Season's Greetings
The following letter was received from Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, Chief of Naval Operations:
"With the advent of the Christmas Season, it is time for each of us to reflect on the teachings of our individual faiths and on the blessings of our great country. In this reflection, we continue to pray that the true spirit of Christmas will reach the hearts of men throughout the world and that peace and freedom may come to all mankind in our time.
The American Navyman and his family are the first to know the realities of the un-peaceful years. You are the first on the front line and then must remain until a balance of peace is achieved. In the past year your duties have again called on you to meet the challenges of men who do not know or do not wish to know true peace. As in the past, your response has been superb.
To all Americans, your accomplishments and those of your shipmates in 1967 have been a source of the greatest confidence and pride. Those of you who serve in Vietnam combat operations deserve a special measure of their thanks and Prayers during Christmas.
I salute each of you, and consider it an honor to represent you and the earned integrity of the Navy-Marine Corps Team. I go about my duties, as do all Americans, in the wake of your accomplishments. God bless you all."
1943 - Surprise attack by Kamikaze aircraft on fleet units standing off Okinawa. New tactic--low level.
1944 - Project Cadillac II initiated to develop an airborne weapons system to provide warning of low flyers.
1946 - VX-4 flew first radar weather reconnaissance mission on a hurricane. First operational AEW mission.
1952 - VW-1 commissioned on 18 June at NAS, Barber's Point, Hawaii. VW-1 had evolved from a VC-11 (VAW-11) detachment. Squadron aircraft was PB-1W (B-17).
1954 - October...First WV-2 delivered to VW-1, then at Barber's Point.
1957 - VW-1 and VW-3 move to NAS Agana, Guam, to provide closer support to the SEVENTH Fleet.
1961 - 1 July...the squadron's primary mission became weather reconnaissance.
1964 - Following Turner Joy and Maddox incidents in Tonkin Gulf, VW-1 begins providing AEW coverage in earnest for CTF 77 in support of the conflict in Southeast Asia.
1965 - VW-1 forms seven crews and flies 239 fixes without a "bust".
1966 - Two additional aircraft assigned to the squadron.
