VAW-33

• Origins in World War II: VAW-33 traces its roots back to World War II, initially established as VAW-2 in 1949 before taking on the VAW-33 designation in 1956. • "Nighthawks" Nickname: The squadron was famously known as the "Nighthawks," reflecting its night and all-weather operational capabilities. • Electronic Warfare Pioneers: VAW-33 was one of the first U.S. Navy squadrons dedicated to electronic countermeasures (ECM), playing a vital role in jamming enemy radars and communications. • Cuban Missile Crisis Service: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, VAW-33 provided electronic warfare support to U.S. naval forces enforcing the blockade. • Vietnam War Deployments: The squadron was heavily involved in the Vietnam War, flying ECM missions to protect strike aircraft from enemy surface-to-air missiles. • Multiple Aircraft Types: VAW-33 operated various aircraft, including the TBM Avenger, AD-5W Skyraider, EA-1F Skyraider, and later the EKA-3B and EA-3B Skywarrior. • Carrier Operations: The unit regularly deployed aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, including USS Forrestal (CV-59), USS Ranger (CV-61), and USS Saratoga (CV-60). • Home Base: VAW-33 was based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, for much of its operational life. • Re-designation and Legacy: In 1970, the squadron was re-designated as VAQ-33, continuing its electronic warfare mission with updated aircraft and a broader training role. • Training and Aggressor Role: As VAQ-33, the squadron became a key "aggressor" unit, simulating enemy electronic threats to train U.S. Navy crews in electronic warfare tactics.