VAW-11

VAW-11, nicknamed the Early Elevens, was a U.S. Navy Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron, whose mission was to provide early warning services to fleet forces and shore warning networks, under all weather conditions. The squadron was also responsible for combat air patrol and ASW missions. It was based at NAS North Island in San Diego, California, but had detachments serving aboard 13 attack carriers and antisubmarine carriers in the Pacific Fleet. Detachments flew the EA-1E Skyraider, the E-1B Tracer, and the E-2A Hawkeye.

In 1948, the squadron was commissioned as VAW-1, then redesignated VC-11 one month later. VC-11 worked on developing the airborne early warning (AEW) concept, and in 1950 deployed detachments that provided ASW and AEW protection throughout the Korean War. In 1958, the squadron received AD-5Q Skyraider variant and TF-1Q Trader variant aircraft, which jointly added electronic warfare to its capabilities. Both aircraft were later employed by VAW-13, which was trained by VAW-11 and commissioned in 1961. In 1959 the squadron received E-1B Tracers, commonly known as "Willy Fudds". In July, 1960, it deployed its first E-1B detachment to the Western Pacific.

In early 1964, the squadron began receiving E-2A Hawkeyes. This aircraft required very extensive ground support, particularly for its complex avionics system, causing the squadron to grow significantly in maintenance inventory and headcount. By 1966 it had become the Navy's largest carrier-based squadron, providing E-2A detachments to large attack carriers and E-1B detachments to smaller CVA's and CVS's. To increase efficiency and combat readiness, all E-2A detachments were commissioned as individual squadrons on 20 April 1967, and VAW-11 was redesignated as VAW-111.