VAW-123 deployed with CVW-1 in USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on Sept 19, 2001. VAW-123, as part of Carrier Air Wing One and the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) spent the next 160 days at sea conducting combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom breaking the record for the longest period underway since World War II. The SCREWTOPS returned home to Norfolk, VA on 27 March 2002 and were awarded the Battle 'E', the AKERS award for being the best E-2 Squadron and Naval Unit Commendations.