VAW-123 decommissions final E-2C Hawkeyes
On 9 September 2024, Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 123 "Screwtops" ('AC-60x') transferred two of its four E-2C-2000 Hawkeyes to 309th AMARG at Davis-Monthan AFB (AZ). The serials of the two aircraft flown to Arizona are BuNo 165649/AC-600 and BuNo 165813/AC-601.
The unit's other two Hawkeyes were transferred to VAW-120 "Greyhawks" ('AD-xxx'), the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), to train the next generation of Hawkeye pilots.
VAW-123 was deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and returned from a nine-month deployment in July this year.
The event on 9 September was part of the squadron’s transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to be completed in mid-2025. With the unit making its transition to the E-2D, west-coast based VAW-116 "Sun Kings" ('NA-60x') is the only fleet squadron in the Navy flying the E-2C until its scheduled sundown.
Credit photo: et_photography2024 (via VAW-123)