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US Navy - Airborne Command & Control
Squadron 116 VAW-116 'Sun Kings' former Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons were redesignated to Airborne Command & Control Squadrons in 2019 |
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 Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2024  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - May 2024  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - May 2024  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - May 2024  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - May 2024  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 2024  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2023  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2022  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2022  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2022  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2022  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2022  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2022  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2022  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2022  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - June 2022  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2022  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2021  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - May 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - February 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - February 2020  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - October 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - September 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - July 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - July 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - July 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - July 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - July 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - July 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - May 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - May 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - May 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2018  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2017  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2017  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2017  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - September 2017  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - August 2017  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2017  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2017  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - September 2016  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) at Naval Base Ventura County (NAS Point Mugu), California - September 2016  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - June 2016  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - June 2016  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) - June 2015  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2015  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2015  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - April 2015  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - February 2015  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - February 2015  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2015  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - October 2014  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - August 2014  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2014  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2014  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2014  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2014  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2014  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) - September 2013  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2013  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - April 2013  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2012  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2012  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2012  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2012  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - December 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116) during Exercise Northern Edge at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska - June 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116) during Exercise Northern Edge at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska - June 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2011  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - December 2010  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 2010  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2010  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2008  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2008  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - January 2008  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - May 2007  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - May 2007  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2006  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) with a C-2A Greyhound from VRC-30 - February 2005  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - January 2005  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - December 2004  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2, near) with an E-2C from VAW-117 over California - May 2004  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - May 2003  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - April 2003  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) was