Carrier Air Wing Seven
Encyclopedia
Carrier Air Wing Seven is a United States Navy
aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana
, Virginia
. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier .
CVW-7 consists of 8 Squadrons
, California
, as Carrier Air Group Eighteen. After an intensive training period, the air group embarked in USS Intrepid (CV-11)
and participated in combat operations against the Japanese during World War II. In September 1945, the air group transferred to Naval Air Station Quonset Point
, Rhode Island
and became Carrier Air Group Seven.
, the air wing flew close air support strikes, attacks on industrial facilities and supply line interdiction missions from the deck of .
After moving from Quonset Point to Naval Air Station Oceana
in 1958, the Air Group teamed up with and deployed as the first all jet air wing. During the years from 1966 – 1977 the air wing completed seven Mediterranean deployments in USS Independence and participated in numerous North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) exercises. In early 1978, Air Wing Seven embarked in USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for shakedown and weapons training in the Roosevelt Roads
, Puerto Rico
operating area
.
On 1 March 1978, Air Wing SEVEN became permanently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and deployed in January 1979 for IKE’s maiden, Mediterranean voyage. From April through December 1980, the air wing embarked for an Indian Ocean deployment in support of operations to rescue the hostages in Tehran
, following in September and October by NATO exercises in the North Atlantic. From January to July 1982, Air Wing Seven embarked for a Mediterranean deployment which included support for the evacuation of Americans from Lebanon
. In April 1983, the IKE/CVW-7 team began another Mediterranean deployment that included the first 1000NM over water night intercept for an F-14, multiple CV Battle Group operations with the USS Independence and , and support of the Multi-national Peace Keeping Force in Beirut, Lebanon.
In September 1992 CVW-7 initially embarked in for a weapons system shakedown. The air wing deployed on the USS George Washington as a component of Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Two on 20 May 1994. Following refresher carrier qualifications, the Battle Group transited to Portsmouth, England to participate in the Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the D-Day
invasion. The Commemoration activities were highlighted by port visits to England, Brest, France and President Bill Clinton
’s stay aboard the carrier.
Following turnover with , the Battle Group proceeded directly to the Adriatic to conduct operations in support of Operation Deny Flight
and Sharp Guard. In response to aggressive Iraqi troop movements south towards Kuwait
, the George Washington Battle Group transited the Suez Canal
at maximum speed. Persian Gulf Operations Vigilant and Southern Watch
were resumed on 15 October 1994. After Iraqi forces turned north and tensions eased, the Battle Group returned to the Mediterranean Sea. Turnover with the IKE Battle Group took place north of the Suez Canal
and the USS George Washington/CVW-7 returned to a rainy Norfolk on 17 November 1994.
In September 1996 CVW-7 began preparations for a 26 February 1998 around the world deployment in . This Joint Task Group 98-2 deployment included over four months on station in the Northern Persian Gulf supporting Operation Southern Watch
.
In 2000 CVW-7 was again deployed with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. Two years later, the Wing was deployed to the same regions aboard and aboard , before finally returning to the Dwight D. Eisenhower in 2006-07. In April and May 2008, CVW-7's strike fighter squadrons accompanied George Washington from Norfolk, Virginia, to San Diego, California, around Cape Hoorn. Although formally assigned to CVW-17
, the squadrons kept their "AG" tail code. Two deployments aboard CVN-69 followed in 2009 and 2010.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana
Naval Air Station Oceana
Naval Air Station Oceana or NAS Oceana is a military airport located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is a United States Navy Master Jet Base. It is also known as Apollo Soucek Field, named after Lieutenant Apollo Soucek, a Navy Test Pilot who set the global altitude record in 1930 by flying a...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier .
Mission
To conduct carrier air warfare operations and assist in the planning, control, coordination and integration of seven air wing squadrons in support of carrier air warfare including; Interception and destruction of enemy aircraft and missiles in all-weather conditions to establish and maintain local air superiority. All-weather offensive air-to-surface attacks, Detection, localization, and destruction of enemy ships and submarines to establish and maintain local sea control. Aerial photographic, sighting, and electronic intelligence for naval and joint operations. Airborne early warning service to fleet forces and shore warning nets. Airborne electronic countermeasures. In-flight refueling operations to extend the range and the endurance of air wing aircraft and Search and rescue operations.Subordinate units
See also: List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons.CVW-7 consists of 8 Squadrons
| Code | Insignia | Squadron | Nickname | Assigned Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VFA-83 |  |
Strike Fighter Squadron 83 VFA-83 Strike Fighter Squadron 83 , also known as the "Rampagers", are a United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana... |
Rampagers | F/A-18C Hornet F/A-18 Hornet The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole fighter jet, designed to dogfight and attack ground targets . Designed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and... |
| VFA-103 |  |
Strike Fighter Squadron 103 VFA-103 Strike Fighter Squadron 103 , nicknamed the Jolly Rogers is an aviation unit of the United States Navy established in 1952. VFA-103 flies the F/A-18F Super Hornet and is based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia... |
Jolly Rogers | F/A-18F Super Hornet F/A-18E/F Super Hornet The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. The F/A-18E single-seat variant and F/A-18F tandem-seat variant are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm gun and can carry air-to-air... |
| VFA-131 |  |
Strike Fighter Squadron 131 VFA-131 Strike Fighter Squadron 131 , also known as the "Wildcats", is a United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. Their radio call sign is "Cat" and their aircraft tail code is AG.-Mission:... |
Wildcats | F/A-18C Hornet F/A-18 Hornet The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole fighter jet, designed to dogfight and attack ground targets . Designed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and... |
| VFA-143 |  |
Strike Fighter Squadron 143 VFA-143 Strike Fighter Squadron 143 , also known as the "Pukin Dogs", are a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The Pukin Dogs are an operational fleet squadron and flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet. They are currently attached to Carrier Air Wing Seven and... |
Pukin Dogs | F/A-18E Super Hornet F/A-18E/F Super Hornet The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. The F/A-18E single-seat variant and F/A-18F tandem-seat variant are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm gun and can carry air-to-air... |
| VAW-121 |  |
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 VAW-121 Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 , also known as the "Bluetails", is an Airborne Early Warning squadron operating the E-2C Hawkeye based at Naval Air Station Norfolk... |
Bluetails | E-2C Hawkeye E-2 Hawkeye The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. This twin-turboprop aircraft was designed and developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Grumman Aircraft Company for the United States Navy as a replacement for the... |
| VAQ-140 |  |
Electronic attack Squadron 140 VAQ-140 Electronic Attack Squadron 140 is a US Navy electronic attack squadron. Known as the Patriots, the squadron operates the EA-6B Prowler carrier-based electronic warfare jet aircraft. The squadron is homeported at NAS Whidbey Island, in the Puget Sound... |
Patriots | EA-6B Prowler |
| VRC-40 | Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 Det. 3 VRC-40 Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 , also known as the "Rawhides", is a United States Navy fleet logistics support squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk... |
Rawhides | C-2A Greyhound | |
| HS-5 |  |
Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 5 HS-5 Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Five Nightdippers is a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Station Norfolk. The Nightdippers are a part of Carrier Air Wing Seven and deploy aboard the .-History:... |
Nightdippers | SH-60F Seahawk SH-60 Seahawk The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant airframe modification is a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships.The... |
World War II
Carrier Air Wing Seven was originally commissioned 20 July 1943 at Naval Air Station AlamedaNaval Air Station Alameda
Naval Air Station Alameda was a United States Navy Naval Air Station in Alameda, California, on San Francisco Bay.NAS Alameda had two runways: 07-25 and 13-31...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, as Carrier Air Group Eighteen. After an intensive training period, the air group embarked in USS Intrepid (CV-11)
USS Intrepid (CV-11)
USS Intrepid , also known as The Fighting "I", is one of 24 s built during World War II for the United States Navy. She is the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name. Commissioned in August 1943, Intrepid participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, most notably the Battle...
and participated in combat operations against the Japanese during World War II. In September 1945, the air group transferred to Naval Air Station Quonset Point
Naval Air Station Quonset Point
Naval Air Station Quonset Point was a United States Naval Base in Quonset Point, Rhode Island that was deactivated in 1974. Next to NAS Quonset Point was Camp Endicott at Davisville, home of the Naval Construction Battalions known as the Seabees. Quonset Point also gave its name to the Quonset hut,...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
and became Carrier Air Group Seven.
Korean War
During the Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, the air wing flew close air support strikes, attacks on industrial facilities and supply line interdiction missions from the deck of .
After moving from Quonset Point to Naval Air Station Oceana
Naval Air Station Oceana
Naval Air Station Oceana or NAS Oceana is a military airport located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is a United States Navy Master Jet Base. It is also known as Apollo Soucek Field, named after Lieutenant Apollo Soucek, a Navy Test Pilot who set the global altitude record in 1930 by flying a...
in 1958, the Air Group teamed up with and deployed as the first all jet air wing. During the years from 1966 – 1977 the air wing completed seven Mediterranean deployments in USS Independence and participated in numerous North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) exercises. In early 1978, Air Wing Seven embarked in USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for shakedown and weapons training in the Roosevelt Roads
Roosevelt Roads Naval Station
Roosevelt Roads Naval Station is a former United States military air base in the town of Ceiba, Puerto Rico. The site is run today as José Aponte de la Torre Airport, a public use airport.-History:...
, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
operating area
Puerto Rican Operating Area
The Puerto Rican Operating Area, often inaccurately called the "Roosevelt Roads Operating Area", was centered on the Virgin Pass and Vieques. Because of Puerto Rican protests, it is now closed....
