[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 2757-2758]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY AIRBORNE EARLY 
                          WARNING SQUADRON ONE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 2014

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere appreciation and deep 
respect that I rise today to recognize the contributions of the United 
States Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron One, designated VW-1. For 
their courage while facing danger head on and their willingness to 
defend our nation's military, these brave individuals are to be 
commended.
  In 1944, recognizing the need for early warning radar and aircraft to 
assist in protecting the United States Naval Fleet from attack by 
identifying ships and low flying aircraft, the United States Navy 
launched its first program to help minimize the impact on service 
members and operations. The initial program would evolve, and in June 
1952, led to the establishment of Airborne Early Warning Squadron One, 
designated VW-1, first 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, where it provided heavy 
airborne early warning coverage and participated in the Korean War. 
Following its relocation to the Naval Air Station Agana, Guam, Mariana 
Islands, in 1957, VW-1 began to take on additional responsibilities, 
and in 1961, was tasked with weather reconnaissance. This increased 
focus on identifying hazardous weather conditions included the addition 
of six meteorologists and eighteen aerographers, as well as new 
technological equipment. During 1961 alone, VW-1 flew more than 1,000 
hours of weather reconnaissance, thus identifying the squadron as the 
``Typhoon Trackers.''
  Through their 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. They were tasked with warning 
the Seventh Fleet against enemy attacks and dangerous storms, in 
addition to providing radar surveillance for air strikes over North 
Vietnam. From 1964 through 1967, VW-1 operated out of bases in the 
Republic of the Philippines for an extended airborne mission time of 
eighteen hours. Often times these missions were extended beyond the 
aircraft's fuel range, requiring them to refuel at Da Nang Air Base in 
the Republic of Vietnam before returning to their base in the 
Philippines. In late 1967, a detachment was established at Chu Lai in 
the Republic of Vietnam but later moved to Da Nang Air Base in an 
effort to shorten the mission time to twelve hours.

[[Page 2758]]

  From its establishment in June 1952 until July 1971, when the unit 
was absorbed into VQ-1, VW-1 completed its mission with an astonishing 
nineteen years of accident-free flight, totaling more than 160,000 
flight hours. For its efforts, VW-1 was twice awarded the Navy 
Meritorious Unit Commendation. Individual aircrew members have received 
more than 1,200 Air Medals, and the unit also includes two Purple Heart 
recipients, whose injuries were sustained in Southeast Asia.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring the brave men of Airborne Early Warning 
Squadron One, designated VW-1. The squadron represented an important 
part of the United States Military, and its gallant members are a true 
example of unwavering 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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