VAW-113

• Establishment: Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 (VAW-113), known as the “Black Eagles,” was established on April 20, 1967, at NAS Miramar, California. • Vietnam War Service: VAW-113 deployed in support of the Vietnam War shortly after its creation, flying the E-2A Hawkeye in airborne early warning and control missions over Southeast Asia. • Calls Sign 'Black Eagle': The squadron’s radio call sign, “Black Eagle,” was chosen to symbolize watchfulness and vigilance in the skies. • Aircraft Evolution: VAW-113 has operated multiple variants of the E-2 Hawkeye, transitioning from the E-2A to the E-2B, E-2C, and currently the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. • Desert Storm Deployment: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, VAW-113 provided crucial command and control, coordinating air assets over the Persian Gulf from USS Independence (CV-62). • ‘Battle E’ Awards: The squadron has earned numerous Battle Efficiency (“Battle E”) awards, recognizing their operational excellence among carrier airborne early warning squadrons. • Humanitarian Operations: VAW-113 participated in humanitarian missions, including Operation Tomodachi, providing disaster relief in Japan after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. • Carrier Assignments: Over its history, VAW-113 has been assigned to many aircraft carriers, including USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). • Global Deployments: The squadron has deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, and has been forward-deployed in Japan as part of Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5). • Motto and Emblem: The squadron’s motto is “Eyes of the Fleet,” and its emblem features a black eagle clutching a radar scope—emphasizing its mission of airborne surveillance and control.