List of United States Navy aircraft wings
This is a list of United States Navy aircraft wings. The U.S. Navy operates Carrier Air Wings which are operational units made up of squadrons of different types of aircraft that deploy aboard aircraft carriers. In addition to its Carrier Air Wings the Navy operates various land based wings. These land based wings are organized either to perform a specific function (Functional Wings) or around a specific aircraft type/model (Type Wings). Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings, Test Wings and Training Wings are examples of functional wings, these wings may consist of a single type of aircraft or of a variety of types needed to perform the wing's specific function. Type Wings consist of squadrons of a single type/model of aircraft, they are non-deploying "force providers" that provide combat ready squadrons or detachments to deploying Carrier Air Wings or to other Navy or joint forces. All Navy aircraft wings are commanded by a Navy Captain though the commander of a Training Air Wing or a Naval Test Wing could be a Marine Colonel.
Carrier Air Wings (CVW)
[edit]On 1 July 1938 the first Carrier Air Groups were established. On 20 December 1963 all such groups were redesignated wings. There have been a total of 133 groups (1938-63) and wings (1963 onwards). Two of the five original carrier air groups still exist today as wings. A further two groups were established prior to the United States' entry into the Second World War on 7 December 1941. Eighty-six more were established during the war, of which four still exist today. During the course of a wing's existence it could be identified by multiple different designations. For example, there are two wings that exist today which have been identified by five different designations during the course of their existence.
Due to changing requirements and other factors, the Navy has redesignated wings and groups multiple times over their history. Any of the 133 wings and groups can trace an unbroken history through one or more redesignations. At different points in time, a single designation has been carried by multiple different wings/groups, each with a unique history. For example there were three carrier air groups which were designated CVG-15 at some point in each of their existence and none of those three groups were related to each other. The first was a Second World War group which existed as CVG-15 from 1 September 1942 to 30 October 1945. The second was a Carrier Air Group which was established in 1945 as CVG-153, redesignated CVAG-15 on 15 November 1946, then redesignated CVG-15 on 1 September 1948 and disestablished on 1 December 1949. The third was established as CVG-15 on 5 April 1951, then redesignated Carrier Air Wing 15 on 20 December 1963, existed for more than thirty years, and then was disestablished on 31 March 1995.
The tables which follow are arranged by time periods using the designation scheme which was in use during that time period so a single group/wing will appear in multiple tables below. Of the 133 total wings which have ever existed, 100 have been identified by a single designation, 17 have been identified by two designations, seven by three designations, six by four designations and three by five designations.
Currently Active Carrier Air Wings
[edit]Carrier Air Wings were first established on 1 July 1938 when the aircraft squadrons assigned to the aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Saratoga (CV 3), USS Ranger (CV 4), USS Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6) were established as "Carrier Air Groups" assigned to each of those ships. Two of those Carrier Air Groups are still active today as Carrier Air Wings ONE and THREE. On 20 December 1963 all Carrier Air Groups which were then in existence were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW).
Carrier Air Wings of the United States Navy. Carrier Air Wings were titled Carrier Air Groups prior to 20 Dec 1963 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Wing | Tail Code | Insignia | Notes[1] | |
Carrier Air Wing ONE | CVW-1 | 1946 T 1957 AB | ![]() | Established as Ranger Air Group on 1 July 1938 (squadrons operating from USS Ranger (CV-4) had been informally called "Ranger Air Group" beginning 17 Aug 1934 but the air group was not established as a unit until 1 July 1938), redesignated CVG-4 (1st use of the designation) on 3 Aug 1943, redesignated CVAG-1 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-1 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 Sep 1948, redesignated CVW-1 on 20 Dec 1963. |
Carrier Air Wing TWO | CVW-2 | 1946 M 1957 NE | ![]() | Established as CVBG-74 on 1 May 1945, redesignated CVBG-1 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-2 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 Sep 1948, redesignated CVW-2 on 20 Dec 1963. |
Carrier Air Wing THREE | CVW-3 | 1946 K 1957 AC | ![]() | Established as Saratoga Air Group on 1 July 1938 (squadrons operating from USS Saratoga (CV-3) had been informally called "Saratoga Air Group" beginning 6 Jan 1928 but the air group was not established as a unit until 1 July 1938), redesignated CVG-3 (1st use of the designation) on 25 Sep 1943, redesignated CVAG-3 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-3 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 Sep 1948, redesignated CVW-3 on 20 Dec 1963. |
Carrier Air Wing FIVE | CVW-5 | 1946 S 1957 NF | ![]() | Established as CVG-5 (1st use of the designation) on 1 Jan 1943, redesignated CVAG-5 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-5 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 Sep 1948, redesignated CVW-5 on 20 Dec 1963. |
Carrier Air Wing SEVEN | CVW-7 | 1946 L 1957 AG | ![]() | Established as CVG-18 on 2 Jul 1943, redesignated CVAG-7 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-7 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 Sep 1948, redesignated CVW-7 on 20 Dec 1963. |
Carrier Air Wing EIGHT | CVW-8 | 1951 E 1957 AJ | ![]() | Established as CVG-8 (2nd use of the designation) on 9 Apr 1951, redesignated CVW-8 on 20 Dec 1963. |
Carrier Air Wing NINE | CVW-9 | 1952 N 1957 NG | ![]() | Established as CVG-9 (3rd use of the designation) on 26 Mar 1952, redesignated CVW-9 on 20 Dec 1963. |
Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN | CVW-11 | 1946 V 1957 NH | ![]() | Established as CVG-11 (1st use of the designation) on 10 Oct 1942, redesignated CVAG-11 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-11 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 Sep 1948, redesignated CVW-11 on 20 Dec 1963. |
Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN | CVW-17 | 1966 AA 2012 NA | ![]() | Established as CVW-17 on 1 Nov 1966 (established as an Atlantic Fleet air wing (AA) and transferred to the Pacific Fleet (NA) in 2012) |
- Tail codes with a first letter "A" denote Atlantic Fleet airwings, while "N" denotes Pacific Fleet airwings.
