VPNAVY VP-5 Mercury Capsule Recovery
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

HistoryVAW-116 HistoryHistory

Circa 2004

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...New Chiefs Participate in Base Beautification Project - Story Number: NNS040831-07 - Release Date: 8/31/2004 2:24:00 PM - By Journalist 2nd Class Auburn Hutton, Naval Air Reserve Point Mugu Public Affairs..." http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14940 [16NOV2004]

POINT MUGU, Calif. (NNS) -- Sixteen newly selected chief petty officers from units at Naval Air Station Point Mugu participated in a hands-on base beautification effort in August.

Sailors from VP-65, VR-55, Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Mobile Operations Control Center and VAW-116 joined together in an effort to help clean up a few neglected areas of the base, while satisfying the community service portion of their Chief Selectee Transition season.

Chief Personnelman (AW) Katrina Renyer from the Naval Air Reserve Point Mugu (NAVAIRES) is the community service chairman for the season. She coordinated with the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office on base to determine which areas needed the most care.

“We ended up focusing on the barbeque pavilion," she said. "It's a facility that everyone on the base utilizes, and it was in desperate need of repair. It needed a face lift.”

One chief selectee from NAVAIRES, Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate (sel.) (AW) David Phillips, enjoyed participating in the restoration.

“We cleaned up the playground equipment, replaced light fixtures, cleaned and painted the barbecue grill pits and built four new horseshoe pits," he said. "It was a big job, but it gave us a lot of satisfaction.”

When the crew finished the job, the pavilion had a whole new look for Point Mugu residents to enjoy. Phillips feels the project will contribute to more use of the community pavilion.

“It was a wonderful opportunity and a really great thing for the community. It turned out to be so beautiful — a great looking place overall. I think it'll really help invite more people to go over there and spend time with their family.”

Community service is just one portion of the Chief Selectee Transition season. The Sailors are also required to participate in extensive classroom and physical training in order to better prepare themselves for life in khakis.

“The whole process is important,” said Renyer. “There's a lesson behind everything. I remember going through it myself. You have a whole new perspective on your career when it's over.”

Phillips feels the knowledge he gained has helped him evolve into a whole new way of thinking.

“You have to go from being someone who goes to others and asks, ‘What am I supposed to do?' to a person who others go to for the same answers.”

During the base beautification process, as well as the other training the chief selectees received, they had a chance to bond and work together as a team. Renyer said the results were incredible.

“You take 30 or so individuals and by the end of the season, they're working together like a smooth engine," she said. "They have to learn a new way of life.”

The Chief Selectee Transition season will wrap up Sept. 15 with a pinning ceremony at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme.


Circa 2002

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...The crew of Sun King 601 - October 2002..." http://safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/issues/oct02/bz.htm [01JUL2003]

The crew of Sun King 601 were preparing for deployment by conducting air-intercept-control training at NAS Fallon. The crew included: Ltjg. Jason Clendaniel, pilot, Lt. Corey Johnston, copilot and aircraft commander, LCdr. Brian Groff, combat-information-center officer, Lt. Chan Barry, aircraft-control officer and mission commander, and Ltjg. Jon Shepard, radar officer.

During climbout, the crew was unable to trim the rudder. While troubleshooting, the rudder-trim actuator failed, resulting in rudder trim completely running away to the right. Both pilots had to input left rudder to maintain directional control. The crew elected to take a field-arrested landing at NAS Fallon. To overcome controllability problems on the approach, the pilot had to input significant left rudder simultaneously with the aircraft commander flying from the right seat. The aircrew's attention to detail, initiative, and resource management prevented a mishap.


Circa 1991

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Aviation Units Involved in the Persian Gulf War (16 January–27 February 1991)...This Squadron Mentioned...Naval Historical Center ADOBE Download File: http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-1910/APP29.PDF [27MAY2003]
Get Adobe Reader
Open VP History Adobe FilePersian Gulf War 20KB


Circa 1983

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July-August 1983 "...Awards - Page 30 and 32 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1983..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1983/ja83.pdf [17OCT2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

Circa 1981

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation June 1981 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 39 to 41 - Naval Aviation News - June 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/jun81.pdf [13OCT2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

Circa 1973

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation May 1973 "...Fleets Announce Battle E Winners - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - May 1973..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1973/may73.pdf [28SEP2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

Circa 1972

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation November 1972 "...Aviation Safety Awards Announced - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - November 1972..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1972/nov72.pdf [27SEP2004]

VP History Thumbnail

Circa 1970

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation April 1970 "...Fleet Air 'E' Awards Announced - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - April 1970..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1970/apr70.pdf [17SEP2004]

VP History Thumbnail

Circa 1967

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VAW-116 History..." http://www.vaw116.navy.mil/history/index.html [06AUG2002]

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE ONE SIX (VAW-116) is one of four Carrier Airborne Early Warning squadrons located on the West coast under the cognizance of Commander, Airborne Early Warning Wings, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMAEWWINGSPAC).

