About this Unit
Airborne Early Warning Squadron 11 (VAW-11), also known as "Aewron 11," was a United States Navy squadron established in 1952. Its primary mission was to provide airborne early warning and command and control capabilities, initially operating the Grumman AF-2W Guardian and later transitioning to the E-1 Tracer aircraft. VAW-11 played a critical role in fleet air defense and surveillance during the Cold War era, particularly in the Pacific theater. In 1967, the squadron was disestablished and reorganized into several independent detachments, leading to the creation of modern VAW squadrons that continue its legacy today.
Historical Facts
• Origins: Airborne Early Warning Squadron 11 (VAW-11), also known as "Aewron 11," was established in 1948 as part of the U.S. Navy’s efforts to enhance airborne early warning (AEW) capabilities after World War II.
• Nickname: The squadron was nicknamed the “Early Elevens.”
• First Aircraft: The squadron initially flew the TBM-3W Avenger, a modified version of the famous WWII torpedo bomber equipped with radar for AEW missions.
• Carrier Operations: VAW-11 operated from numerous aircraft carriers in both the Pacific and Atlantic, providing vital radar coverage and fleet defense during the early Cold War years.
• Pioneering Technology: The squadron played a key role in integrating and testing new radar and electronic warfare equipment, including the move to the WF-2 Tracer (“Willie Fudd”), the Navy’s first purpose-built AEW aircraft with its distinctive radome.
• Vietnam War Service: During the Vietnam War, VAW-11 detachments provided critical airborne command, control, and surveillance for carrier task forces operating in the Gulf of Tonkin.
• Detachment System: VAW-11 was unique in that it operated a “detachment” system, splitting its aircraft and crews between multiple carriers, which became a model for future AEW squadrons.
• Transition to E-2 Hawkeye: The squadron was among the first to operate the E-2A Hawkeye, which remains the U.S. Navy’s primary AEW platform to this day.
• Squadron Split: In 1967, VAW-11 was disestablished and reorganized into several independent squadrons, including VAW-111, VAW-112, VAW-113, and VAW-114, each with its own carrier assignment.
• Legacy: The traditions and innovations of VAW-11 helped shape modern airborne command and control, and its successor squadrons continue to serve as the “eyes of the fleet.”