Disestablished Carrier Air Wings
[edit]The "Carrier Air Wing (CVW)" designation was first used on 20 December 1963. Prior to that date "Carrier Air Wings" were titled "Carrier Air Groups". This section contains tables of disestablished Carrier Air Groups (Ship Named Groups, CVG, CVLG, CVEG, CVBG, CVAG, CVSG), Air Task Groups (ATG) and Carrier Air Wings (CVW).
Ship named Carrier Air Groups
[edit]Aircraft squadrons operating from the Navy's first Aircraft Carriers prior to WWII were assigned to that aircraft carrier and were organizationally grouped into that carrier's "air group". On 1 July 1938 the "Carrier Air Group" was formally established as a separate unit and the previously informally named air groups were titled "name of ship Air Group".[1] Air Groups were permanently assigned to a specific Aircraft Carrier and carried that Aircraft Carrier's name (Lexington Air Group, Saratoga Air Group etc...)
"Ship Named Air Group" names in use prior to Oct 1943 (informally used prior to 1 July 1938) | |
---|---|
Group | Notes[1] |
Langley Air Group | Squadrons operating from USS Langley (CV-1) from Jan 1923 to June 1936 informally called "Langley Air Group". |
Lexington Air Group | Squadrons operating from USS Lexington (CV-2) beginning Aug 1927 informally called "Lexington Air Group". Lexington Air Group officially established 1 Jul 1938, disestablished after the 8 May 1942 loss of USS Lexington in the Battle of the Coral Sea. |
Saratoga Air Group | Still active. See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
Ranger Air Group | Still active. See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
Yorktown Air Group | Squadrons operating from USS Yorktown (CV-5) from Jan 1938 informally called "Yorktown Air Group". Yorktown Air Group officially established 1 Jul 1938, disestablished after the 7 Jun 1942 loss of USS Yorktown in the Battle of Midway. |
Enterprise Air Group | Established 1 July 1938 to fly from USS Enterprise (CV-6), disestablished 1 Sep 1942 after USS Enterprise was damaged during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons necessitating extensive repairs at Pearl Harbor naval shipyard. |
Wasp Air Group | Established 1 Jul 1939 to fly from USS Wasp (CV-7), disestablished after the 15 Sep 1942 loss of USS Wasp during the Guadalcanal Campaign. |
Hornet Air Group | Established 20 Oct 1941 to fly from USS Hornet (CV-8), disestablished after the 26 Oct 1942 loss of USS Hornet in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. |
Carrier Air Groups 1942 to 15 November 1946
[edit]In 1942 in anticipation of the coming massive build up of aircraft carriers and carrier air groups a new Carrier Air Group designation scheme was created which divorced carrier air group names from specific aircraft carriers. Instead, air groups were given the designation "CVG" followed by a number. All newly establishing carrier air groups were designated under this system. In 1943 the two remaining ship named air groups, the Saratoga Air Group and Ranger Air Group were redesignated CVG-3 and CVG-4 respectively.
The Carrier Air Group designation (CVG) was first used in 1942. There were two variations of the CVG air group designation which added a modifying letter between the V and the G to identify those air groups which operated from the smaller Light Carriers (CVLG) and even smaller escort carriers (CVEG). In 1945 the Navy established night air groups which were specifically equipped and trained for combat at night. These night air groups were identified by appending a parenthetical N to the end of the designation "(N)". In the last months of the war two air groups were established to operate from the new large Midway class "Battle" carriers which were about to join the fleet, these air groups were identified with a "B" between the V and G (CVBG). The war ended before any of the Midway class carriers were commissioned.
The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) appended to some Carrier Air Group designations below are not a part of the Group's designation. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once and to specify which use of the designation is indicated. There is not necessarily any lineage connection between Carrier Air Groups which shared the same designation.
