A yearlong series of events will mark the milestone 50th anniversary of the first E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft that was delivered to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 11 on Jan. 19, 1964, becoming what is affectionately known as “the eyes and ears of the Navy.” As the first aircraft explicitly designed for the Navy’s AEW mission, the E-2 has had a presence aboard every carrier strike group in the Navy’s arsenal and has participated in every major combat operation, providing humanitarian and disaster relief.
WHAT: The E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data Systems Program Office (PMA-231) has named 2014 as the Year of the Hawkeye. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform. It features a state-of-the-art radar with a two-generation leap in capability and upgraded aircraft systems that will improve fleet supportability and increase readiness. The E-2D is on schedule to reach initial operational capability later this year.
WHEN: Jan. 19 kicks off a yearlong series of events focusing feature podcasts, videos, photos and articles about the E-2 Hawkeye that will be posted online at www.navair.navy.mil/hawkeye.
WHO: PMA-231 Program Manager Capt. John Lemmon will be available for interviews about the aircraft’s mission and how it continues to serve the fleet. Lemmon will join a list of key naval aviators sharing the legacy and accomplishments of the aircraft during the year.
WHERE: Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.
HOW: Media interested in receiving alerts about Year of the Hawkeye events should contact Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft (PEO(T)) Public Affairs Officer Marcia Hart, at 301-757-7178 or marcia.hart-wise@navy.mil.
Source / Author: NAVAIR