VW-13

• VW-13 was a U.S. Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron: VW-13, known as "Early Warning Squadron Thirteen," was part of the U.S. Navy’s fleet of AEW (Airborne Early Warning) units during the Cold War era. • Commissioned in 1955: VW-13 was officially established on 1 September 1955, as part of the Navy’s efforts to enhance radar surveillance capabilities during the height of the Cold War. • Operated the Lockheed WV-2 "Warning Star": The squadron flew the WV-2, the Navy's designation for the EC-121, a variant of the Lockheed Constellation equipped with advanced radar systems for long-range detection. • Based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland: VW-13 was primarily stationed at NAS Patuxent River, a major hub for naval aviation research, development, and operations. • Role in the "Barrier Force" operations: The squadron participated in the Atlantic Barrier, flying long-duration patrols over the North Atlantic to detect potential Soviet bomber or missile attacks on the U.S. • Flights lasted up to 16 hours: Missions often required crews to remain airborne for over 16 hours, demonstrating the endurance and stamina of both the aircraft and its personnel. • Nickname - "Early Warning Thirteen": The squadron was sometimes referred to by this nickname, highlighting its primary mission of providing early warning detection. • Disestablished in 1965: VW-13 was decommissioned on 1 July 1965, as improvements in radar technology and the advent of new systems made some of the barrier squadrons obsolete. • Part of a larger AEW force: VW-13 was one of several similar squadrons (VW-11 through VW-15) tasked with maintaining a continuous radar barrier along the Atlantic and Pacific approaches to North America. • Legacy in modern AWACS: The work of VW-13 and its sister squadrons laid the groundwork for future Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) operations, influencing current airborne surveillance tactics and technology.