On display at Spirit of St. Louis Air Show 2024. The aircraft is operated by VAW-124 "Bear Aces" based at NAS Norfolk. The unit got its nickname for directing numerous intercepts of Tu-95 bombers when it was based at NAS Keflavik in the 1980s. Originally "Bullseye Hummers", it served on Yankee Station. The unit participated in the Gulf of Sidra incident, during Op Desert Storm in which it flew the most combat sorties of any E-2C squadron and in support of Op Enduring Freedom. It transitioned to the E-2D in 2021. VAW-124 is currently under CVW-8 that embarks on CVN 78 USS Gerald R. Ford.

This Grumman E-2D Hawkeye, 169084, from Airborne Command & Control Squadron 124 "Bear Aces" (VAW-124) based at NAS Norfolk, VA was on static display at Airshow London 2024. The aircraft is assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and the carrier's name painted on the rear fuselage.

'Bear Aces' E-2C during CVW-8 work-ups

BEAR 22 E-2D just climbing out of Fallon for an afternoon CVW-8 evolution

Being directed over the busy deck of the TR during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the yellow shirt must be very sure of his profession, not hitting the big props of this Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 "Bear Aces" Hawkeye.

Standing next to a catapult during a launch is really impressive. That incredible acceleration of the launched aircraft, the wing that buzzes over your head, that noise... best thing to encounter in aviation photography (I think)!

The "double nuts" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 "Bear Aces" is furnished with a special tail. The Hawkeye was seen at Fallon during a work-up period for an upcoming at sea deployment.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 "Bear Aces" deployed with three (of four) Hawkeyes to NAS Fallon during their work-up cycle for another carrier deployment.

An E-2C of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW)-124 "Bear Aces" is heading for the runway at Fallon.