Reconnect. Remember. Belong.
Preserving our legacy in the world of carrier aviation, we were an elite group!
Join the Viking SENSO Association to stay connected with your shipmates through history, reunions, and lifelong camaraderie.
Click on the squadron patch to see group shots of some SENSO warriors. We are still looking for VS-30 and VS-27 group shots. If you have some photos you would like to add, please send them to us at vikingsensoassociation@gmail.com
Ever wonder what happens when a group of elite S-3 Viking Sensor Operators gets together? We realized it was too much history, too much brotherhood, and too much fun to leave to memory.
The Watch is Ours: Welcome to the Viking SENSO Association!
The Viking SENSO Association (VSA) is a national 501(c)(19) Veteran’s non-profit dedicated to the roughly 2500 AWs that sat in the left aft seat of the Lockheed S-3 Viking. After an incredible instructor reunion in 2023, we saw the fire was still burning bright. We decided then and there to take it to the next level—preserving our specialized heritage, honoring the memory of our fallen Shipmates, and keeping the SENSO camaraderie alive and well.
Where We’ve Been. Where We’re Heading.
• San Diego 2025: We just wrapped up an epic reunion that was bigger, louder, and better than ever.
• Pensacola 2027: The mission continues! Planning is already in motion for our next National Convention in the Cradle of Naval Aviation.
Whether you flew the West Coast, the East Coast, or anywhere in between, the VSA is your home base. We’re here to educate the public on the elite AW rating, give back through philanthropy, and—most importantly—reconnect with the finest Aircrewmen to ever fly off a flight deck!
Stay Tuned. Stay Connected. Fly Navy!
The Mount Soledad Project
As part of the 2025 Reunion in San Diego, there was a ceremony at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial during which we unveiled a granite plaque forever commemorating the Viking SENSO and the critical part we played in the defense of our nation during the Cold War years.
The plaque is now on display at Mount Soledad. A heartfelt thanks goes out to Tom Taylor for his initial idea of placing a plaque at Mount Soledad and his generous donation that covered the cost of the plaque.
National Naval Aviation Museum Plaque Project
As we look to solidify our place in history, the Vikings SENSO Association is excited to announce a new initiative to honor our community at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
We will be seeking donations to purchase a Large Legacy Wall Plaque, shifting our vision toward a design inspired by the prestigious Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. We invite all members and supporters to contribute to this lasting tribute, ensuring that future generations of aviators, aircrewmen, and visitors truly see the face of our association’s history.
National Viking SENSO Reunion
The site survey for Pensacola is officially complete! We are thrilled to announce that our 2027 events are firmed up. Prepare to return to the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” for a week of remembrance, camaraderie, and Gulf Coast sun.
Save the date for the 2027 National Viking SENSO Reunion in Pensacola, Florida, from 21–25 April. We’ve planned four days of events—both on and off base—designed for our elite group to reconnect, reflect on our service, and rejoice in our shared history at the Cradle of Naval Aviation. It’s more than a reunion; it’s a homecoming for the SENSO community.
Host Hotel & Headquarters: The Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach.We have secured this premier beachfront location as our official reunion host hotel. The Association will maintain a dedicated Hospitality Meeting Room on the second floor throughout the event—the perfect “ready room” for reconnecting with old friends.
**Schedule of Events**
Wednesday, April 21: Arrival & Welcome
All Day: Attendee Travel & Registration
Evening: Welcome Reception (Held at the hotel)- -Kick off the reunion with appetizers and drinks as we toast to our arrival in Pensacola.
Thursday, April 22: Heritage & Honor
Morning: Group Beach Walk
Mid-Morning: AWA1 School Plaque Presentation & Official Briefings
Afternoon: “Memory Lane” Class Photos Stroll
Lunch: Catered Luncheon at Oaks Topside Restaurant on NAS Pensacola
Evening: At Leisure (Open for individual squadron mini-reunions or small group gatherings)
Friday, April 23: The Aviation Legacy
Morning: Group Beach Walk
Mid-Morning: National Naval Aviation Museum Visit
S-3 Group Photo: Gathering at the Viking One display
Legacy Wall Plaque Dedication: Honoring our history
Wreath Ceremony: A solemn tribute to those we’ve lost
Lunch: Catered Luncheon inside the National Naval Aviation Museum
Evening: At Leisure (Open for individual squadron mini-reunions or small group gatherings)
Saturday, April 24: Reflection & Celebration
Morning: Group Beach Walk
Daytime: Explore Pensacola (Free time to visit local landmarks or the beach)
Afternoon: Ceremonial Wreath Given to the Sea (small group by invite)
Evening: Grand Dinner Banquet (Held in the hotel ballroom)
Sunday, April 25: Farewell
Morning: Farewell Light Breakfast (Held at the hotel)
11:00 AM: Check-out, Departures, and FINEX
A Note on Evening Socials
To allow for maximum flexibility, the evenings of April 22 and 23 are intentionally left open. This provides the perfect opportunity for individual squadrons to organize “mini-reunions” or for small groups to explore the many dining options Pensacola Beach has to offer. The 2nd-floor Hospitality Room will remain open for those who wish to stay in and swap stories.
Reservations & Registration
Stay tuned! Detailed information regarding hotel room block codes, registration fees, and meal selections will be posted here as soon as they become available.We look forward to seeing you in Pensacola in 2027!
How We Got Here
The Story Behind the Story
Read how a couple of old SENSOs got together for drinks one night and, well, you can’t make this stuff up……
The Viking SENSO Video Project
We have been capturing some sENSOs on video talking about their time in the s-3. Take a look at the SENSO Chronicles and conversations with Ed Heim and Killer Hendricks.