offloaded from USS Constellation (CV 64) - Bahrain - February 2003  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - November 2002  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - 1997  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) - 1994  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) - 1994  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) at Andrews AFB, Maryland - September 1993  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - 1988  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - 1986  Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CV 61) - 1986  Grumman E-2B Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - 1976  Grumman E-2B Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-19) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1973  Grumman E-2A Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-15) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) - circa 1970  Grumman E-2A Hawkeye (VAW-116 / CVW-15) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) - 1967-68 |
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On April 20, 1967, VAW-116 was commissioned and received the E-2B
aircraft. The Sun Kings completed three Far-East deployments as part
of Attack Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN and two while attached to Attack
Carrier Air Wing NINE. In July 1975, VAW-116 transferred to Attack Carrier Air Wing EIGHT. Concurrently, the west coast VAW community, including VAW-116, moved from Naval Air Station North Island to Naval Air Station Miramar. Reassigned to Carrier Air Wing EIGHT, the Sun Kings saw duty in the North Atlantic in 1975. In 1976, VAW-116 embarked on USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) for a Mediterranean deployment. The squadron transferred to Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN embarked on USS FORESTALL (CV-59) in 1977, and deployed to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic in March of 1978. During 1979-1980, VAW-116 transitioned to the E-2C and deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans from February 26, 1980 to October 15, 1980 aboard USS CONSTELLATION (C V 64) in support of Iranian Contingency Operations. The squadron was assigned to Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW-2) in July 1981. On April 7, 1982, the squadron embarked on USS RANGER (CV 61) for another Western Pacific-Indian Ocean deployment. Returning in October 1982, the Sun Kings remained with CVW-2 aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), later deploying on January 13, 1984. In July of 1987, the Sun Kings deployed aboard USS RANGER for a six-month Western Pacific-Indian Ocean deployment providing support for the re-flagged Kuwaiti Tanker missions. On February 24, 1989 the squadron deployed aboard USS RANGER to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting operations with the Royal Thai and Omani Air Forces, respectively. VAW-116 embarked aboard USS RANGER on December 8, 1990 in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. During Operation DESERT STORM, the squadron flew 1,364 total flight hours and spent 93 days on station in the Arabian Gulf. The Sun Kings returned on January 31, 1993 from a separate, yet highly successful Western Pacific deployment in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in Iraq and Operation RESTORE HOPE in Somalia, winning the coveted Battle Efficiency "E" Award for 1992. In February of 1993, the Sun Kings commenced a transition from the E-2C Group 0 to the E-2C Group II aircraft. The Group II weapons system represented a tremendous advancement in avionics, communications, propulsion, and navigation systems. In May of 1993, VAW-116 deployed to the Republic of Panama in support of Joint Task Force FOUR (JTF-4) Operations. Upon returning, the Sun Kings were awarded the Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Excellence Award for 1992. This remarkable achievement recognized the Sun Kings as the premier VAW Squadron for the entire E-2C community. In November of 1993, VAW-116 commenced a rigorous work up cycle at NAS Fallon, Nevada. This cycle included "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC 94), in which CVW-2 conducted joint operations with five other nations, and culminated in Pacific Fleet exercises in August and September 1994. On November 10, 1994, VAW-116 embarked on USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) on a Western Pacific-Arabian Gulf deployment. The Sun Kings provided vital AEW and battle group coverage off the coast of North Korea and supported Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Iraq. In June 1995 and February 1996, the Sun Kings deployed to conduct surveillance operations at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, in support of Joint Inter-agency Task Force East (JIATF-EAST). On April 1, 1997, the squadron embarked on USS CONSTELLATION for another Western Pacific-Arabian Gulf deployment. During the six-month deployment the squadron provided vital surveillance of Iraq in support of the United Nations’ “No Fly Zone” as part of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Additionally, the squadron participated in military exercises with the Pakistani Air Force. In February and March of 1998 the squadron again deployed to Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico to conduct counter narcotics surveillance operations in support of JIATF-EAST. On June 18, 1999, VAW-116 embarked on USS CONSTELLATION to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf. During the next six months, VAW-116 provided surveillance of Iraq in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. After this successful deployment, the squadron was honored with the Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S" Award for 1999. In January 2000, the squadron deployed again to conduct