deployment

  [1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron deployed aboard Kennedy in August 1990 and accumulated more than 2,850 flight hours supporting Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

• 1981

  Assignment to Carrier Air Wing 3

  [1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  VAW-126 joined Carrier Air Wing 3 for deployments aboard USS John F. Kennedy.

• 1979

  Adoption of the Seahawks nickname

  [1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  The unit adopted the Seahawks nickname in memory of commanding officer Commander Vady Clark, who died suddenly in September 1979.

• 1970

  First deployment and E-2B transition

  [1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron completed its first deployment in July 1970 and subsequently transitioned from the E-2A to the E-2B.

• 1969

  Commissioning at NAS Norfolk

  [1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  VAW-126 was commissioned on 1 April 1969 at Naval Air Station Norfolk and initially received four E-2A Hawkeye aircraft.

A specialized United States Navy carrier aviation unit providing airborne situational awareness, command and control, and battle-management support for carrier strike groups and joint or coalition operations.

• Carrier-based airborne early-warning aircraft · 1969

  E-2A Hawkeye

  The E-2A was the squadron's initial aircraft type when VAW-126 was commissioned in 1969. It provided the unit's basic carrier-based airborne early-warning capability during its formative period before the squadron moved to later Hawkeye variants.

• Carrier-based airborne early-warning aircraft · 1970

  E-2B Hawkeye

  VAW-126 adopted the E-2B after its first deployment in 1970. The aircraft supported the squadron's early carrier deployments and expanded airborne surveillance and command-and-control responsibilities during the 1970s.

• Carrier-based airborne early-warning aircraft · 1974

  E-2C Hawkeye

  The E-2C became the squadron's principal aircraft from the mid-1970s through later decades. VAW-126 operated multiple E-2C configurations, including Group 0, E-2C+, Hawkeye 2000, and Navigation Upgrade variants, supporting fleet air defense, surveillance, and battle management.

• Carrier-based airborne command-and-control aircraft · 2016

  E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

  The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is VAW-126's current aircraft platform. It provides airborne early warning, command-and-control, communications, and sensor-network support for carrier strike groups and joint operations. The squadron began its transition to the type in January 2016.

• 2024Red Sea operations

  Red Sea · Middle East

  After deploying with Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard USS Harry S. Truman, VAW-126 supported operations in the Red Sea in response to Houthi attacks and threats to international shipping.

  Outcome. The squadron began combat operations in the Central Command area in December 2024 and continued supporting strikes into 2025.

  Source
• 2013Operation Enduring Freedom cruise

  Afghanistan · Indian Ocean

  VAW-126 completed a 2013–2014 Operation Enduring Freedom cruise with Carrier Air Wing 3 aboard USS Harry S. Truman.

  Outcome. The squadron operated the E-2C Navigation Upgrade variant during the cruise.

  Source
• 2007Iraq command-and-control operations

  Iraq · Persian Gulf

  During the 2007–2008 Truman deployment, VAW-126 provided airborne command and control for coalition operations in Iraq, including activity around Basra.

  Outcome. With support from a Cooperative Engagement Capability-equipped surface ship, the squadron helped extend a single integrated air picture toward Baghdad.

  Source
• 2005Hurricane Katrina relief operations

  United States Gulf Coast

  VAW-126 operated from Naval Air Station Pensacola after Hurricane Katrina and helped coordinate the large-scale movement of rescue and relief aircraft.

  Outcome. The squadron directed more than 150 aircraft and flew over 46 sorties across 18 days.

  Source
• 2004Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom

  Iraq · Afghanistan · Persian Gulf

  During a 2004–2005 deployment aboard Truman, the squadron flew combat missions over Iraq and detached two aircraft to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

  Outcome. The squadron supported two campaigns simultaneously and flew 419 combat missions into Iraq.

  Source
• 2002Operation Iraqi Freedom

  Iraq · Persian Gulf

  VAW-126 deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman and flew combat sorties supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

  Outcome. The squadron flew 100 sorties and more than 445 hours during the operation.

  Source
• 1999Caribbean counter-narcotics operations

  Caribbean Sea

  Based at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, the squadron worked with the Joint Interagency Task Force to detect and monitor suspected illegal drug traffic.