Group | Notes[1] |
---|---|
CVG-1(1st) | Established 1 May 1943, disestablished 25 Oct 1945. |
CVG-2(1st) | Established 1 Jun 1943, disestablished 9 Nov 1945. |
CVG-3(1st) | Still active. See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVG-4(1st) | Still active. See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVG-5(1st) | Still active. See CVW-5 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVG-6(1st) | Established 15 Mar 1943, disestablished 29 Oct 1945. |
CVG-7(1st) | Established 3 Jan 1944, disestablished 8 Jul 1946. |
CVG-8(1st) | Established 1 Jun 1943, disestablished 23 Nov 1945. |
CVG-9(1st) | Established 1 Mar 1942, disestablished 15 Oct 1945. |
CVG-10(1st) | Established 16 April 1942, disestablished 16 Nov 1945. The history of this group is covered in works by Samuel Elliott Morison, Lundstrom, Hammel, and books on the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands or the Battle of Philippine Sea. VF-10 "Grim Reapers," VB-10, and Torpedo Squadron 10 (VT-10) flew with the group throughout its existence. |
CVG-11(1st) | Still active. See CVW-11 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVG-12(1st) | Established 9 Jan 1943, disestablished 17 Sep 1945. |
CVG-13(1st) | Established 2 Nov 1943, disestablished 20 Oct 1945. |
CVG-14(1st) | Established 1 Sep 1943, disestablished 14 Jun 1945. |
CVG-15(1st) | Established 1 Sep 1942, disestablished 30 Oct 1945. |
CVG-16(1st) | Established 16 Nov 1942, disestablished 6 Nov 1945. |
CVG-17(1st)/CVBG-17 | See CVW-6 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. |
CVG-18 | Still active. See CVW-7 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVG-19(1st) | See CVW-19 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. |
CVG-20 | Established 15 Oct 1943, redesignated CVAG-9 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-9(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949. |
CVLG-21 | Established 15 May 1943, disestablished 5 Nov 1945. |
CVLG-22 | Established 30 Sep 1943, disestablished 15 Sep 1945. |
CVLG-23 | Established 16 Nov 1942, disestablished 19 Sep 1945. |
CVLG-24 | Established 31 Dec 1942, disestablished 25 Sep 1945. |
CVLG-25/CVEG-25 | Established 15 Feb 1943, redesignated CVEG-25 28 Aug 1944, disestablished 20 Sep 1945. |
CVEG-26 | Established 4 May 1942, disestablished 13 Nov 1945. |
CVLG-27 | Established 1 Mar 1942, disestablished 26 Oct 1945. |
CVLG-28 | Established 6 May 1942, disestablished 6 Nov 1945. |
CVLG-29 | Established 18 Jul 1942, disestablished 10 Sep 1945. |
CVLG-30 | Established 1 Apr 1943, disestablished 12 Sep 1945. |
CVLG-31 | Established 1 May 1943, disestablished 28 Oct 1945. |
CVLG-32 | Established 1 Jun 1943, disestablished 13 Nov 1945. |
CVEG-33 | Established 15 May 1944, disestablished 19 Nov 1945. |
CVLG-34 | Established 1 Apr 1945, disestablished 5 Dec 1945. |
CVEG-35 | Established 15 Jul 1943, disestablished 19 Nov 1945. |
CVEG-36 | Established 15 May 1944, disestablished 28 Jan 1946. |
CVEG-37 | Established 15 Jul 1943, disestablished 20 Dec 1945. |
CVLG-38/CVEG-38 | Established 16 Jun 1943, redesignated CVEG-38 on 15 Aug 1944, disestablished 31 Jan 1946. |
CVEG-39/CVLG-39 | Established 15 Mar 1945, redesignated CVLG-39 on 2 Jul 1945, disestablished 10 Sep 1945. |
CVEG-40 | Established 15 Jun 1943, disestablished 19 Nov 1945. |
CVLG(N)-41 | Established 28 Aug 1944, disestablished 25 Feb 1945. |
CVEG-41 | Established 26 Mar 1945, redesignated CVEG-1 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 1 Sep 1948. |
CVLG(N)-42 | Established 28 Aug 1944, disestablished 2 Jan 1945. |
CVEG-42 | Established 15 Jul 1945, redesignated CVEG-2 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 1 Sep 1948. |
CVLG-43 | Established 1 Aug 1943, disestablished 8 Nov 1943. |
CVLG(N)-43 | Established 2 Aug 1944, disestablished 2 Jan 1945. |
CVEG-43 | Established 9 Aug 1945, disestablished 17 Jun 1946. |
CVLG-44 | Established 1 Feb 1944, disestablished 18 Sep 1945. |
CVLG-45 | Established 1 Apr 1944, disestablished 10 Sep 1945. |
CVLG-46 | Established 15 Apr 1944, disestablished 14 Sep 1945. |
CVLG-47 | Established 15 Apr 1944, disestablished 21 Sep 1945. |
CVLG-48 | Established 1 Jun 1944, disestablished 2 Jan 1945. |
CVEG-49/CVLG-49 | Established 10 Aug 1944, redesignated CVLG-49 on 1 Jan 1945, disestablished 27 Nov 1945. |
CVLG-50/CVEG-50 | Established 10 Aug 1944, redesignated CVEG-50 on 1 Oct 1944, disestablished 29 Oct 1945. |
CVLG-51 | Established 22 Sep 1943, disestablished 13 Nov 1945. |
CVLG-52 | Established 1 Sep 1943, disestablished 8 Nov 1943. |
CVLG(N)-52/CVG(N)-52 | Established 20 Oct 1944, redesignated CVG(N)-52 on 6 Jan 1945, disestablished 15 Dec 1945. |
CVG(N)-53 | Established 2 Jan 1945, disestablished 11 Jun 1945. |
CVG(N)-55 | Established 1 Mar 1945, disestablished 11 Dec 1945. |
CVLG-58 | Established as CVLG-58 on 19 Mar 1946, redesignated CVLG-1 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 1 Sep 1948. |
CVEG-60 | Established 15 Jul 1943, disestablished 15 Nov 1945. |
CVEG(N)-63 | Established 20 Jun 1945, disestablished 11 Dec 1945. |
CVEG-66 | Established 1 Jan 1945, disestablished 6 Jun 1945. |
CVBG-74 | Still active. See CVW-2 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVBG-75 | Established 1 Jun 1945, redesignated CVBG-3 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-4(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 8 Jun 1950. |
CVG-80 | Established 1 Feb 1944, disestablished 16 Sep 1946. |
CVG-81 | Established 1 Mar 1944, redesignated CVAG-13 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-13(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 30 Nov 1949. |
CVG-82 | Established 1 Apr 1944, redesignated CVAG-17 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-17(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Sep 1958. |
CVG-83 | Established 1 May 1944, disestablished 24 Sep 1945.[2] |
CVG-84 | Established 1 May 1944, disestablished 8 Oct 1945. |
CVG-85 | Established 15 May 1944, disestablished 27 Sep 1945. |
CVG-86 | Established 15 Jun 1944, disestablished 21 Nov 1945. |
CVG-87 | Established 1 Jul 1944, disestablished 2 Nov 1945. |
CVG-88 | Established 18 Aug 1944, disestablished 29 Oct 1945. |
CVG-89 | Established 2 Oct 1944, disestablished 27 Apr 1946. |
CVG(N)-90 | Established 25 Aug 1944, disestablished 21 Jun 1946. |
CVG(N)-91 | Established 5 Oct 1944, disestablished 21 Jun 1946. |
CVG-92 | Established 2 Dec 1944, disestablished 18 Dec 1946. |
