About this Unit
**VAAW-35 Det Echo** was a detachment of the U.S. Navy's Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 35 (VAAW-35), also known as the "Grey Wolves." Activated in the late 20th century, VAAW-35 specialized in electronic attack and warfare, primarily operating the EA-6B Prowler aircraft. Detachment Echo (Det Echo) was established to support carrier air wing operations, providing vital electronic countermeasures and suppression of enemy air defenses during deployments. Although the squadron and its detachments were eventually disestablished as part of a broader restructuring of Navy electronic warfare capabilities, VAAW-35 Det Echo played a critical role in advancing naval electronic warfare tactics and effectiveness during its period of service.
Historical Facts
• Unique Designation: VAAW-35 Det Echo stands for “Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 35, Detachment Echo,” a specialized U.S. Navy aviation detachment focused on electronic warfare missions.
• Role in Electronic Warfare: The detachment was part of the larger VAQ/VAAW squadrons that flew aircraft like the EA-6A Intruder and EA-6B Prowler, designed to jam enemy radars and communications, providing vital support for strike groups.
• Vietnam War Operations: Det Echo was one of several detachments deployed aboard aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War, providing electronic countermeasures to protect U.S. and allied forces from surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft fire.
• Carrier Deployments: The detachment regularly deployed aboard various U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, adapting to different operational theaters and supporting a diverse range of missions.
• Highly Specialized Training: Crew members of VAAW-35 Det Echo underwent extensive training in electronic warfare tactics, signals intelligence, and the operation of advanced jamming equipment.
• Callsign “Echo”: The "Echo" in the unit’s name served as a callsign, distinguishing it from other detachments (such as Det Alpha, Bravo, etc.) operating simultaneously under the VAAW-35 parent squadron.
• Aircraft Legacy: Det Echo operated the EA-6A Intruder, the U.S. Navy’s first jet-powered electronic warfare aircraft, notable for its powerful jamming pods and advanced avionics for the era.
• Combat Achievements: VAAW-35 Det Echo played a crucial role in suppressing enemy air defenses (SEAD), significantly reducing aircraft losses during high-risk strike missions.
• Disestablishment and Legacy: As electronic warfare technology advanced and new squadrons were formed, VAAW-35 and its detachments, including Echo, were eventually disestablished, but their innovations influenced subsequent EW units like the VAQ squadrons.
• Veteran Camaraderie: Alumni of VAAW-35 Det Echo maintain a strong community, sharing stories of their deployments and preserving the legacy of tactical electronic warfare in the U.S. Navy.
