VAW-78

VAW-78, known as the "Fighting Escargots," was a United States Navy Reserve Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron established in July 1970. The unit operated the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, providing airborne early warning and command and control capabilities. Based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, VAW-78 supported fleet operations, participated in numerous exercises, and contributed to drug interdiction missions in the Caribbean. The squadron was decommissioned in March 2005 as part of a broader reorganization of Naval Reserve aviation forces.