 Prior to changing their name to "WallBangers" then "NightHawks" they were first called "Lemurs".On board ’s maiden WESTPAC voyage in May 1991, VAW-117 assisted in the evacuation of dependents from the Philippines after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo during Operation Fiery Vigil.VAW-117 was awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for its efforts in assisting in the evacuation.