surveillance operations at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico in Support of JIATF-EAST. The Sun Kings deployed aboard USS CONSTELLATION to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf from March 15 to September 15, 2001, providing AEW for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Iraq. In November 2001, the squadron detached to Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE. During this operation, the Sun Kings assisted in providing continual AEW coverage over the eastern US coast as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. VAW-116 embarked on USS CONSTELLATION to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf in October 2002. The Sun Kings flew extensive Airborne Battlefield Command and Control (ABC2) missions in support of the US Army V Corps’ and the US Marine Corps II MEF’s invasion of Iraq and advance on Baghdad during the initial weeks of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and later in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. In November 2003, the Sun Kings initiated a transition to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 airframe. VAW-116 completed the transition in August 2004 with delivery of the squadron’s fourth and final aircraft. The Sun Kings embarked on USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) in October of 2004, to execute a surge deployment to the Western Pacific. They completed integrated warfare training in the vicinity of Hawaii before transiting further west. Their deployment was extended when Carrier Strike Group NINE (CSG-9) was called to provide humanitarian assistance in Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE in Banda Aceh, Indonesia as a result of the earthquakes and tsunamis that struck the area. The Sun Kings aided in the effort by sending Sailors ashore to distribute much needed food and medical aid to the wounded disaster victims. The squadron returned to sea in March 2006 on a Western Pacific deployment in support of Exercises FOAL EAGLE, VALIANT SHIELD, and RIMPAC. VAW-116 became semi-famous in 2006 for its remake of the "Pump It" music video, originally performed by The Black Eyed Peas. The video originated as a project onboard the ship to boost morale. “Pump It” has received nearly 4 million views on YouTube. The sequel, a remake of OutKast's video "Hey Ya," included every single member of the Sun Kings and has received more than one million views. Both videos have been shown on national television, as well as news programs in other countries. Upon their return from deployment in 2006, the Sun Kings began to upgrade their aircraft inventory to the eight-bladed New Propeller 2000 (NP2K) system. This upgrade was completed in March 2007, just after the squadron returned from detachment to Fallon, Nevada. In May 2007, the Sun Kings completed NP2K carrier qualification aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) off the coast of Virginia. In March 2008, the Sun Kings embarked with CVW-2 aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN for deployment to the US Fifth Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR). They participated in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM and provided critical tanker and airspace management for strike and support aircraft. During the deployment, the squadron earned the CVW-2 Deployment Top Hook award and the chief petty officer (CPO) mess was presented the Broadsword Award for the most distinguished CPO mess in CVW-2. They returned home in October 2008. The Sun Kings deployed aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN under the command of CSG-9 in September 2010, once again operating in the US Fifth Fleet AOR. During this deployment, VAW-116 had the privilege of performing several touch-and-go landings aboard the French aircraft carrier, FS CHARLES DE GAULLE. Following their support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN, the Sun Kings returned to Point Mugu, CA in the spring of 2011. In December 2011, VAW-116 deployed to the US Fifth Fleet AOR aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN as part of CSG-9, and conducted more than 2000 mishap-free flight hours and 550 aircraft sorties in support of US Fifth Fleet operations, including Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On a daily basis, the Sun Kings provided AEW, ABC2, and communications relay support between surface and airborne assets in the joint and combined theater. The Sun Kings returned to Point Mugu, CA in August 2012 and transitioned to CVW-17 on 1 October 2012. VAW-116 was recognized on several levels, including receipt of the CVW-2 Golden Wrench Maintenance Award, the COMMACCLOGWING FY11 Fourth Quarter Safety ‘S’ Award, the Retention Excellence Award, as well as the Blue ‘M’ Excellence Award for medical readiness, and the Surgeon General’s Blue ‘H’ Gold Star Health Promotion and Wellness Award. The Sun Kings deployed in August 2014 for ten months onboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. They provided vital AEW, TAC C2, and communication relay to friendly forces primarily in 5th Fleet, where they spent six months of the deployment. Upon returning home from the longest scheduled deployment since the Vietnam War, the Sun Kings were awarded the Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Battle ‘E’ award, the Rear Admiral Frank Akers award for best Hawkeye squadron in the fleet, and the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety ‘S’ award. After returning from cruise in June 2015, the Sun Kings entered the maintenance phase, repairing aircraft and developing personnel for future operations. In November 2016, the squadron began their work-up cycle in preparation for their upcoming deployment in the fall of 2017. In October of 2017 the Sun Kings embarked on the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, joining Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN. As