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Page 354 text:
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YAW-121 mtfETAIlF
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Page 356 text:
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COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CDMCM(AW SW) Cesar Perez Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE HUNDRED -TTv - TWENTY-ONE (VAW-121) traces its origin to Project Cadillac, a program initiated in 1942 to develop airborne radar relay platforms. By June 1945, the first group of modified Carrier Airborne Early Warning (AEW) TBM-3 Avengers was conducting trials with USS RANGER. Unfortunately the war ended before the AEW units could see action. Following World War II, Fleet Aviation Electronics Training Units (FAETUs) were established on both coasts and continued to train pilots, operators and maintenance personnel on AEW equipment. In 1948 VAW-1 on the West Coast and VAW-2 at NAS Norfolk, were formed to replace the FAETUs. Within a year VAW-2 was redesignated VC-12 and relocated to Quonset Point, Rl,where the TBM-3W was replaced with the AD-3W SKYRAIDER. During the Korean War, VC-12 detachments deployed aboard carriers for combat operations. VC-12 operated an improved version to the SKYRAIDER, the AD-5W, until 1960 when the new WF TRACER “WILLY FUDD”, later designated as the E-IB, was acquired. VC-12 was redesignated VAW-12 in 1960 and in 1962 moved from Quonset Point back to NAS Norfolk, VA. In 1966 the East Coast’s first E-2A arrived, and in 1967, the Chief of Naval Operations, directed the formation of separate squadrons and a functional AIRWING. On April 1,1967, Carrier Airborne Early Warning WING TWELVE, including VAW-121 (previously VAW-12, Det. 1) was established. VAW-121 was commissioned as the GRIFFINS with the tactical call sign “PALMETTOS.” The new E-2As were flown by all squadrons, except VAW-121, who had operated aboard USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA 42), as the sole remaining fleet E-IB squadron from 1973 to 1975. In 1975, VAW-121 transitioned to the E-2C, the latest model HAWKEYE. During a compressed Interim Deployment Readiness Cycle (IDRC), the BLUETAILS aggresively managed money, aircraft and aircrew commitments and ensured flawless execution in every endeavor. After a successful deployment in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, the BLUETAILS transited to the new HAWKEYE 200 and continue to maintain their position at the forefront of Airborne Early Warning Command and Control.
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