About this Unit
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Twelve (VAW-12), known as the "Bats," was established in July 1948 as part of the U.S. Navy's efforts to develop carrier-based airborne early warning (AEW) capabilities. Initially flying the TBM-3W Avenger, VAW-12 transitioned to more advanced AEW platforms, including the AF-2W Guardian, AD-5W Skyraider, and later the E-1B Tracer. The squadron played a crucial role in providing radar surveillance and airborne command and control for carrier strike groups during the Cold War era. In April 1967, VAW-12 was disestablished, with its assets and mission forming the core of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing ONE and supporting the creation of new VAW squadrons in the Atlantic Fleet.
Historical Facts
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Early Origins: VAW-12, originally established as Composite Squadron Twelve (VC-12) in 1948, was one of the US Navy's first dedicated airborne early warning (AEW) squadrons.
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Name Change: The squadron was redesignated as Airborne Early Warning Squadron Twelve (VAW-12) in 1956, reflecting its specialized AEW mission.
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Skyraider to Tracer: VAW-12 operated several aircraft types, transitioning from the AD-3W Skyraider (an AEW variant of the famous attack aircraft) to the E-1B Tracer, known for its distinctive radome "Willy Fudd" appearance.
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Carrier Deployments: VAW-12 detachments served aboard nearly every Atlantic Fleet aircraft carrier, providing essential radar support during the Cold War era.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: VAW-12 played a critical role in surveillance and fleet defense during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, helping to monitor Soviet activities in the Caribbean.
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Largest AEW Squadron: By the mid-1960s, VAW-12 was the largest AEW squadron in the Navy, with over 800 personnel and more than 30 aircraft.
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Birthplace of Modern VAW Wings: In 1967, VAW-12 was disestablished and reorganized into several independent squadrons (VAW-121, VAW-122, VAW-123, and RVAW-120), forming the foundation of today's East Coast E-2 Hawkeye community.
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Nickname "Bats": VAW-12 was known as the "Bats," a nod to their night and all-weather operations, with the squadron insignia often featuring a bat motif.
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Radar Pioneers: VAW-12 crews helped develop tactics and procedures for carrier-based radar surveillance, influencing AEW doctrine for decades.
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Legacy: The VAW-12 lineage is carried on by the squadrons that emerged from its breakup, and its pioneering spirit continues in the US Navy's airborne early warning missions today.
