VAW-123
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two Three | |
|---|---|
 VAW-123 Insignia |
|
| Active | 1 April 1967 - Present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | US Navy |
| Type | Reconnaissance |
| Part of | Carrier Air Wing One |
| Nickname | "Screwtops" |
| Aircraft | E-2C Hawkeye |
| Engagements | Operation Desert Shield Operation Desert Storm Operation Deny Flight Operation Deliberate Force Operation Southern Watch Global War on Terror |
| Decorations | Battle Efficiency Award (11) Safety “S” Award (9) |
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123 (VAW-123) also known as the World Famous "Screwtops" is a United States Navy Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia. The "Screwtops" are an operational fleet squadron flying the E-2C Hawkeye. They are attached to Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) deployed aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). [1]
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[edit] History
The history of VAW-123 begins in 1945 with the commissioning of VC-12, officially known as Composite Squadron Twelve. VC-12 was redesignated VAW-12, Carrier Airborne Warning Squadron Twelve, in 1956. During its history, the organization of VAW-12 changed internally many times. The last change resulted in the establishment of Carrier Early Warning Wing Atlantic and the commissioning of all E-2A detachments as independent squadrons. As a result of this reorganization, VAW-12 Detachment 59 was commissioned VAW-123 in April 1967.[1]
Initially attached to CVW-17 aboard the USS Forrestal (CV-59), the squadron became an integral part of CVW-3 aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60) and remained there throughout the 1970s. In October 1980, the squadron transferred to CVW-11 aboard the USS America (CV-66). Following a 1981 Indian Ocean deployment, VAW-123 transferred to CVW-1 on 12 November 1981. Since that time, the Screwtops have made several extended Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and North Atlantic deployments as an integral part of the CVW-1/CV-66 team, until the decommissioning of the USS America in the Spring of 1997.[1]
Throughout the years, VAW-123 has consistently been at the forefront of the Airborne Early Warning community. In addition to being recipients of many awards, including eleven Battle "E's" and nine "Safety S's," the eleventh Battle "E" being awarded for 1999. Highlights of the command's history include the successful employment of the E-2C in 1973 and the first operational deployment of the E-2C ARPS (Advanced Radar Processing System) in 1978. In March 1996, the Screwtops became the first E-2 squadron on the East Coast to transition to the E-2C Group II aircraft, with its significantly upgraded avionics and engines. In November 1998, the Screwtops again led the way by becoming the first operational squadron on the East Coast to accept delivery of the Navigation Upgrade E-2C Group II's.[1]
The Screwtops have successfully met many challenging assignments and maintained a watchful eye on world events, ever ready to support national policy. The Screwtops were key participants in the 1986 Gulf of Sidra operations off the coast of Libya, and were directly involved in the first combat use of the HARM (High speed Anti-Radiation Missile) and Harpoon weapon systems. The Screwtops supported Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and were the only E-2 squadron to operate in both the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. The Screwtops have also flown in support of Operations Deny Flight and Deliberate Force over Bosnia-Herzegovina and Operation Southern Watch over Iraq.[1]
The Screwtops, along with the rest of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1), attached to the USS George Washington (CVN-73) for one deployment cycle, returning home on 2 April 1998.[1]
On 18 May 1998, Carrier Air Wing One transferred off the USS George Washington, bringing the Screwtops to their a home aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). During July and August 1998, VAW-123 detached to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, in support of the United States' ongoing efforts to stem the flow of narcotics through the Caribbean.[1]
In November and December 1998, the Screwtops detached to the newly commissioned USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75) in support of her shakedown cruise and Orange Air operations against the USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group.[1]
The Screwtops are currently deployed aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65).[1]
[edit] References
Concerning the exercise/operation start-end dates given for this group, some are in error. According to the Department of the Navy, several activities quoted as taking place in 1998 actually took place in 1996. This includes the group's participation in the commissioning of the Harry S. Truman, which date (1996) is accurate in your entry for that ship. This information was obtained@ http://209.85.165.104/searchq=cache:u1hDQCh7T4MJ:www.history.navy.mil/sqdhist/vaw/vaw-123 (address runs off my printout here, but it's obviously almost there.) Thanks, John H.