On April 20, 1967 VAW-116 was commissioned and received the E-2B aircraft. The "Sun Kings" completed three far-east deployments as part of Attack Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN and two while attached to Attack Carrier Air Wing NINE.

UPDATE "...We flew E2As as the original equip....prior to that it was the E1 series of a/c with all of the operations including the "rag" outfit or training squadron residing at NAS North Island, San Diego, California. Originally the split from the "dets" made the different squadrons..." Contributed by Jerry Souther jsouther55@msn.com [27MAR2003]

In July 1975, VAW-116 transferred to Attack Carrier Air Wing EIGHT. Concurrently, the west-coast VAW community, including VAW-116, moved from NAS North Island, San Diego, California, Miramar. As a unit of Carrier Air Wing EIGHT, the "Sun Kings" saw duty in the North Atlantic in 1975.

In 1976 VAW-116 deployed aboard U.S.S. NIMITZ (CVN-68) for a Mediterranean cruise. The squadron transferred to Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN embarked on USS FORESTALL (CV-59) in 1977, and deployed to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic in March of 1978.

In 1979/1980 VAW-116 transitioned to the E-2C and made a Western Pacific/Indian Ocean cruise from February 26, 1980 to October 15, 1980 aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) in support of Iranian Contingency Operations.

The squadron was assigned to Carrier Air Wing TWO in July 1981. On April 7, 1982, the squadron embarked on the USS RANGER (CV-61) for a Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment. Returning in October 1982, the "Sun Kings" remained with Carrier Air Wing TWO aboard the U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CV-63), deploying on January 13, 1984.

In July of 1987, the "Sun Kings" deployed aboard USS RANGER (CV-61) for a six month Western Pacific/Indian Ocean cruise, during which they provided support for the reflagged Kuwaiti Tanker missions. On February 24, 1989 the squadron deployed aboard U.S.S RANGER (CV-61) for another Western Pacific/Indian Ocean cruise. This deployment included extensive training operations with the Omani and Royal Thai Air Forces.

VAW-116 deployed aboard USS RANGER (CV-61) on December 8, 1990 for a Western Pacific cruise in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. During Operation Desert Storm the squadron flew 1,364 total flight hours and spent 93 days on station in the Arabian Gulf.

The "Sun Kings" returned 31 January 1993 from a highly successful Western Pacific deployment in support of Operation Southern Watch in Iraq and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, winning the coveted Battle "E" for 1992. The Battle "E" Award recognized VAW-116 as the most outstanding VAW squadron in the Pacific Fleet marking the third time the "Sun Kings" received this coveted award.

In February of 1993, the "Sun Kings" commenced a transition from the E-2C Group 0 to the E-2C Group II. The Group II weapons system represents a tremendous advancement in avionics, communications, propulsion, airframe and navigation systems.

In May of 1993, VAW-116 deployed to the Republic of Panama in support of JTF-4 Special Operations. Upon returning, the "Sun Kings" were awarded the AEW Excellence Award for 1992. This remarkable achievement recognized the Sun Kings as the premier VAW Squadron for the entire E-2C community.

In November of 1993, VAW-116 commenced a rigorous work up cycle at NAS Fallon, Nevada. This cycle included "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC 94), in which Carrier Airwing Two conducted joint operations with five other nations, and culminated in the "Fleet Ex" exercises during August/September 94.

On 10 November 1994 the Squadron embarked in USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) for its WESTPAC 94/95. Over the next six months the "Sun Kings" provided vital AEW and Battle Group coverage off the coast of North Korea, and in support of Operation Southern Watch over Iraq.

In June 1995 and February 1996 the "Sun Kings" deployed to conduct surveillance operations at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, in support of JIATF-E Special Operations.

On 01 April 1997 the Squadron embarked in the USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) for its WESTPAC 97. During the six month deployment the squadron provided vital surveillance of Iraq in support of the United Nations enforced "No fly zone" of Operation Southern Watch. In addition, the squadron participated in military exercises with the Pakistani Air Force.

In February 1998 the squadron deployed to conduct surveillance operations at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, in support of JIATF-E Special Operations.

On 18 June 1999 the Squadron embarked in USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) for its Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf deployment. During the next 6 months VAW-116 provided essential surveillance of Iraq in support of the United Nations enforced "No Fly Zone" of Operation Southern Watch. After this successful deployment the squadron was awarded the coveted Safety"S".

In January 2000 the squadron deployed to conduct surveillance operations at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, in support of JIATF-E Special Operations.

Currently the World Famous Sun Kings are returning home from a demanding WESTPAC 01, enjoying Tiger Cruise with family and friends. The Sun Kings again provided Airborne Early Warning for Operation Southern Watch. Port visits included Sydney and Perth, Australia; Dubai, UAE; Singapore, Singapore; Hong Kong, China; and finally Pearl Harbor, HI, USA.


Return
"VAW-116 Summary Page"