VAW-88

• Origins: Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 88 (VAW-88) was a United States Navy Reserve squadron, established on 1 July 1970, at NAS North Island, California. • Nickname: The squadron was known as the "Cottonpickers," a unique moniker among Navy units. • Primary Aircraft: VAW-88 operated the E-2B and later the upgraded E-2C Hawkeye, an advanced airborne early warning and control aircraft. • Reserve Role: As part of the Naval Air Reserve Force, VAW-88 was tasked with augmenting active duty fleet squadrons during emergencies or mobilizations. • Cold War Service: Throughout the Cold War, VAW-88 provided vital airborne surveillance and command/control capabilities, supporting both U.S. Navy and joint operations. • Training and Exercises: The squadron participated in numerous training exercises, including RIMPAC and other multinational drills, honing their skills alongside active-duty counterparts. • Inactivation: VAW-88 was disestablished on 31 December 1994, as part of post-Cold War force reductions and restructuring of the Naval Air Reserve. • Distinctive Insignia: The squadron's patch featured a cartoonish cotton picker character holding a radar dish, symbolizing their airborne radar mission. • Veteran Legacy: Former members of VAW-88 have been active in veteran associations, preserving the squadron’s history and camaraderie. • Rare Reserve AEW: VAW-88 was one of only a few Reserve airborne early warning squadrons, highlighting the importance of its mission even outside the active fleet.