About this Unit
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112 (VAW-112), known as the "Golden Hawks," was established on April 20, 1967. The squadron flew the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning and command and control for U.S. Navy carrier strike groups. VAW-112 participated in major operations, including Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions worldwide. After fifty years of distinguished service, VAW-112 was deactivated on May 31, 2017, as part of a Navy force restructuring.
Historical Facts
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Origins: Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112 (VAW-112), known as the “Golden Hawks,” was established on April 20, 1967, at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, California.
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Primary Mission: VAW-112 operated the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning, command and control, and battle management for U.S. Navy carrier strike groups.
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Vietnam War Service: The squadron participated in the Vietnam War soon after its establishment, flying critical early warning and control missions from aircraft carriers.
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Nickname and Insignia: The squadron was called the “Golden Hawks,” and its insignia featured a gold-colored hawk in flight, symbolizing vigilance and strength.
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Gulf War Operations: VAW-112 played a key role in Operation Desert Storm (1991), providing airborne surveillance, command, and control during combat operations in the Persian Gulf.
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Global Deployments: Over its 50-year history, VAW-112 deployed with nearly every Pacific Fleet aircraft carrier, including the USS Kitty Hawk, USS Nimitz, and USS John C. Stennis.
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Technological Advancement: The squadron transitioned through multiple variants of the E-2 aircraft, culminating with the advanced E-2C Hawkeye 2000, featuring improved radar and avionics.
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Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat operations, VAW-112 participated in humanitarian and disaster relief missions, such as Operation Unified Assistance after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
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Final Deployment: The squadron’s last operational deployment was aboard USS Carl Vinson in 2016–2017, supporting operations in the Western Pacific and the Middle East.
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Deactivation: After five decades of service, VAW-112 was officially deactivated on May 31, 2017, as part of a force restructuring and consolidation of Navy airborne early warning assets.
