vaw-121 bluetails - seaforces online

HOME | US Navy - ships | US Navy - air units | USMC - air units | International Navies | Weapon Systems | Special Reports
 
 
US Navy - Airborne Command & Control Squadron 121
VAW-121 'Bluetails'
 former Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons were redesignated to Airborne Command & Control Squadrons in 2019
 
vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman cvw uss nas norfolk 55x
10/24
STATUS:   VAW-2 established on July 6, 1948
VAW-2 redesignated VC-12 on October 1, 1948
VC-12 redesignated VAW-12 on July 2, 1956
 VAW-12 redesignated VAW-121 on April 1, 1967
 
 ACTIVE UNIT
Homebase: NAS Norfolk, Virginia
 Nicknames: Griffins (1967-78) / Bluetails (1978- )
 AIRCRAFT:   Grumman E-1B Tracer
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye
Grumman E-2C NP Hawkeye
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye / AR
 DEPLOYMENTS:   with Grumman E-1B Tracers:

1967-1973:
various detachment-deployments, assigned to CVW & CVSG’s aboard aircraft carriers (CVS, CVA, CV)

September 1973 - March 1974 with CVW-6 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)
 
 with Grumman E-2C Hawkeyes:
January 1975 - July 1975 with CVW-6 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)
January 1979 - July 1979 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
April 1980 - December 1980 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
August 1981 - October 1981 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
January 1982 - July 1982 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
April 1983 - December 1983 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
May 1984 - June 1984 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
October 1984 - May 1985 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
February 1988 - August 1988 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
March 1990 - September 1990 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
September 1991 - April 1992 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
May 1994 - November1994 with CVW-7 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73)
January 1996 - July 1996 with CVW-7 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73)
February 1998 - August 1998 with CVW-7 aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
February 2000 - August 2000 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
February 2002 - August 2002 with CVW-7 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)
January 2004 - July 2004 with CVW-7 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73)
April 2006 - May 2006 with CVW-17 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73)
April 2008 - May 2008 with CVW-17 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73)
February 2009 - July 2009 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
January 2010 - July 2010 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
June 2012 - December 2012 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
February 2013 - July 2013 with CVW-7 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
 
 with Northrop Gruman E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes:
June 2017 - December 2017 with CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
April 2019 - January 2020 with CVW-7 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
August 2022 - April 2023 with CVW-7 aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77)
 
images

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye cvn-68 uss nimitz 2024 176
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2024

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye uss nimitz cvn-68 2024 174
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2024

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye cvn-68 uss nimitz 2024 173
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2024

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye 2024 175
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2024

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye uss harry s truman cvn-75 2024 172
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) during flight deck certifications aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - February 2024


Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) fly-out aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - April 21, 2023

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 cvn-77 uss george h. w. bush 170
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - March 2023

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 cvn-77 uss george h. w. bush 168
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - March 2023

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 cvn-77 uss george h. w. bush 166
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - March 2023

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 cvn-77 uss george h. w. bush 167
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - March 2023

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 cvn-77 uss george h. w. bush 165
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2023

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 cvn-77 uss george h. w. bush 2023 163
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2023

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 cvn-77 uss george h. w. bush 164
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2023

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 cvn-77 uss george h. w. bush 2022 162
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - November 2022


Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2022

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 148
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with aerial-refueling capability (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2022

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 149
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with aerial-refueling capability (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2022

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 147
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with aerial-refueling capability (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2022

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 146
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with aerial-refueling capability (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2022

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command control squadron e-2d advanced hawkeye nellis afb nevada 2021 160
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with aerial-refueling capability (VAW-121) at Nellis AFB, Nevada - November 2021

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 144
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with aerial-refueling capability (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2021

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 145
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with aerial-refueling capability (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2021

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman cvw uss 86 tyndall afb florida
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with aerial-refueling capability (VAW-121) at Tyndall AFB, Florida - May 2021

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman cvw uss 84
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with aerial-refueling capability (VAW-121) - 2021

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman cvw uss 82 nas norfolk virginia
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with aerial-refueling capability (VAW-121) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia - December 2020

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye grumman cvw uss 78
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) returning to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia - February 19, 2020

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 79
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - 2020

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 80
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - 2020

