#1770 VAW-124 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye print
Description
Squadron Prints Lithgraph No. 1770 - 169084 '600, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE TWO FOUR 'VAW-124', USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), Carrier Air Wing EIGHT.
Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 124, also known as the World Famous Bear Aces, proudly fly the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. Making their transition from the E-2C to E-2D in 2021, they are armed with the most cutting edge radar and sensor systems in the world. This aircraft goes by many nicknames such as the “Quarterback of the Navy” and the “Eyes of the Fleet”. Most importantly, it is collectively known as one of the greatest assets that the US Navy has, maintaining America’s lethality by providing the Bear necessities of command and control, airborne early warning, strike control, and a myriad of other mission sets. The one and only “Molly’s Mafia” squadron has been the cornerstone of Naval Aviation since its commission in 1967 in Norfolk, VA. Originally nicknamed the “Bullseye Hummers” in 1968 the squadron was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 7, aboard the USS Independence. In June 1972, VAW-124 embarked again aboard the USS America for an extended deployment, consisting of seven line periods and 147 combat days. The “Bullseye Hummers” were present in the Gulf of Tonkin when the Paris Peace Accords were signed. VAW-124 stayed with the USS America for deployments in the summer of 1976 and October of 1977. The squadron was awarded the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency Award and the Command Retention Silver Anchor Award for all of their accomplishments. In December 1980, the squadron received orders to NAS Keflavik, Iceland. VAW-124 directed a great number of successful Soviet Tu-95 Bear reconnaissance aircraft, earning the new, and current, nickname, “The Bear Aces”. On 19 August 1981, the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) captured world attention while operating in the Gulf of Sidra. In response to an unprovoked attack, F-14 Tomcats under the control of a VAW-124 Hawkeye intercepted and shot down two Libyan Su-22 “Fitter” fighter aircraft. This event demonstrated the deadly effectiveness of the “Hawkeye-Tomcat” team and is the reason for two stars on the squadron’s insignia. Fast forward to the 20th century and The Bear Aces have participated in various operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. In 2011, The Bear Aces proved their flexibility as they supported both coalition forces in the Afghanistan Theater of operation and supported the drawdown of forces in Iraq. In 2015 they earned the title “Polar” Bear aces by the Canadian Forces by being hand selected to participate in Exercise Vigilant Shield, a test of NORAD’s defense of the United States and Canada in the Arctic. In 2017, the Bears filled key CENTCOM radar coverage gaps in the southern part of Syria during Operation Inherent Resolve, which led to the detection of, and eventual shoot-down of, another Su-22 Fitter aircraft. They continue be the embodiment of fighting spirit as they take charge of the modern battlespace with the E-2D. In its most recent 2023/24 deployment on the maiden voyage of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), while attached to CVW-8, the Bear aces conducted missions in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea while also supporting detachments to Poland. Answering the call when freedom and democracy were threatened, they are dedicated to America’s allied support of NATO. The future endeavors of the World Famous Bears are limitless, and will provide unmatched command and control for generations to come.
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