[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 86 (Monday, May 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING UNITED STATES NAVY AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING SQUADRON ONE

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                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 22, 2023

  Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration and the utmost 
respect that I rise to recognize the outstanding group of individuals 
who comprised the United States Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron 
One (designated VW-1). For their courage in the face of danger and 
their commitment to defending their fellow service members, these brave 
individuals are to be commended.
  In 1944, recognizing the need for early warning radar and aircraft to 
protect the United States Naval Fleet from attack by identifying ships 
and low-flying aircraft, the United States Navy launched its first 
program aimed at minimizing the impact on our military and its 
operations. As the program evolved, in June 1952, Airborne Early 
Warning Squadron One was established and initially located at Naval Air 
Station Barbers Point, in the then Territory of Hawaii. Soon after, a 
permanent detachment of VW-1 was established in the Western Pacific, 
providing heavy airborne early warning coverage and participating in 
the Korean War. After relocating to Naval Air Station Agana, Guam, 
Mariana Islands, in 1957, VW-1 took on additional roles, and in 1961, 
was tasked with weather reconnaissance. This increased focus on 
identifying hazardous weather conditions included the addition of 6 
meteorologists and 18 aerographers, as well as new technological 
equipment. During 1961 alone, VW-I flew more than 1,000 hours of 
weather reconnaissance, thus identifying the squadron as the ``Typhoon 
Trackers.''
  Through its valiant efforts, VW-1 provided airborne early warning 
support and protection for the U.S. Seventh Fleet during the Vietnam 
War, from 1964 through 1971. Their mission was to fly north of the DMZ 
in the Gulf of Tonkin, providing airborne protection for the Seventh 
Fleet, which was operating below the DMZ. VW-1 was responsible for 
alerting the Seventh Fleet against enemy attacks and dangerous storms 
while also providing radar surveillance for air strikes over North 
Vietnam.
  From 1964 through 1967, VW-1 was based in the Philippines for an 
extended airborne mission time of 18 hours. These missions were often 
extended beyond the aircraft's fuel range, requiring them to refuel at 
Da Nang Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam before returning to base. 
In late 1967, a detachment was established at Chu Lai in the Republic 
of Vietnam but later moved to Da Nang Air Base in order to shorten the 
mission time.
  From its establishment in June 1952 until July 1971, at which time 
the unit was absorbed into VQ-1, VW-1 completed its mission with an 
astonishing record of 19 years of accident-free flights, totaling more 
than 160,000 flight hours. For its efforts, VW-1 was twice awarded the 
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. Individually, aircrew members have 
also received more than 1,200 Air Medals and 2 Purple Hearts, both of 
which were awarded for injuries sustained in Southeast Asia.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the brave men of Airborne Early 
Warning Squadron One (designated VW-1). The squadron played a critical 
role in the United States Military, and its courageous members are a 
true example of steadfast patriotism. Let us never forget their service 
and the sacrifices they made in defense of our nation and their fellow 
service members.

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