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 dubai air show 2019 159
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) at Dubai Air Show - November 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 158
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 76
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 77
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 73
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 74
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 71
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 70
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 72
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 67
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia - 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 60
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 61
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 63
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2019

vaw-121 bluetails airborne command and control squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 64
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2019

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye 59 nas norfolk virginia
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia - November 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 55
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 56
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 58
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 52
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 46
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 48
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 51
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 49
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 54
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 53
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 47
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 50
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 43
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) - 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 44
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) - 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 45
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia - 2018

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 40
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2016

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye cvw-11 cvn-68 uss nimitz 2016 157
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - October 2016

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye key west florida 83
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) - March 2015

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye nas norfolk virginia 37
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia - November 2014

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye nas norfolk 38
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia - November 2014

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2d advanced hawkeye nas norfolk virginia 39
Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (VAW-121) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia - November 2014



vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 36
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CV 69) - July 2013

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 33
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 2013

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 35
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 2013

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 32
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2013

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 133
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2013

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 31
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - February 2013

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 30
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - December 2012

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 29
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - November 2012

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 28
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - October 2012

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 24
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - August 2012

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 25
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - August 2012

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 26
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - August 2012

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 22
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - June 2012

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 23
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - June 2012

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 20
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 2012

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 21
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 2012

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 18
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland - July 2011

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 142
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - June 2010

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 141
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - June 2010

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 140
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 2010

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 16
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - January 2010

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-17 uss george washington cvn-73 14
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-17) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - March 2008

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-17 uss george washington cvn-73 13
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-17) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - April 2006

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-17 uss george washington cvn-73 12
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NP (VAW-121 / CVW-17) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - April 2006

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss george washington cvn-73 139
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - June 2004

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss george washington cvn-73 138
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - June 2004

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss george washington cvn-73 136
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 2004

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss george washington cvn-73 134
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2003

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss john f. kennedy cv-67 09
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - May 2002

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss john f. kennedy cv-67 07
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - May 2002

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss john f. kennedy cv-67 03 cockpit
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - April 2002

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss john f. kennedy cv-67 06
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - April 2002

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss john f. kennedy cv-67 05 operator console
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - April 2002

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss john f. kennedy cv-67 04
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - April 2002

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 1998 156
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - March 1998

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss george washington cvn-73 132
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 1996

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 02
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - undated

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 131
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - July 1992

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 130 gulf
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 1992

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 128
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - January 1990

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 122
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - August 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 126
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - August 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 123
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - August 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 121
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 119
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 118
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 117
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 109
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - February 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 111
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - February 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 112
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - February 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 116
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - February 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 155
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - February 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 114
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - February 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 108
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - January 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 106
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 107
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1988

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 104
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - November 1987

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 154
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - November 1987

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye nas fallon nevada 102
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - May 1987

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 152
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1987

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 99
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1987

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 98
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1987

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 153
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1987

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 151
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1987

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 100
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1987

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 101
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1987

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 150
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1985

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 97
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1985

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 143
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - November 1983

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 96
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1983

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 94 cockpit
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1983

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 93
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1983

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 92
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 1983

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 90
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - July 1980

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 89
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - July 1980

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-2c hawkeye cvw-7 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 88
Grumman E-2C Hawkeye (VAW-121 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - July 1980



vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-1b tracer cvsg-56 uss intrepid cvs-11 03
Grumman E-1B Tracer (VAW-121 / CVSG-56) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - 1973

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-1b tracer cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva-42 04
Grumman E-1B Tracer (VAW-121 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1973

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-1b tracer cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva-42 02
Grumman E-1B Tracer (VAW-121 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1971

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-1b tracer cvsg-56 uss intrepid cvs-11 06
Grumman E-1B Tracer (VAW-121 / CVSG-56) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - 1971

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-1b tracer cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva-42 07
Grumman E-1B Tracer (VAW-121 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1970

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-1b tracer cvw-8 uss shangri-la cvs-38 10
E-1B Tracer (VAW-121 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Shangri-La (CVS 38) - 1969-70

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-1b tracer cvsg-52 uss wasp cvs-18 08
Grumman E-1B Tracer (VAW-121 / CVSG-52) embarked on USS Wasp (CVS 18) - 1968

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-1b tracer cvsg-52 uss wasp cvs-18 05
Grumman E-1B Tracer (VAW-121 / CVSG-52) embarked on USS Wasp (CVS 18) - 1968

vaw-121 bluetails carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy e-1b tracer cvw-10 uss intrepid cvs-11 09
Grumman E-1B Tracer (VAW-121 / CVW-10) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - 1967
 
 
1960s
Along with VAW-122, VAW-123 and VAW-120, VAW-121 was created out of the "super squadron" VAW-12 on 1 April 1967. Until then, VAW-12 had deployed 4-plane detachments to accompany carrier air wings.

