VAW-125

• Origins: Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 (VAW-125), known as the "Tigertails," was established on September 1, 1968, at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, as part of the U.S. Navy's effort to expand its airborne early warning (AEW) capabilities. • Nickname and Insignia: The squadron's nickname, "Tigertails," comes from its distinctive tail markings featuring tiger stripes, a tradition that dates back to its early days. • Vietnam War Service: VAW-125 deployed to the Gulf of Tonkin aboard USS America (CVA-66) in 1972, providing airborne surveillance and command and control during the Vietnam War. • Aircraft Evolution: The squadron originally flew the E-2A Hawkeye, later transitioning to the E-2B, E-2C, and currently operates the advanced E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, which features state-of-the-art radar and avionics. • Operation Desert Storm: VAW-125 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing critical AEW and command and control support for coalition air operations over Iraq. • Multiple Carrier Assignments: Over its history, the squadron has been assigned to various aircraft carriers, including USS America (CV-66), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). • Humanitarian Missions: VAW-125 played a key role in relief operations following natural disasters, including support in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami as part of Operation Unified Assistance. • First to Deploy E-2D: In 2015, VAW-125 became the first operational squadron to deploy with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, marking a significant leap in naval AEW technology. • Global Deployments: The squadron has a history of global operations, participating in exercises and operations in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Western Pacific, and Indian Ocean. • Homeport Move: In 2017, as part of a larger Navy reorganization, VAW-125 relocated from NAS Norfolk, Virginia, to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, as a forward-deployed squadron supporting the U.S. 7th Fleet.