the carrier entered US Pacific Command (PACOM), they took part in tri-carrier operations, executing training alongside the USS NIMITZ and USS RONALD REAGAN in the Sea of Japan. As they continued west, the Sun Kings provided Airborne Early Warning and Command and Control in support of CSG-9. While in the North Arabian Gulf, the Sun Kings also flew missions in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, and training and upkeep with other fixed and rotary wing aircraft within the Air Wing, remaining prepared for contingency operations worldwide. Throughout work-ups and deployed operations, VAW-116 completed 812 sorties, 2,354 flight hours, and 689 mishap-free carrier landings. While on deployment, the Sun Kings earned various awards in recognition of their outstanding performance including earning the coveted CVW-17 Golden Wrench award for maintenance excellence. On April 10th 2020, the Sun Kings began their quarantine in order to complete a successful COMPTUEX on May 4th that went straight into a 294 day deployment onboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) with zero COVID positive cases. This historic deployment brought many successful work-ups and deployed operations, 698 sorties, some 2,278 flight hours, flights on 5 total aircraft, dual carrier operations in 7th fleet with Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Joint exercises with the Indian Navy off the Malabar Coast, and an Airborne change of command on January 12th where CDR Philip J. Sheridan relieved CDR Lawrence D. Nance as Commanding Officer of the Sun Kings. source: VAW-116 - - - - - another history: On April 20, 1967 VAW-116 was commissioned and received the E-2B aircraft. The "Sun Kings" completed three Far-East deployments as part of Attack Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN and two while attached to Attack Carrier Air Wing NINE. In July 1975, VAW-116 transferred to Attack Carrier Air Wing EIGHT. Concurrently, the west-coast VAW community, including VAW-116, moved from Naval Air Station, North Island to Naval Air Station, Miramar. Reassigned to Carrier Air Wing EIGHT, the Sun Kings saw duty in the North Atlantic in 1975. In 1976 VAW-116 embarked on USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) for a Mediterranean deployment. The squadron transferred to Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN embarked on USS FORESTALL (CV 59) in 1977, and deployed to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic in March 1978. During 1979-1980, VAW-116 transitioned to the E-2C and made a Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment from February 26, 1980 to October 15, 1980 aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) in support of Iranian Contingency Operations. The squadron was assigned to Carrier Air Wing TWO in July 1981. On April 7, 1982, the squadron embarked on USS RANGER (CV 61) for a Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment. Returning in October 1982, the Sun Kings remained with Carrier Air Wing TWO aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), deploying on January 13, 1984. In July 1987, the Sun Kings deployed aboard USS RANGER (CV 61) for a six month Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment providing support for the re-flagged Kuwaiti Tanker missions. On February 24, 1989 the squadron deployed aboard USS RANGER (CV 61) to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, supporting operations with the Omani and Royal Thai Air Forces. VAW-116 sailed aboard USS RANGER (CV 61) on December 8, 1990 to the Western Pacific in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During Operation Desert Storm the squadron flew 1,364 total flight hours and spent 93 days on station in the Persian Gulf. The Sun Kings returned on January 31, 1993, from a highly successful Western Pacific deployment in support of Operation Southern Watch in Iraq and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, winning the coveted Battle Efficiency "E" Award for 1992. In February 1993, the Sun Kings commenced a transition from the E-2C Group 0 to the E-2C Group II aircraft. The Group II weapons system represented a tremendous advancement in avionics, communications, propulsion, and navigation systems. In May 1993, VAW-116 deployed to the Republic of Panama in support of JTF-4 Joint Task Force Four Operations. Upon returning, the Sun Kings were awarded the AEW Excellence Award for 1992. This remarkable achievement recognized the Sun Kings as the premier VAW Squadron for the entire E-2C community. In November 1993, VAW-116 commenced a rigorous work up cycle at NAS Fallon, Nevada. This cycle included "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC 94), in which Carrier Air Wing Two conducted joint operations with five other nations, and culminated in Fleet exercises during August/September 1994. On 10 November 1994 the Squadron embarked on USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) on a Western Pacific and Persian Gulf deployment. The Sun Kings provided vital AEW and Battle Group coverage off the coast of North Korea and supported Operation Southern Watch over Iraq. In June 1995 and February 1996, the Sun Kings deployed to conduct surveillance operations at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, in support of Joint Inter-agency Task Force East (JIATF-EAST). On 1 April 1997, the squadron embarked on USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) for a Western Pacific and Persian Gulf deployment. During the six month deployment the squadron provided vital surveillance of Iraq in support of the United Nations’ “No Fly Zone” as part of Operation Southern Watch. In addition, the squadron participated in military exercises with the Pakistani Air Force. In February and March 1998 the squadron again deployed to Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, to