CVG-93 | Established 21 Dec 1944, disestablished 30 Apr 1946. |
CVG-94 | Established 15 Nov 1944, disestablished 7 Nov 1945. |
CVG-95 | Established 2 Jan 1945, disestablished 31 Oct 1945. |
CVG-97 | Established 1 Nov 1944, disestablished 31 Mar 1946. |
CVG-98 | Established 28 Aug 1944, redesignated CVAG-21 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 5 Aug 1947. |
CVG-99 | Established 15 Jul 1944, disestablished 8 Sep 1945. |
CVG-100 | Established 1 Apr 1944, disestablished 20 Feb 1946. |
CVG-150 | Established 22 Jan 1945, disestablished 2 Nov 1946. |
CVG-151 | Established 12 Feb 1945, disestablished 6 Oct 1945. |
CVG-152 | Established 5 Mar 1945, disestablished 21 Sep 1945. |
CVG-153 | Established 26 Mar 1945, redesignated CVAG-15 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-15(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949. |
Carrier Air Groups (CVAG, CVBG, CVLG, CVEG) 15 Nov 1946 to 1 Sep 1948
[edit]Carrier Air Groups still in existence on 15 November 1946 or established after that date were redesignated or newly designated in accordance with a new Carrier Air Group Designation scheme which added an "A" for Air Groups assigned to medium carriers (Essex class), and retained the "B" for those assigned to large carriers (Midway class), the "L" for those assigned to light carriers (Independence or Saipan classes) and the "E" for those assigned to remaining WWII escort carriers.[1] | ||
---|---|---|
Medium Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVAG) (November 1946 to September 1948) | ||
Group | Tail Code | Notes[1] |
CVAG-1 | T | Still active. See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVAG-3 | K | Still active. See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVAG-5 | S | Still active. See CVW-5 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVAG-7 | L | Still active. See CVW-7 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVAG-9 | PS | See CVG-20 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. |
CVAG-11 | V | Still active. See CVW-11 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVAG-13 | P | See CVG-81 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. |
CVAG-15 | A | See CVG-153 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. |
CVAG-17 | R | See CVG-82 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. |
CVAG-19 | B | See CVW-19 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. |
CVAG-21 | RI | See CVG-98 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. |
Large Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVBG) (November 1946 to September 1948) | ||
CVBG-1 | M | Still active. See CVW-2 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. |
CVBG-3 | F | See CVBG-75 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. |
CVBG-5 | C | See CVW-6 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. |
Light Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVLG) and Escort Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVEG) (November 1946 to September 1948) | ||
CVLG-1 | SA | See CLVG-58 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. |
CVEG-1 | BS | See CVEG-41 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. |
CVEG-2 | SL | See CVEG-42 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. |
CVEG-3 | Established 21 Apr 1947, disestablished 15 Sep 1948. |
Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 1 Sep 1948 to 20 Dec 1963
[edit]Note: the parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) appended to some Carrier Air Group designations below are not a part of the Group's designation. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than one time during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and to specify which use of the designation is indicated. There is not necessarily any connection between Carrier Air Groups which shared the same designation.
Carrier Air Groups still in existence on 1 Sep 1948 or newly established thereafter were redesignated again or initially designated in accordance with a new Carrier Air Group designation scheme which redesignated all groups designated CVAG or CVBG back to just "CVG" and disestablished all CVLG and CVEG groups.[1] CVGs which were still in existence on 20 December 1963 were then redesignated "Carrier Air Wings" (CVW) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Group | Tail Code | Insignia | Notes[1] | |
CVG-1(2nd) | 1946 T 1957 AB | Still active. See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. | ||
CVG-2(2nd) | 1946 M 1957 NE | Still active. See CVW-2 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. | ||
CVG-3(2nd) | 1946 K 1957 AC | Still active. See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. | ||
CVG-4(2nd) | 1946 F | See CVBG-75 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. | ||
CVG-4(3rd)/RCVG-4 | 1950 F 1957 AD | See RCVW-4 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. | ||
CVG-5(2nd) | 1946 S 1957 NF | Still active. See CVW-5 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. | ||
CVG-6(2nd) | 1946 C 1957 AF 1963 AE | See CVW-6 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. | ||
CVG-7(2nd) | 1946 L 1957 AG | Still active. See CVW-7 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. | ||
CVG-8(2nd) | 1951 E 1957 AJ | Still active. See CVW-8 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. | ||
CVG-9(2nd) | 1946 PS 1948 D | See CVG-20 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. | ||
CVG-9(3rd) | 1952 N 1957 NG | Still active. See CVW-9 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. | ||
CVG-10(2nd) | 1952 P 1957 AK | See CVW-10(1st) in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. | ||
CVG-11(2nd) | 1946 V 1957 NH | Still active. See CVW-11 in the "Currently Active Wings" section. | ||
CVG-13(2nd) | 1946 P | See CVG-81 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. | ||
CVG-13(3rd) | AE | Established 21 Aug 1961, disestablished 1 Oct 1962. | ||
CVG-15(2nd) | 1946 A | See CVG-153 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. | ||
CVG-15(3rd) | 1951 H 1957 NL | See CVW-15 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. | ||
CVG-16(2nd) | AH | See CVW-16 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. | ||
CVG-17(2nd) | 1946 R 1957 AL | See CVG-82 in the "Carrier Air Groups of WWII to 15 Nov 1946" section. | ||
CVG-19(2nd) | 1946 B 1957 NM | See CVW-19 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. | ||
