VAW-116 transitioned to the E-2C and made a Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment from February 26, 1980 to October 15, 1980, aboard USS "Constellation" in support of Iranian Contingency Operations. The squadron was assigned to Carrier Air Wing TWO in July 1981. On April 7, 1982, the squadron embarked on for a Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment. Returning in October 1982, the squadron remained with Carrier Air Wing Two aboard , deploying on January 13, 1984. In July 1987, the squadron deployed aboard USS "Ranger" for a six-month Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment providing support for Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf. On February 24, 1989, the squadron deployed aboard USS "Ranger" to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, supporting operations with the Oman Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force. VAW-116 sailed aboard USS "Ranger" on December 8, 1990, to the Western Pacific in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During Operation Desert Storm the squadron flew 1,364 total flight hours and spent 93 days on station in the Persian Gulf.