About this Unit
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126), known as the "Seahawks," is a United States Navy airborne early warning squadron established in April 1969. Flying the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, VAW-126 provides all-weather airborne command and control, surveillance, and battle management to carrier strike groups. Over its history, the squadron has supported major operations including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, playing a critical role in airspace management and fleet defense. VAW-126 continues to operate as part of Carrier Air Wing 1, maintaining readiness for global deployment in support of U.S. naval operations.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Establishment: Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126), also known as the "Seahawks," was established on April 1, 1969, at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia.
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Early Aircraft: The squadron initially flew the E-2A Hawkeye, a carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, and has upgraded through the E-2B, E-2C, and now the advanced E-2D Hawkeye.
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First Combat Deployment: VAW-126 deployed aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) during the 1970s, supporting Cold War operations and Mediterranean deployments.
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Desert Storm: The squadron played a critical role during Operation Desert Storm (1991), providing airborne command and control, surveillance, and battle management in the Persian Gulf.
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9/11 Response: VAW-126 was deployed aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) in the North Arabian Sea during the September 11, 2001 attacks and quickly participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
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Modernization: VAW-126 was among the first squadrons to transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, featuring powerful new radar and communications systems for modern network-centric warfare.
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Award-Winning Unit: Over its history, VAW-126 has received multiple “Battle ‘E’” awards, recognizing sustained superior performance and readiness.
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Emblem and Nickname: The squadron’s mascot, the “Seahawk,” represents vigilance and strength, and their emblem features a seahawk in flight gripping a radar lightning bolt.
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Carrier Assignments: VAW-126 has operated from several U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, including USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78).
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Global Operations: VAW-126 has participated in numerous operations worldwide, including anti-piracy patrols, humanitarian assistance, and joint exercises with NATO allies, demonstrating the squadron’s versatility and global reach.
