Foras una, multa: VAW Forty-One Years Later
Pausing for a moment to acknowledge this signatory event in VAW history before returning to the discussion on the Maritime Strategy later today… -SJS
1967: VAW-11 (West coast) and VAW-12 (East coast) constitute the two largest squadrons in the Navy with some 200 officers and 800 enlisted each. Each squadrom supports 4 plane E-1B Tracer (better known as “Willief Fudd” or just plain “Fudd”) or E-2A Hawkeye detachments on CVA’s and CVS’s around the world. Additionally, they provide training and qualification in type and a host of administration support tasks. The problem this was creating, among others, was a very narrow pinnacle for command and other leadership opportunities. In an effort to rectify this, a team led by CAPT Bob Yount and made up of CDR Bryan Rudy, LCDR Myer and LT Bob Allwine met with their counterparts from VAW-12 to work out a plan to convince CNO and the key bureaus in Washington (BuAer and BuPers) of the efficacy of splitting the two huge squadrons into individual squadrons under administrative wings. They met with CNO in February and were successful such that on 1 April 1967, a CNO message was released dividing the two squadrons as follows:
VAW-11 into Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing Pacific, RVAW-110 as the West Coast training squadron, VAW-111 to service the remaining E-1B dets on the West Coast (this would be assumed by RVAW-110 and VAW-111 disestablished), and VAW-112, VAW-113, VAW–14, VAW-115 and VAW-116 as E-2A squadrons. VAW-88 would be the West Coast Reserve squadron. VAW-117 would be added later and VAW-111 would attempt a brief come back in the early 80’s, but was disestablished after barely two years. The budget axe fell sharply post Cold War, with VAW-110 consolidating on the East coast with VAW-120 in a single E-2 training squadron, and VAW-114 being dis-established.
VAW-12 into Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing Atlantic, RVAW-120 as the East Coast training squadron, VAW-121 to service the remaining East Coast E-1B requirements (and continue doing so until 1976 when they upgraded to the E-2C), and VAW-122, VAW-123 and VAW-124 as E-2A squadrons. Unlike the West Coast which stood their squadrons up on 20 April 1967, the East Coast took the message literally and stood their squadrons up on the 1st of April, making VAW-122, deployed on the America, the first of the new VAW squadrons to be deployed. VAW-78 would be the East coast Reserve squadron. Eventually VAW-125, VAW-126 and VAW-127 would be added while the same post-Cold War budget axe would claim VAW-127 in 1991 and VAW-122 in 1996 and lead to consolidation of AEWWingLANT out west as Commander, Airborne Command Control and Logistics Wing when it was combined with AEWWingPAC. VAW-77 would be added as a special mission Reserve squadron.
Ah, memories. I was assigned to VAW-88 at NAS North Island from 1971 to 1976.
VAW-88 transitioned to the E-2C and moved to NAS Mirimar in 1976. At NAS Mirimar, I was TAD to AIMD in the COM/NAV Shop.
Harold,
My dad, Terry Small, Sr, was in VAW-88 at the same time. I am trying to find a high resolution image of a squadron patch, or even better, a sticker.
Please email me at:
terry@small.bz
Thanks,
Terry Jr
Aloha, I am trying to establish that I was in VAW 111, Detachment 33 on the USS Kearsarge 1965 to 1968. I need a official document. Mahalo, Mike Tierney
I was assigned to VAW-88 in 1973-1974 at NAS North Island. Squadron flew S-2’s (Stoof with a Roof). We were part of CAG-80.
I was assigned to VAW-111 Det-4 from Mar. 1972 to Aug 1975. During that time I was assigned to the squadron supply aboard the Uss Coral Sea. Our squadron was known as Matts Mustangs. We were deployed in southeast Asia
for two tours off the coast of Viet Nam. Our squadron was transitioning to E-2b and made a final cruise aboard the USS Forrestal. My final cruise was a Mediteranean Cruise and represented VAW-111 Det. 4 for our first deployment as a new squadron.
I was briefly with RVAW-110 at NAS North Island. Would enjoy reconnecting with roomie Steve Schwartz and Brooks.
I was assigned to VAW-78 1987-1990 as an AT2. Saw some bad times and saw the good times when Master Chief Meents came aboard from CAG-20. Had some good friendships during that time. Anyone from that time contact me.
I was with VAW-88 from 1971 to 1977. Left as a TAR Yeoman 2nd Class working operations with Lt. Jensen in September 77. Being a yeoman I know more officers than enlisted, but the enlisted I do remember have made a lifetime lasting impression. I thought Michael Tierney was an O with VAW-88. I worked on his service record, maybe can help with his records retrieval.
I remember Terry Small. He was one of those great enlisted guys, never in trouble, always doing his job right the first time. As I remember ADRC Hoyt relied on him a lot.
i was an AT on the med cruise in the summer of 75…or was it 76? just before 111 disbanded. i then got sent to 117 where i finished my 4 year enlistment. anyone from either squadron out there?