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USN H-3 VC-11 1950

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During 1943, the US Navy started to work on a program to develop an airborne early warning radar in order to respond to the increasing Kamikaze attacks in the Pacific area.

 

The immediate result was the APS-20 Radar installed in a new version of the Grumman TMB Avenger, the TBM-3W. From 1945 onward, the Fleet Airborne Electronics Unit, Pacific Fleet (FAETUPAC) started training AEW crews at Naval Air Station San Diego and in July 1948 Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One (VAW-1) was commissioned, giving operationally birth to the AEW concept.

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VAW-1 became VC-11 (Composite Squadron Eleven) in September 1948 and from January to June 1950 the unit flew Carrier Qualifications aboard USS BADOENG STRAIT (CVE-116) off San Diego before being sailing to Korea.

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VC-11, now equipped with the new Douglas Skyraider AD-4W, flew several cruises aboard USS Boxer flying Anti-submarine patrols, gun spotting and general recce missions over the war zone.

 

This GENTEX H-3 helmet is decorated with the original AEW VC-11 insignia (source: USN Air Patches by D.Nelson & D.L.Parson) that situate its use during late 1948 to mid-1952 period. Attached by the original crewmember to the side of his helmet, a red and white wool lucky charm.

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