CVG-21(1st) | Established 15 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Mar 1949. | |||
CVG-21(2nd) | 1955 G 1957 NP | See CVW-21 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. | ||
CVG-101/CVG-14(2nd) | 1950 A 1957 NK | See CVW-14 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. | ||
CVG-102/CVG-12(2nd)/RCVG-12 | 1950 D 1957 NJ | See RCVW-12 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section. |
Air Task Groups (ATG) 1 Aug 1950 to 19 Jan 1959
[edit]Air Task Groups were formed beginning in 1951 to address a shortage of Carrier Air Groups (CVG)s due to involvement in the Korean War. The number of CVGs was statutorily limited but the Navy needed more of them. The solution was to form "temporary" task groups by reassigning some squadrons from existing CVGs and using them to form an "Air Task Group" (ATG). This reduced the number of squadrons in those CVGs from the then typical five total VF/VA squadrons to four total VF/VA squadrons but gave the Navy more "CVGs". They were carrier air group (CVG) equivalents in every respect but in name but as "temporary" units they were neither formerly "established" or "disestablished" instead they were "formed" and "disbanded." Though the ATG was created in response to the Korean War, they ended up outlasting that conflict.[3]
Disbanded Air Task Groups (ATG). The ATG designation was in use from 1950 to 1959. | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Group | Tail Code | Insignia | Notes[1] | |
Air Task Group ONE | ATG-1 | 1956 U 1957 NA | ![]() | Formed Oct 1951, disbanded 23 Feb 1959. |
Carrier Air Group 19X Air Task Group TWO | CVG-19X ATG-2 | 1956 W 1957 NB | ![]() | Split out of CVG-19 and named "CVG-19X" (with CVG-19's Tail Code "B") on 1 Aug 1950, renamed ATG-2 in Oct 1951, disbanded 1 Apr 1958. |
Air Task Group THREE | ATG-3 | 1956 Y 1957 NC | ![]() | Formed 5 Mar 1955, disbanded 11 Apr 1958. |
Air Task Group FOUR | ATG-4 | 1956 Z 1957 ND | ![]() | Formed 30 Mar 1955, disbanded 19 Jan 1959. |
Air Task Group ONE EIGHTY ONE | ATG-181 | 1956 I 1957 AM | ![]() | Formed 5 Mar 1955, disbanded 15 Aug 1958. |
Air Task Group ONE EIGHTY TWO | ATG-182 | 1956 O 1957 AN | ![]() | Formed 1 Jul 1955, disbanded Jan 1959. |
Air Task Group TWO ZERO ONE | ATG-201 | 1956 J 1957 AP | ![]() | Formed Jun 1955, disbanded Nov 1958. |
Air Task Group TWO ZERO TWO | ATG-202 | 1956 X 1957 AQ | ![]() | Formed 1 Jul 1955, disbanded Jan 1959. |
- Tail codes with a first letter "A" denote Atlantic Fleet Air Task Groups, while "N" denotes Pacific Fleet Air Task Groups.
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups (CVSG) 1 Apr 1960 to 30 Jul 1975
[edit]In the 1960s some WWII Essex class aircraft carriers were designated as "Anti-Submarine Carriers" (CVS) and were paired with newly established "Anti-Submarine Carrier Air Groups" (CVSG). CVSGs consisted of Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons of SH-3 Sea Kings and Air Antisubmarine (VS) squadrons of S-2 Trackers along with a detachment of airborne early warning E-1 Tracers from Airborne Early Warning (VAW) squadrons and a detachment A-4 Skyhawks for self defense. There were two active and two reserve Anti-Submarine Fighter (VSF) squadrons established for this role but most of the A-4 dets were sourced from Navy or USMC attack (VA/VMA) squadrons. The CVSGs were not included in the redesignation of Carrier Air Groups (CVG)s to Carrier Air Wings (CVW)s in 1963 and therefore they were the last "Carrier Air Groups" to exist in the U.S. Navy.
Disestablished Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups (CVSG). The CVSG designation was in use from 1960 to 1976 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Group | Tail Code | Insignia | Notes[1] | |
Readiness Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group FIFTY | RCVSG-50 | AR | ![]() | Established on 30 Jun 1960, disestablished 17 Feb 1971; tail code remained in use by Atlantic Fleet fixed and rotary wing carrier based ASW aircraft Fleet Replacement Squadrons until 1997 |
Readiness Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group FIFTY ONE | RCVSG-51 | RA | ![]() | Established 30 Jun 1960, disestablished 30 Jun 1970; tail code remained in use by Pacific Fleet fixed and rotary wing carrier based ASW aircraft Fleet Replacement Squadrons until 2012 |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group FIFTY TWO | CVSG-52 | AS | ![]() | Established 1 Jun 1960, disestablished 15 Dec 1969 |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group FIFTY THREE | CVSG-53 | NS | ![]() | Established 1 Apr 1960, disestablished 30 Jun 1973[4] |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group FIFTY FOUR | CVSG-54 | AT | ![]() | Established 18 May 1960, disestablished 1 Jul 1972 |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group FIFTY FIVE | CVSG-55 | NU | ![]() | Established 1 Sep 1960, disestablished 27 Sep 1968 |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group FIFTY SIX | CVSG-56 | AU | ![]() | Established 25 May 1960, disestablished 30 Jun 1973[4] |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group FIFTY SEVEN | CVSG-57 | NV | ![]() | Established 3 Jan 1961, disestablished 30 Sep 1969 |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group FIFTY EIGHT | CVSG-58 | AV | ![]() | Established 6 Jun 1960, disestablished 31 May 1966 |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group FIFTY NINE | CVSG-59 | NT | ![]() | Established 1 Apr 1960, disestablished 30 Jun 1973[4] |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group SIXTY | CVSG-60 | AW | ![]() | Established 2 May 1960, disestablished 1 Oct 1968 |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group SIXTY TWO | CVSG-62 | AX | Established 1 Sep 1961, disestablished 1 Oct 1962 | |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group Reserve SEVENTY | CVSGR-70 | AW | U. S. Navy Reserve Wing Established 1 May 1970,[5] disestablished 30 Jun 1976 | |
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group Reserve EIGHTY | CVSGR-80 | NW | U. S. Navy Reserve Wing Established 1 May 1970,[5] disestablished 30 Jul 1976. Tail Code "NW" was adopted by Helicopter Wing Reserve (See Reserve Air Wings in the "disestablished type and functional wings" section) and is still in use today by the two remaining USNR helicopter squadrons. |
- Tail codes with a first letter "A" denoted Atlantic Fleet air groups, while "N" denoted Pacific Fleet air groups.