1970s
Unlike its siblings, VAW-121 flew the E-1B Tracer, until the mid-1970s. This was due to the fact there were still carriers in the fleet that were not capable of handling for the larger E-2 Hawkeye, principally USS Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Essex-class carriers.

In 1977 VAW-121 made its first deployment as part of Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) on the newly commissioned USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

1980s
In 1980 VAW-121 deployed for 347 days at sea with Dwight D. Eisenhower/CVW-7 setting a modern-day record that would not be broken until the deployment of USS Theodore Roosevelt during Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 1981 the squadron deployed for three months to NAS Keflavik, Iceland, in support of the Icelandic Defense Force. Upon their return, VAW-121 deployed to the North Atlantic for a large NATO exercise in which VAW-121 kept squadron aircraft continuously airborne for 23 days.

The squadron returned to the Mediterranean Sea in January 1982 and was awarded its third consecutive Battle "E" and AEW Excellence Awards, both firsts for a VAW squadron. During this deployment, the squadron was involved in overseeing the evacuation of Americans from Beirut. Returning from the three-month winter deployment to Iceland, the squadron found themselves again in the North Atlantic conducting three CVBG operations with USS Forrestal and HMS Hermes, the later deploying with the new Sea Harrier.

The 1983 Mediterranean deployment included contingency operations near Libya and periods of 95 and 92 consecutive days at sea in support of multi-national peacekeeping forces in the Eastern Mediterranean.

1990s
March 1990 saw VAW-121 embark on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for another Mediterranean deployment. This deployment was highlighted by 15 days of around the clock operations in the Red Sea in support of the initial phase of Operation Desert Shield when external AEW support was non-existent. Once again, in March 1991, VAW-121 was awarded both the Battle "E" and AEW Excellence Awards for 1990.

In September 1991, the squadron sailed east once again on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower becoming the first battle group to return to Operation Desert Storm. Although hostilities had ended, the squadron provided coordination and control for several joint multi-national exercises. The cruise culminated in a two-week NATO exercise, Teamwork '92, in the fjords of Norway.

In September 1992, VAW-121 were reassigned to the navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS George Washington, and participated in its initial two-month "shakedown".

February 1993 found VAW-121 deployed to Howard Air Force Base, Panama. For two months, the squadron, as part of Joint Task Force 4, provided airborne surveillance to help stem the flow of drugs in the Central American region, fusing the efforts of the U.S. Air Force, DEA, and Coast Guard units in the interdiction of numerous narcotics flights.

On 20 May 1994, after an extensive work-up period, the squadron, embarked aboard USS George Washington for her maiden deployment. Highlights of the voyage included the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of D-Day off Normandy as well as critical participation in Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia-Herzegovina and Southern Watch over Iraq.

VAW-121 departed on deployment bound for the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian sea in January 1996. The squadron supported Operation Decisive Endeavor over Bosnia-Herzegovina and Southern Watch over Iraq. The squadron returned home in July 1996 and immediately began their transition to the new E-2C Group II aircraft. In December 1996, the squadron passed the 30 year-59,000 hours mishap free hour mark, the best safety record in carrier aviation.

In February 1998 the squadron deployed on board USS John C. Stennis. During the ship's around the world deployment, the squadron coordinated multi-service operations with the United States Air Force, United States Army, and United States Marine Corps in support of Joint Task Force-Southwest Asia Operation Southern Watch. In addition, the squadron controlled many multi-national exercises involving air and naval forces of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, France, United Kingdom and Australia. The squadron went on to win three consecutive TOP HOOK awards and became the first E-2C squadron to win the CVW-7 TOP HOOK award for deployment. From October through December 1998 the squadron operated from NS Roosevelt Roads in support of Counter Narcotics operations. The squadron earned the "Triple Crown" of AEW Awards- the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle "E", the CNO Safety "S" and the Fred Akers AEW Excellence Award.