.
On 1 March 1978, Air Wing SEVEN became permanently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and deployed in January 1979 for IKE’s maiden, Mediterranean voyage. From April through December 1980, the air wing embarked for an Indian Ocean deployment in support of operations to rescue the hostages in Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
, following in September and October by NATO exercises in the North Atlantic. From January to July 1982, Air Wing Seven embarked for a Mediterranean deployment which included support for the evacuation of Americans from Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
. In April 1983, the IKE/CVW-7 team began another Mediterranean deployment that included the first 1000NM over water night intercept for an F-14, multiple CV Battle Group operations with the USS Independence and , and support of the Multi-national Peace Keeping Force in Beirut, Lebanon.
Gulf War
Reunited in 1987, the IKE/CVW-7 team worked up in preparation for Mediterranean Deployment, followed by extensive work ups in preparation for a 1990 deployment. Mediterranean Deployment 2-90 became a Red Sea excursion as the IKE/CVW-7 Battle Group was the first on scene to deter Iraqi aggression in Operation Desert Shield. Once relieved IKE/CVW-7 returned home and began a compressed turnaround training cycle for a May 1991 CENTCOM deployment. As Operation Desert Storm progressed to quick victory, the deployment was delayed to reestablish the normal CV deployment cycle. In September 1991 CVW-7/IKE deployed to the Red Sea/Persian Gulf as part of post hostilities Operation Desert Storm. They were the first CV and Air Wing team to deploy for a second time to the Gulf War.In September 1992 CVW-7 initially embarked in for a weapons system shakedown. The air wing deployed on the USS George Washington as a component of Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Two on 20 May 1994. Following refresher carrier qualifications, the Battle Group transited to Portsmouth, England to participate in the Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the D-Day
D-Day
D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
invasion. The Commemoration activities were highlighted by port visits to England, Brest, France and President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
’s stay aboard the carrier.
Following turnover with , the Battle Group proceeded directly to the Adriatic to conduct operations in support of Operation Deny Flight
Operation Deny Flight
Operation Deny Flight was a North Atlantic Treaty Organization operation that began on April 12, 1993 as the enforcement of a United Nations no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina...
and Sharp Guard. In response to aggressive Iraqi troop movements south towards Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
, the George Washington Battle Group transited the Suez Canal
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal , also known by the nickname "The Highway to India", is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigation...
at maximum speed. Persian Gulf Operations Vigilant and Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch was an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Southwest Asia with the mission of monitoring and controlling airspace south of the 32nd Parallel in Iraq, following the 1991 Gulf War until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.-Summary:Operation Southern Watch began on 27 August 1992...
were resumed on 15 October 1994. After Iraqi forces turned north and tensions eased, the Battle Group returned to the Mediterranean Sea. Turnover with the IKE Battle Group took place north of the Suez Canal
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal , also known by the nickname "The Highway to India", is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigation...
and the USS George Washington/CVW-7 returned to a rainy Norfolk on 17 November 1994.
In September 1996 CVW-7 began preparations for a 26 February 1998 around the world deployment in . This Joint Task Group 98-2 deployment included over four months on station in the Northern Persian Gulf supporting Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch was an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Southwest Asia with the mission of monitoring and controlling airspace south of the 32nd Parallel in Iraq, following the 1991 Gulf War until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.-Summary:Operation Southern Watch began on 27 August 1992...
.
In 2000 CVW-7 was again deployed with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. Two years later, the Wing was deployed to the same regions aboard and aboard , before finally returning to the Dwight D. Eisenhower in 2006-07. In April and May 2008, CVW-7's strike fighter squadrons accompanied George Washington from Norfolk, Virginia, to San Diego, California, around Cape Hoorn. Although formally assigned to CVW-17
Carrier Air Wing Seventeen
Carrier Air Wing Seventeen , is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.-Mission:...
, the squadrons kept their "AG" tail code. Two deployments aboard CVN-69 followed in 2009 and 2010.
Fixed-wing aircraft
- F/A-18E/F Super HornetF/A-18E/F Super HornetThe Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. The F/A-18E single-seat variant and F/A-18F tandem-seat variant are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm gun and can carry air-to-air...
- F/A-18 Hornet
- EA-6B Prowler
- E-2 HawkeyeE-2 HawkeyeThe Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. This twin-turboprop aircraft was designed and developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Grumman Aircraft Company for the United States Navy as a replacement for the...
- C-2 Greyhound
See also
- List of United States Navy Carrier air wings
- History of the United States NavyHistory of the United States NavyThe history of the United States Navy divides into two major periods: the "Old Navy", a small but respected force of sailing ships that was also notable for innovation in the use of ironclads during the American Civil War, and the "New Navy", the result of a modernization effort that began in the...