About this Unit
Airborne Early Warning Squadron 4 (AEWRON-4 or VW-4), known as the "Hurricane Hunters," was a U.S. Navy aviation unit established in 1952. The squadron's primary mission was to conduct airborne early warning and weather reconnaissance, particularly tracking Atlantic hurricanes, using aircraft such as the Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star. Operating from NAS Jacksonville, Florida, and later NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, AEWRON-4 played a pivotal role in meteorological data collection and storm tracking throughout the Cold War era. The squadron was disestablished in 1975, having contributed significantly to both military early warning capability and civilian hurricane forecasting.
Historical Facts
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Early Beginnings: Airborne Early Warning Squadron FOUR (AEWRON-4), also known as VAW-4, was established in 1948, making it one of the earliest dedicated airborne early warning (AEW) squadrons in the U.S. Navy.
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Cold War Sentinel: AEWRON-4 played a crucial role during the Cold War, providing radar coverage and early warning against potential Soviet bomber and missile threats along the U.S. coastline.
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“Willy Victor” Aircraft: The squadron was famous for flying the Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star, affectionately nicknamed “Willy Victor,” a military variant of the Constellation airliner equipped with powerful radar systems.
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Barrier Patrols: AEWRON-4 operated as part of the North American Air Defense Command’s (NORAD) “Barrier Force” in the Atlantic and Pacific, keeping massive radar picket lines aloft 24/7.
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Key Cuban Missile Crisis Role: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, AEWRON-4 crews monitored airspace and provided critical intelligence and early warning to U.S. forces.
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Long Missions: Flights could last up to 16 hours, with crews maintaining constant vigilance over vast oceanic expanses, reflecting the endurance and dedication of AEWRON-4 personnel.
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Home Base: The squadron was based at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, and later relocated to NAS Norfolk, Virginia, strategically positioning them for Atlantic operations.
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Decommissioning: AEWRON-4 was disestablished in 1967 as technology advanced and the need for fixed-wing airborne radar pickets declined, with newer systems and satellites taking over their mission.
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Legacy: Many AEWRON-4 veterans went on to serve in other AEW units, including those flying the E-2 Hawkeye, carrying forward the squadron’s pioneering spirit in naval air surveillance.
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Historic Aircraft: Surviving “Willy Victor” aircraft are now displayed in museums, such as the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, preserving AEWRON-4’s legacy for future generations.