Carrier Air Wings (CVW) December 1963 to present
[edit]On 20 December 1963 all Carrier Air Groups (CVG) then in existence (but not the Anti-Submarine Carrier Air Groups (CVSG)) were redesignated to Carrier Air Wings (CVWs).
Disestablished Carrier Air Wings (CVW). | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Wing | Tail Code | Insignia | Notes[1] | |
Readiness Carrier Air Wing FOUR | RCVW-4 | 1950 F 1957 AD | ![]() | Established as CVG-4 (3rd use of the designation) on 1 Sep 1950, redesignated RCVG-4 on 1 Apr 1958, redesignated RCVW-4 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 1 Jun 1970; tail code still used by Atlantic Fleet fixed wing CVW aircraft Fleet Replacement Squadrons |
Carrier Air Wing SIX | CVW-6 | 1946 C 1957 AF 1963 AE | ![]() | Established as CVG-17 (1st use of the designation) on 1 Jan 1943, redesignated CVBG-17 on 23 Jan 1946, redesignated CVBG-5 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-6 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 Sep 1948, redesignated CVW-6 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 1 April 1993 |
Carrier Air Wing TEN (1st use) | CVW-10 | 1952 P 1957 AK | ![]() | Established as CVG-10 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 May 1952, redesignated CVW-10 (1st use of the designation) on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 20 November 1969 |
Carrier Air Wing TEN (2nd use) | CVW-10 | NM | ![]() | Established as CVW-10 (2nd use of the designation) on 7 Nov 1986. Disestablished 1 Jun 1988; planned for assignment to USS Independence (CV-62) but never deployed. |
Readiness Carrier Air Wing TWELVE | RCVW-12 | 1950 D 1957 NJ | ![]() | Established as CVG-102 (established to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War) on 1 Aug 1950, redesignated CVG-12 (2nd use of the designation) on 4 Feb 1952, redesignated RCVG-12 on 1 Apr 1958, redesignated RCVW-12 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 30 June 1970; tail code still used by Pacific Fleet fixed wing CVW aircraft Fleet Replacement Squadrons |
Carrier Air Wing THIRTEEN | CVW-13 | AK | ![]() | Established as CVW-13 on 1 Mar 1984. Disestablished 1 January 1991[2] |
Carrier Air Wing FOURTEEN | CVW-14 | 1950 K 1957 NK | ![]() | Established as CVG-101 (established to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War) on 1 Aug 1950, redesignated CVG-14 (2nd use of the designation) on 4 Feb 1952, redesignated CVW-14 on 20 Dec 1963. Deactivated 31 March 2017. Had been under-strength in squadrons, had not deployed since 2011 and had been in reduced manning since 1 October 2013. Deactivation was originally begun in 2012 but was reversed due to congressional action. Deactivation reinitiated and completed in 2017.[6] |
Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN | CVW-15 | 1951 H 1957 NL | ![]() | Established as CVG-15 (3rd use of the designation) on 5 Apr 1951, redesignated CVW-15 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 31 March 1995. Tail code NL is now used by land based "expeditionary" VAQ squadrons of Electronic Attack Wing Pacific |
Carrier Air Wing SIXTEEN | CVW-16 | AH | ![]() | Established as CVG-16 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 Sep 1960, redesignated CVW-16 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 30 June 1970 |
Carrier Air Wing NINETEEN | CVW-19 | 1946 B 1957 NM | ![]() | Established as CVG-19 (1st use of the designation) on 1 Aug 1943, redesignated CVAG-19 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-19 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 Sep 1948, redesignated CVW-19 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 30 June 1977 |
Carrier Air Wing Reserve TWENTY | CVWR-20 | AF | ![]() | U. S. Navy Reserve Wing Established as CVWR-20 on 1 April 1970, redesignated Tactical Support Wing (TSW), 1 April 2007 (See "Currently Active Type and Functional Wings" section) |
Carrier Air Wing TWENTY ONE | CVW-21 | 1955 G 1957 NP | ![]() | Established as CVG-21 (2nd use of the designation) on 1 Jul 1955, redesignated CVW-21 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 12 December 1975[2] |
Carrier Air Wing Reserve THIRTY | CVWR-30 | ND | ![]() | U. S. Navy Reserve Wing Established as CVWR-30 on 1 Apr 1970. Disestablished 31 Dec 1994 |
- Tail codes with a first letter "A" denote Atlantic Fleet airwings, while "N" denotes Pacific Fleet airwings.
Land Based Wings
[edit]The Navy's land based aircraft wings either provide deployable combat ready squadrons to Carrier Air Wings or they operate land based aircraft squadrons in various operational or support roles. These wings are generally not assigned Tail Codes. The exceptions are the Training Air Wings, the Navy Reserve's Tactical Support Wing which retains the code "AF" from its former existence as Carrier Air Wing Reserve TWENTY and Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (VAQWINGPAC) which adopted the code "NL" from the disestablished CVW-15 for use by the wing's land based "expeditionary" squadrons only. Squadrons which are assigned to Carrier Air Wings are marked with the tail code of that Carrier Air Wing. Squadrons which do not deploy as part of a Carrier Air Wing are all assigned tail codes unique to each squadron (except for the aforementioned expeditionary VAQ squadrons, training squadrons and the reserve's Tactical Support Wing squadrons). See U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Tail Codes.