conduct counter narcotics surveillance operations in support of JIATF-EAST. On 18 June 1999 the Squadron embarked on USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) for a Western Pacific/Persian Gulf deployment. During the next six months VAW-116 provided surveillance of Iraq in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. After this successful deployment the squadron was awarded the 1999 Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S". In January 2000, the squadron deployed again to conduct surveillance operations at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico in Support of JIATF-EAST. The Sun Kings deployed aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf from 15 March 2001 to 15 September 2001, providing airborne early warning for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Iraq. The Sun Kings deployed to Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia in support of Operation Noble Eagle. During this operation, the Sun Kings assisted in providing continual airborne early warning coverage over the East Coast as a result of the 11 September 2001 Terrorist Attacks. VAW-116 embarked on USS Constellation (CV-64) to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf on October 2002. The Sun Kings flew extensive Airborne Battlefield Command and Control missions in support of the U.S. Army V Corps’ and the U.S. Marine Corps II MEF’s invasion of Iraq and advance on Baghdad during the initial weeks of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron was proud to be a part of Connie’s final deployment in support of Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. In November 2003, the Sun Kings initiated a transition to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 airframe. VAW-116 completed the transition in August 2004 with delivery of the squadron’s fourth and final aircraft. The Sun Kings embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in October 2004, to execute a surge deployment to the Western Pacific. They completed Integrated Warfare Training in the vicinity of Hawaii before transiting west. Their deployment was extended when the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group was called to assist in Operation Unified Assistance in Banda Aceh, Indonesia as a result of the earthquakes and tsunamis that struck the area. The Sun Kings aided in effort by sending Sailors ashore to distribute much needed food and medical aid to the wounded disaster victims. The squadron returned to sea in March 2006 on a Western Pacific deployment in support of exercises Foal Eagle, Valiant Shield, and RIMPAC. Upon their return from deployment in 2006, the Sun Kings upgraded their aircraft with the eight-bladed New Propeller 2000 system (NP2K). This upgrade was completed in March 2007, just after the squadron returned from detachment to Fallon, NV. In May 2007, the Sun Kings completed NP2K carrier qualification aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) off the Virginia Coast. In March 2008, the Sun Kings embarked on a seven month deployment with Carrier Air Wing TWO aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) to the U.S. Fifth Fleet Area of Responsibility where they flew 266 combat missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. In March 2008, the Sun Kings embarked with Carrier Air Wing TWO aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) for deployment to the U.S. Fifth Fleet Area of Responsibility. They participated in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and provided critical tanker and airspace management for strike and support aircraft. During the deployment, the squadron earned the CVW-2 Deployment Top Hook award and the Chief’s Mess was presented the Broadsword Award for the best CPO Mess in CVW-2. They returned home in October 2008. The squadron once again deployed with Carrier Air Wing Two aboard USS Abraham Lincoln on September 11, 2010, for a 6-month cruise to the 5th Fleet AOR. The squadron supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation New Dawn in Iraq until they returned home in March 2011. In April and May 2011 the squadron transitioned to the E-2C CNS/ATM Hawkeye 2000 all-glass cockpit variant of the E-2C. In December 2011 Carrier Air Wing Two and VAW-116 once again deployed on USS Abraham Lincoln for an eight-month around the world deployment to the Fifth Fleet AOR in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On July 17, 2012, USS Abraham Lincoln transited through the Suez Canal on their way home to the United States; the deployment concluded on August 3, 2012, when the squadron flew 4 aircraft from USS Abraham Lincoln off the Virginia coast back to NAS Point Mugu. In October 2012 VAW-116 joined Carrier Air Wing 17 as a member of Carrier Strike Group One attached to USS Carl Vinson. From October 2014 to March 2015, the squadron was deployed along with the USS Carl Vinson battle group and assisted with Operation Inherent Resolve to assist with military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Music videos: VAW-116 became "semi-famous" in 2006 for its remake of the "Pump It" music video, by The Black Eyed Peas. The video originated as a project on board ship to fight off boredom and to boost morale, but stemmed into what is almost a full fledged production and a free recruiting ad for the Navy. Pump It has recorded over 4,000,000 views on YouTube. The crew have since recorded two more video remakes - Outkast's video "Hey Ya!," which included every single member of the Sun Kings and "Move Along" - both of which have recorded over a million viewers. "Pump It" and "Hey Ya!" have been shown on national television, and news stations in other countries. An E-2C of VAW-116, number 600, is seen preparing for a cat launch at 23:48 into the movie Battleship. source: wikipedia |
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