VAW-117

Established at NAS North Island, California on 1 July 1974, as part of Fighter Early Warning Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, VAW-117 received its first E-2B aircraft (Buno: 151713) on 15 October 1974. In July of the following year VAW-117, along with all NAS North Island E-2B squadrons, executed a home port shift to NAS Miramar. On 15 October, 1975, VAW-117 departed on its first deployment on board USS Independence as part of Carrier Air Wing Seven to the Mediterranean Sea.[1] The squadron again deployed with the USS Independence from March to October of 1977.[2] In 1978, the squadron was assigned to the operational control of Carrier Air Wing Two on board USS Ranger, and in February of 1979 began its first deployment to the Western Pacific (WESTPAC).[3]

An E-2B Hawkeye of VAW-117, in 1980.

VAW-117 again deployed in September 1980 with the USS Ranger and CVW-2,[4] returning home in May 1981. Then in October the squadron completed the five month transition from the E-2B to the E-2C.[5] In 1982, VAW-117 along with CVW-2 swapped to embarking aboard USS Enterprise and on September 1st, 1980 departed on their first deployment with the E-2C. [6]

In 1988, on board USS Enterprise, VAW-117 played a key command and control role in providing crucial secure data and voice communications links between the USS Enterprise Battle Group and the Joint Task Force Middle East Commander in the Persian Gulf during Operation Praying Mantis. The operation resulted in coordinated attacks and destruction of Iranian oil rigs and surface combatants.[3][7][8] During this deployment VAW-117 conducted numerous flight operations and escort missions in support of Operation Earnest Will, the protection of Kuwaiti-owned tankers from Iranian attack.[8] Prior to changing their name to "WallBangers" then "NightHawks" they were first called "Lemurs".

On board 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).[3]

A VAW-117 E-2C conducts a flyover, 2007.

In July 2001, VAW-117 was the first squadron to deploy with the new MCU/ACIS system. WESTPAC 2001–02 on board 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 extensive radar and communication equipment on board the E-2C Hawkeye allowed the squadron to 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. VAW-117 was the first fleet squadron to receive the HE-2K variant of the Hawkeye and also the first fleet Hawkeye squadron to receive the Cooperative Engagement Capability system (CEC).[3]

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, Hawaii, twice.[3]

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 the Iraq War. 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.

A VAW-117 E-2D Hawkeye in flight with a F-35C of VMFA-314, 14 January 2021.

In April 2013 the squadron deployed with CVW-11 on board USS Nimitz in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It ended up being an extended deployment of eight months and they returned on 10 December 2013. During the deployment, due to their outstanding landing grades earned them the coveted "Golden Hook" award for having the best overall landing performance of the fixed-wing squadrons.[9]

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

In 2016, VAW-117 was awarded the Battle Efficiency Award while on board USS John C. Stennis.[3]

VAW-117 E-2D being operated by the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS) takes-off during a U.S. Air Force Weapons School (USAFWS) Integration exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 19, 2020.