The squadron and CVW-7 returned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for their latest set of workups and deployment. In December 1999, the squadron passed the 33 year-64,000 hours mishap-free mark, the best safety record in carrier aviation. VAW-121 supported peacekeeping missions over Kosovo and Albania while operating in the Adriatic Sea. USS Eisenhower proceeded to the Persian Gulf to support Operation Southern Watch, while the squadron flew multiple missions over Kuwait in support of strikes on Iraq, providing command and control for the first strikes in the Eisenhower's 22-year history to actually drop bombs on foreign soil.

2000s
While deployed aboard USS George Washington in May 2006, the squadron along with rest of battle group conducted training with the Colombian Navy. The exercise was part of "Partnership of the Americas."

2010s
On returning from a mission on March 31, 2010, an E-2C Hawkeye suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The condition of the starboard engine made the aircraft almost impossible to control. The pilot, LT Steven Zilberman, made sure the aircraft stayed level so the other three crew members could bail out safely. Seconds later, the Hawkeye crashed into the sea. After three days of a massive search, he was declared lost at sea. For his courage, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The squadron began using its first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft in 2014, ending 37-years operating the E-2C Hawkeye.

NOTE: former Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons were redesignated to Airborne Command & Control Squadrons in 2019.

source: wikipedia

- - - - -

another history:

VAW-121 was created out of a "super squadron" VAW-12 on 1 April 1967. Flying the E-1B Tracer until the mid-1970s, VAW-121 transitioned to the new E-2C in July of 1975. In 1978, VAW-121 made its first deployment as part of CVW-7 on the newly commissioned USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). During this period, VAW-121 changed its squadron call sign from “GRIFFIN” to “BLUETAIL” and adopted the unique tail design that you see today.

Over the years, the BLUETAILS have also served aboard the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), and USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) and have served with distinction in actions from Bosnia and Kosovo to Partnership in the Americas, as well as Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM. Additionally, VAW-121 provided critical support to recovery efforts during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and conducted several multi-national deployments and exercises from 2006-2008. In 2009 and 2010, the BLUETAILS deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). In 2014, VAW-121 transitioned to the Navy’s newest command and control platform, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. The BLUETAILS were the second fleet squadron to receive the Advanced Hawkeye. In 2017, they also deployed onboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE conducting combat DCA, being the first E-2 squadron to conduct combat DCA since 1991.

Most recently in 2019 through 2020, VAW-121 completed the longest carrier deployment since the Vietnam War era, executing a near ten-month deployment around the world voyage, providing vital U.S. presence and maritime security in multiple AORs. VAW-121 was the 2019 Battle Effectiveness Award winner, more commonly referred to as Battle “E.” This reward recognizes sustained superior performance in an operational environment and sustained continuous readiness throughout the Fleet Response Training Plan.

Most recently in 2022 through 2023, VAW-121 added aerial refueling capability, completed a work-up cycle, and deployed aboard the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). This deployment was conducted in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations. The squadron was employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S. and allied partner interests. In April 2023, VAW-121 returned from deployment and is currently conducting a scheduled maintenance period.

source: VAW-121
 
patches + more

vaw-121 bluetails insignia crest patch badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy griffins hawkeye tracer 02c

vaw-121 bluetails insignia crest patch badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy griffins hawkeye tracer 02p  vaw-121 bluetails insignia crest patch badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy griffins hawkeye tracer 03p

vaw-121 bluetails insignia crest patch badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy griffins hawkeye tracer 04p   vaw-121 bluetails insignia crest patch badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy griffins hawkeye tracer 05p

vaw-121 bluetails insignia crest patch badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy griffins hawkeye tracer 06p

vaw-121 bluetails insignia crest patch badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy griffins hawkeye tracer 03c   vaw-121 bluetails insignia crest patch badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy griffins hawkeye tracer 04c

vaw-121 bluetails insignia crest patch badge carrier airborne early warning squadron us navy griffins hawkeye tracer 05c
 
 
| seaforces.org | US Navy Air Units start page |