In November 2003 , the squadron began transitioning to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 airframe . VAW-116 completed the transition in August 2004 with the delivery of the squadron 's fourth and final aircraft . The squadron embarked on in October 2004 , to execute a surge deployment to the Western Pacific . They completed Integrated Warfare Training in the vicinity of Hawaii before transiting west . Their deployment was extended when the '' Abraham Lincoln '' Carrier Strike Group was called to assist in Operation Unified Assistance in Banda Aceh , Indonesia as a result of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami . The squadron aided in the effort by sending Sailors ashore to distribute much-needed food and medical aid to the wounded disaster victims
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
VAW-116