Page 77 - Maritime Services and the Kill Web

The Maritime Services, the Allies and Shaping the Kill Web

Expanding the Reach of the Battlefleet: The Evolving Role of the
Advanced Hawkeye

2017-08-11 By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake

The new variant of the Hawkeye has come to the fleet.

The E-2D IOC’d with VAW-125 in 2014.
And aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, they completed a CENTCOM deployment ISO OIR.

Then earlier this year, the E2-DE-2D as it is known arrived in Japan with a flourish to join into the defense of
Japan and of the US fleet in Pacific operations.

According to a press release from the Commander of Naval Forces Japan and dated February 2, 2017:

IWAKUNI, Japan (NNS) — Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 arrived at Marine Corps Air
Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Feb. 2.

The “Tigertails” of VAW-125 are relieving the “Liberty Bells” of VAW-115 as the early-warning squadron of the
U.S. Navy’s Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, supporting the Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group.

“We are excited to join the forward-deployed naval forces at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in the amazing
city of Iwakuni,” said Cmdr. Daniel Prochazka, VAW-125’s commanding officer. “I would like to thank the city
for its hospitality and for warmly welcoming us to this incredible place. This is my second time in the forward-
deployed naval forces. My fond memories make me personally very thrilled to be back.”

VAW-125’s arrival also brings enhanced capabilities to the region, as the squadron’s five E2-D Advanced
Hawkeye aircraft provide substantial upgrades over the E-2C Hawkeye platform. VAW-125 is the U.S. Navy’s
first operational fleet squadron to utilize the E-2D.

“VAW-125 is the first and most experienced E-2D squadron in the U.S. Navy,” Prochazka said. “This aircraft has
the most advanced airborne radar in the world, and the people who fix and fly it are the best in the U.S. Navy.”

Among the improvements in the E-2D are an all-new electronics suite, enhanced turboprop engines, modernized
communications, and upgrade potential for mid-air refueling capabilities.

The U.S. Navy first took delivery of the E-2D July 2010, and began a phased replacement of the venerable E-2C
aircraft which has served the fleet since 1973.

Prochazka added the forward deployment of VAW-125 to MCAS Iwakuni is in accordance with the U.S. Navy’s
strategic vision for rebalance to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, putting the most advanced and capable units
forward in order to support the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan and the security and stability
of the region.

“I am proud to bring the E2-D Advanced Hawkeye to Japan and to help strengthen the alliance between our two
great nations,” he said. “I am confident that our people and equipment will continue to build upon the vital
relationship between our two countries.”

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=98672

But this is just the beginning.

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