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Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 116 “Sun Kings”

Mission

VAW-116 will launch tactically proficient aircrew and mission capable aircraft on time to manage any battle space, and to facilitate putting fused weapons on target first pass for CVW-17, CSG-11, and any global theater commander.

About Us

On April 20, 1967, VAW-116 was commissioned and received the E-2B aircraft. During 1979-1980, VAW-116 transitioned to the E-2C. 

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 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 E-2C Hawkeye we fly is the Navy's all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management airborne early warning and command and control aircraft. The Hawkeye provides all-weather airborne early warning, airborne battle management and command and control functions for the Carrier Strike Group and Joint Force Commander.  

Additional missions include surface surveillance coordination, air interdiction, offensive and defensive counter air control, close-air support coordination, time critical strike coordination, search and rescue airborne coordination and communications relay. 

VAW-116 Squadron Insignia Image


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