New Tasking Reflects "Today's Navy"

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing, US Atlantic Fleet (COMAEWWINGLANT) merged with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing, US Pacific Fleet (COMAEWWINGPAC) during an afternoon ceremony at Breezy Point Officer’s Club at Naval Station Norfolk September 23rd. That means COMAEWWINGPAC will command all E-2C Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound squadrons from Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, CA, under the new title of Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing (COMACCLOGWING). The change in name reflects the changes and increased missions of the E-2C Hawkeye and the C-2A Greyhound aircraft in today’s Navy.

Sideboys rendered salutes and a boatswain’s mate piped aboard 11 of the 19 former commodores of the Atlantic Fleet wing who attended the ceremony reflecting the wing’s progress and accomplishment since its establishment in 1967.

"I'm very proud to be here among such a fine group of people," said retired Capt. Sheldon L. Corner. "The history of this mighty wing [is all around us today,] and you all have brought this community to the top of its game."

Corner was commodore of the COMAEWWINGLANT from 1967 to 1969 and said he has confidence in the consolidation that the Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW)/Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) community is experiencing.

The former commodores, most of whom are retired, had all donned their flight suits, and many spoke of the confidence they have in the wing's future.

"Everything from here on will probably look the same and smell the same; it's just going to work better," said Corner, referring to the upgrades the E-2C is undergoing.

Upgrades in the VAW community are expected to increase the Hawkeye's efficiency on the battlefront.

"The carrier strike group operations is somewhat of a bubble," said retired Capt. John W. Bookhultz, East Coast wing commodore from 1985 to 1987. "The Hawkeye is central to the battle environment, keeping everyone on the same page, maintaining control and also minimizing friendly fire."

The E-2C is currently being fitted with the NP2000 eight-bladed propeller system, flat-panel displays and mission computer upgrades.

Equipped with the latest in solid state electronics, the E-2C Hawkeye uses sensors to provide early warning, threat analysis and control of counter action against air and surface targets.

The C-2A Greyhound is used primarily for carrier onboard delivery (COD), delivering mail, cargo, passengers and essential logistics to and from carriers.

"There are and have been a lot of great people in this community," said Capt. Harry M. Robinson, current COMAEWWINGPAC commodore and who will remain in command after the title change. "We're just going to try and keep this community a smooth running machine."

FMI: www.navy.mil