VAW-112

• 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. • 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. • Vietnam War Service: The squadron participated in the Vietnam War soon after its establishment, flying critical early warning and control missions from aircraft carriers. • Nickname and Insignia: The squadron was called the “Golden Hawks,” and its insignia featured a gold-colored hawk in flight, symbolizing vigilance and strength. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.