  Outcome. The mission was followed by support to the Hurricane Floyd search-and-rescue effort in North Carolina.

  Source
• 1998Persian Gulf, Southern Watch, and Kosovo operations

  Persian Gulf · Arabian Sea · Kosovo

  During its 1998–1999 Enterprise deployment, VAW-126 participated in Persian Gulf operations, Operation Desert Fox, Southern Watch, Juniper Stallion, INVITEX, and Kosovo-related operations.

  Outcome. The squadron completed the deployment after operating across the Persian Gulf and transiting the Suez Canal four times.

  Source
• 1996Bosnia and Adriatic operations

  Adriatic Sea · Mediterranean Sea

  During a Mediterranean deployment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, the squadron provided airborne early warning, electronic support, and airborne command-and-control functions for NATO air operations around Bosnia and the Adriatic.

  Outcome. The unit supported NATO air activity from the carrier battle group.

  Source
• 1990Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

  Persian Gulf

  VAW-126 deployed aboard USS John F. Kennedy and provided airborne early-warning and command-and-control support during the Gulf War period.

  Outcome. The squadron recorded more than 2,850 flight hours during the operations.

  Source

Showing the 10 most recent.

• 2020

  Formal designation change to Airborne Command and Control SquadronOther

  Background

  The Navy broadened the formal description of its VAW units to reflect missions extending beyond traditional airborne early warning.

  Action taken

  All VAW squadrons were redesignated Airborne Command and Control Squadrons on 1 January 2020.

  Aftermath

  VAW-126 retained its established numerical identifier and Seahawks identity while operating under the expanded mission description.

  Source

• 2016

  Adoption of the E-2D Advanced HawkeyeGeneration change

  Background

  The Navy began modernizing the squadron's aircraft fleet after its years operating E-2C variants.

  Action taken

  VAW-126 began its transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in January 2016.

  Aftermath

  The squadron entered the 2020s operating the E-2D, including during its 2024–2025 Red Sea deployment.

  Source

• 2015

  Reassignment from Carrier Air Wing 3Strategy

  Background

  Following participation in joint Green Flag exercises, the squadron changed its organizational affiliation.

  Action taken

  VAW-126 left Carrier Air Wing 3 and was assigned to Commander, Airborne Command, Control and Logistics Wing.

  Aftermath

  The reassignment placed the squadron within a command structure focused on broader airborne command-and-control capabilities.

  Source

• 2006

  Transition to E-2C Hawkeye 2000Generation change

  Background

  The squadron moved from the E-2C+ Group II configuration to the Hawkeye 2000 platform.

  Action taken

  VAW-126 adopted the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 with updated systems and instrumentation.

  Aftermath

  The new aircraft was used in air-to-air readiness training and subsequent operational deployments.

  Source

• 1974

  Transition from E-2B to E-2CGeneration change

  Background

  After returning from operations with USS America, the squadron began replacing its E-2B aircraft with the E-2C Group 0 variant.

  Action taken

  VAW-126 shifted to the E-2C platform for its airborne early-warning mission.

  Aftermath

  The E-2C family remained central to the squadron's operations for several decades.

  Source

• 2024

  VAW-126 deploys with Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard USS Harry S. Truman[1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The squadron and its E-2D aircraft departed the United States in late September 2024 for a scheduled deployment with Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard USS Harry S. Truman.

• 2024

  VAW-126 supports Red Sea operations[1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  After arriving in the United States Central Command area in December 2024, VAW-126 supported carrier operations in the Red Sea in response to Houthi attacks on shipping and related regional security threats.

• 2020

  Navy redesignates VAW squadrons as Airborne Command and Control Squadrons[1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  On 1 January 2020, the Navy changed the formal designation of VAW squadrons to Airborne Command and Control Squadrons, reflecting their broader operational role.

• 2016

  VAW-126 begins transition to E-2D Advanced Hawkeye[1]VAW-126en.wikipedia.org

  Product generation

  The squadron began replacing its E-2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the Navy's newer carrier-based airborne command-and-control platform.

1. 1VAW-126en.wikipedia.org