In July 2001 , VAW-117 was the first squadron to deploy with the new MCU/ACIS system . WESTPAC 2001-02 on board proved to be an active deployment . After the September 11 attacks in 2001 , aircraft from VAW-117 and CVW-11 were among the first aircraft to lead the strikes on Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom . The extensive radar and communication equipment on board the E-2C Hawkeye allowed the squadron to continuously provided battle space management over Pakistan and southern Afghanistan , ensuring the safety of all airborne assets and clearance from commercial air routes . The squadron 's Hawkeyes served as an information-clearing house , providing a communications relay between command authorities on the ground and tactical aircraft airborne . VAW-117 was the first fleet squadron to receive the HE-2K variant of the Hawkeye and also the first fleet Hawkeye squadron to receive the Cooperative Engagement Capability system ( CEC )
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
VAW-117