VAW-120

• Establishment: Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120), known as the "Greyhawks," was established on July 1, 1961, at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia. • Role as a Fleet Replacement Squadron: VAW-120 serves as the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft, training pilots, naval flight officers, and enlisted aircrew. • Aircraft Evolution: The squadron has operated every variant of the E-2 Hawkeye since its inception, starting with the E-2A, and continuing through the E-2B, E-2C, and currently the advanced E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. • Transition to the E-2D: In 2014, VAW-120 became the first squadron to receive and train with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, featuring advanced radar and avionics. • C-2 Greyhound Training Mission: In addition to the E-2, VAW-120 also served as the training squadron for the C-2 Greyhound, the Navy’s primary carrier onboard delivery (COD) aircraft. • Integration of Female Aviators: The squadron has trained several of the Navy’s first female E-2 and C-2 pilots and naval flight officers after the combat aviation ban was lifted in the 1990s. • International Training: VAW-120 has trained aircrew from allied navies, including the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, which also operates the E-2 Hawkeye. • Safety Record: The squadron has achieved multiple safety milestones, earning several Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Safety Awards for accident-free flight hours. • Callsign "Greyhawks": The VAW-120 "Greyhawks" are recognized for their distinctive insignia featuring a grey hawk in flight with radar beams, reflecting their early warning mission. • Historic Flyoff: In 2021, VAW-120 conducted the last ever Fleet Replacement Squadron flight for the C-2 Greyhound, marking the transition to the new CMV-22B Osprey for COD missions.