Eye in the Sky

General Charles “Chuck” Yeager famously credited his success as a combat pilot to his superb eyesight. What about an adversary who is beyond visual range? The answer was Airborne Early Warning and Control systems (AEW&C). Pioneered in WWII, the concept and technology came into its own during the Cold War and over Vietnam. Today, Airborne Early Warning and Control has advanced to a point where not only pilots can be relayed critical information, but commanders can control the battlespace in real time almost as if they were moving game pieces around on a board. It is a critical component to modern aerial operations and one that is ever evolving. Come join us at 11 AM on June 19th, along with US Navy combat veteran LT David McAlexander, USN as he shares his extensive knowledge on the inner workings of and experiences with AEW&C operations while flying aboard the E-2C Hawkeye in the First Gulf War from USS Ranger (CV-61). Afterward, come and join LT McAlexander and our team of docents for tours aboard Yanks’ very own E-2 Hawkeye and EC-121.