ABOUT VAW-121
- Establishment: Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 (VAW-121), known as the "Bluetails," was established on April 1, 1967.
- Nickname: The squadron's nickname, "Bluetails," derives from the distinctive blue color on the tails of their aircraft.
- Aircraft Operated: VAW-121 has operated various models of the E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, including the E-2A, E-2B, E-2C, and most recently the advanced E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
- Vietnam War Service: Shortly after its establishment, VAW-121 deployed to Southeast Asia aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) and participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War.
- Operation Desert Storm: VAW-121 played a key role in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing critical airborne command and control support in the Persian Gulf region.
- 9/11 Response: The squadron was among the first U.S. Navy units to respond to the September 11, 2001 attacks, providing airborne surveillance and control over the East Coast.
- Home Base: VAW-121 is based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, the world's largest naval base and a major hub for the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
- Carrier Deployments: The Bluetails have deployed with multiple carrier strike groups, including those aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), USS George Washington (CVN-73), and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77).
- Awards and Recognition: VAW-121 has received numerous awards, including multiple Battle Efficiency (“E”) Awards and the prestigious RADM Frank Akers Award for Airborne Early Warning Excellence.
- Ongoing Missions: Today, VAW-121 continues to provide airborne command and control, battle management, and surveillance capabilities, supporting U.S. and allied naval operations worldwide.