Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 11 (VAW-11), known as the “Early Elevens,” was established on 6 March 1952. As one of the U.S. Navy’s pioneering airborne early warning (AEW) units, VAW-11 initially operated the Grumman AF-2W Guardian and later transitioned to the E-1B Tracer, providing radar surveillance and fleet air defense. The squadron played a crucial role during the Cold War era, supporting carrier battle groups in the Pacific and participating in deployments during the Vietnam War. VAW-11 was disestablished on 1 April 1967, with its detachments forming the basis for several new VAW squadrons that continued its legacy.