Currently Active Type and Functional Wings
[edit]There have been numerous Type and Functional Wings throughout the history of the U. S. Navy. Type and Functional Wings have been established, disestablished or re-designated as the Navy has operated different aircraft through the years. The tables below list the Type and Functional Wings which are active as of January 2023.
Type Wings are non-deploying "force provider" wings which supply combat ready squadrons or detachments to Carrier Air Wings or for land based or shipboard (non-aircraft carrier) detachment deployments. Type Wing squadrons which deploy as part of a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) are based with their Type Wing when not deployed, not with their Carrier Air Wing. The exception are those squadrons assigned to the Carrier Air Wing which is forward deployed to Japan, those squadrons are based in Japan with their Carrier Air Wing, not with their Type Wings which are all based in the United States. Type Wings also operate their aircraft's Fleet Replacement Squadrons. | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Wing | Insignia | Aircraft | Notes | |
Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet | STRKFIGHTWINGLANT (SFWL) | ![]() | F/A-18E,F | Established as Light Attack Wing ONE (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings" section): All east coast based Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) flying the F/A-18E or F/A-18F Super Hornet. Based at NAS Oceana, VA. Provides combat ready squadrons to Carrier Air Wings. Operates one F/A-18E,F Fleet Replacement Squadron. |
Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | STRKFIGHTWINGPAC (SFWP) | ![]() | F/A-18E,F | Established as Light Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings" section): All west coast based Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) flying the F/A-18E or F/A-18F Super Hornet. Based at NAS Lemoore, CA., with four squadrons forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni. Provides combat ready squadrons to Carrier Air Wings. Operates one F/A-18E,F Fleet Replacement Squadron. |
Joint Strike Fighter Wing | JSFWING (JSFW) | ![]() | F-35C | Established on 1 October 2018 to assume type wing control of U. S. Navy F-35C aircraft: All Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) flying the F-35C Lightning II. Based at NAS Lemoore, CA. Provides combat ready squadrons to Carrier Air Wings. Operates one F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron. |
Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | VAQWINGPAC (VWP) | ![]() | EA-18G | Tail Code "NL" for the wing's land based "expeditionary" squadrons only. Established as Electronic Combat Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet on 1 Feb 1993 (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings" section): All Electronic Attack Squadrons (VAQ). Based at NAS Whidbey Island, WA., with one squadron forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni. Provides combat ready squadrons to Carrier Air Wings and land based "expeditionary" squadrons to support joint force overseas operations. Operates one EA-18G Fleet Replacement Squadron. |
Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing | ACCLOGWING (ACCLW) | ![]() | E-2C E-2D C-2A | Established as Airborne Early Warning Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings" section): All Airborne Command & Control Squadrons (VAW) and Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons (VRC). Headquartered at NAVBASE Ventura County Point Mugu, CA., squadrons are based at NAVBASE Ventura County Point Mugu, CA., NAS North Island, CA., and NS Norfolk, VA., with one squadron forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni. Provides combat ready E-2C and E-2D squadrons and C-2A detachments to Carrier Air Wings. Operates one E-2C,D and C-2A Fleet Replacement Squadron which is based at NS Norfolk. |
Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing | VRMWING (VRMW) | ![]() | CMV-22B | Established as Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing on 1 October 2019: All Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission (VRM) Squadrons. Headquartered at NAS North Island, CA, with one squadron based at NAS North Island and one future squadron planned at NS Norfolk, VA. Provides combat ready CMV-22B detachments to Carrier Air Wings. Operates one CMV-22B Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NAS North Island, CA. |
Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, U. S. Atlantic Fleet | HELSEACOMBATWINGLANT (HSCWL) | ![]() | MH-60S MH-53E MQ-8B | Established as Helicopter Tactical Wing ONE (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings" section): All east coast based Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons (HSC) and all Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadrons (HM). Based at NS Norfolk, VA. Provides combat ready MH-60S squadrons to Carrier Air Wings, "expeditionary" squadron MH-60S and or MQ-8B detachments to surface force ships and MH-53E squadrons or detachments for worldwide mine countermeasures operations as required. Operates one MH-60S Fleet Replacement Squadron and one MH-53E Fleet Replacement Squadron. |
Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet | HELSEACOMBATWINGPAC (HSCWP) | ![]() | MH-60S MQ-8B | Established as Helicopter Tactical Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings" section): All west coast based Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons (HSC). Headquartered at NAS North Island, CA., squadrons based at NAS North Island and Anderson AFB, Guam with one squadron forward deployed to NAF Atsugi. Provides combat ready MH-60S squadrons to Carrier Air Wings and "expeditionary" squadron MH-60S and or MQ-8B detachments to surface force ships. Operates one MH-60S Fleet Replacement Squadron. |
Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U. S. Atlantic Fleet | HELMARSTRIKEWINGLANT (HSMWL) | ![]() | MH-60R MQ-8B | Established as Helicopter Sea Control Wing THREE (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings" section): All east coast based Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons (HSM). Headquartered at NS Mayport, FL., squadrons are based at NS Mayport and NAS Jacksonville, FL. with one forward deployed squadron at Naval Station Rota, Spain. Provides combat ready MH-60R squadrons to Carrier Air Wings and "expeditionary" squadron MH-60R and or MQ-8B detachments to surface force ships. Operates one MH-60R Fleet Replacement Squadron. |
Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet | HELMARSTRIKEWINGPAC (HSMWP) | ![]() | MH-60R MQ-8B | Established as Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings" section): All west coast based Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons (HSM). Headquartered at NAS North Island, CA., squadrons based at NAS North Island and MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI., with two squadrons forward deployed to NAF Atsugi. Provides combat ready MH-60R squadrons to Carrier Air Wings and "expeditionary" squadron MH-60R and or MQ-8B detachments to surface force ships. Operates one MH-60R Fleet Replacement Squadron. |
Functional Wings perform a specific function and may include squadrons of a single type of aircraft or of various types of aircraft to perform that function. | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Function: Strategic Nuclear Weapon Command and Control | ||||
Wing | Insignia | Aircraft | Notes | |
Strategic Communications Wing ONE | STRATCOMWING ONE | ![]() | E-6B | Established 1 May 1992.[7] Operates two Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons (VQ) as Commander United States Strategic Command task force 124. Squadrons fly the Boeing E-6B Mercury airborne command post and communications relay aircraft. Based at Tinker AFB, OK. Operates one E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron. |
Function: Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance. | ||||
Wing | Insignia | Aircraft | Notes | |
Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN | PATRECONWING TEN | ![]() | P-8A EP-3E | Established as Patrol Wing TEN (second use of the designation) on 1 Jun 1981, redesignated Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN on 1 Jun 1999.[8] Operates all west coast based Patrol (VP) and Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ) squadrons. Based at NAS Whidbey Island, WA. |
Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN | PATRECONWING ELEVEN | ![]() | P-8A MQ-4C | Established as Patrol Wing ELEVEN (1st use of the designation) on 15 Aug 1942, redesignated Fleet Air Wing ELEVEN (FAW-11) on 1 Nov 1942, redesignated Patrol Wing ELEVEN (2nd use of the designation) on 30 Jun 1973, redesignated Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN on 26 Mar 1999.[8] Operates all east coast based Patrol (VP) and (VUP) squadrons. Based at NAS Jacksonville, FL. |
Function: Developmental Test and Evaluation of aircraft, aircraft systems and weapons. | ||||
Wing | Insignia | Aircraft | Notes | |
Naval Test Wing Atlantic | NTWL | ![]() | Various | The operational component of the Naval Air Systems Command's, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. Composed of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Twenty (VX-20), Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Twenty One (HX-21), Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Twenty Three (VX-23), Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Twenty Four (UX-24) and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS). Conducts developmental test and evaluation of Naval aircraft and operates the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Based at NAS Patuxent River, MD. |
Naval Test Wing Pacific | NTWP | ![]() | Various | The operational component of the Naval Air Systems Command's, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. Established 8 May 1995. Composed of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three Zero (VX-30) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three One (VX-31). Conducts developmental test and evaluation of Naval aircraft systems and airborne weapons. Headquartered at NAVBASE Ventura County Point Mugu, CA. with one squadron at NAVBASE Ventura County Point Mugu, CA., and one at NAWS China Lake, CA. |
Function: Train Student Naval Aviators or Student Naval Flight Officers of the U. S. Navy, U. S. Marine Corps and U. S. Coast Guard (see Naval Air Training Command). | ||||
Wing | Insignia | Aircraft | Notes | |
Training Air Wing ONE | TRAWING ONE (TW-1) | ![]() | T-45C | Tail Code "A" Established on 1 Aug 1971[9] to control training activities at NAS Meridian, MS.[10] Operates two Training Squadrons (VT) conducting Student Naval Aviator Advanced Jet training in the T-45C Goshawk. |
Training Air Wing TWO | TRAWING TWO (TW-2) | ![]() | T-45C | Tail Code "B" Established on 1 Aug 1971[9] to control training activities at NAS Kingsville, TX.[10] Operates two Training Squadrons (VT) conducting Student Naval Aviator Advanced Jet training in the T-45C Goshawk. |
Training Air Wing FOUR | TRAWING FOUR (TAW-4) | ![]() | T-6B T-44C | Tail Code "G" Established in Mar 1972[11] to control training activities at NAS Corpus Christi, TX.[10][12] Operates four Training Squadrons (VT), two conducting Student Naval Aviator Primary Flight training in the T-6B Texan II and two conducting Student Naval Aviator Advanced Multi-Engine training in the T-44C Pegasus. |
Training Air Wing FIVE | TRAWING FIVE (TAW-5) | ![]() | T-6B TH-57B TH-57C TH-73A | Tail Code "E" Established 9 Jan 1972 at NAS Whiting Field to control training activities at NAS Whiting Field, FL and NAS Ellyson Field, FL[12] (training operations ceased at Ellyson Field in Dec 1973). Operates three Training Squadrons (VT) conducting Student Naval Aviator Primary Flight training in the T-6B Texan II and three Helicopter Training Squadrons (HT) conducting Student Naval Aviator Advanced Helicopter training in the TH-57B and C Sea Ranger (being replaced by the TH-73A Thrasher beginning in 2022). |
Training Air Wing SIX | TRAWING SIX (TAW-6) | ![]() | T-6A T-45C | Tail Code "F" Established 1 Feb 1972 to control training activities at NAS Pensacola, FL.[12] Operates three Training Squadrons (VT) conducting all stages of Student Naval Flight Officer training in the T-6A Texan II, T-45C Goshawk and the Multi-Crew Simulator. |
U.S Navy Reserve Wings. Function: Support Navy operations and training | ||||
Wing | Insignia | Aircraft | Notes | |
Tactical Support Wing | TSW | ![]() | F/A-18E,F F-5F,N F-16C EA-18G | Tail Code "AF". Established as CVWR-20 on 1 Apr 1970 (see "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section), redesignated Tactical Support Wing (TSW) on 1 April 2007: Operates four aggressor squadrons (VFC) (one F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadron, two F-5F/N squadrons and one F-16C squadron) providing air combat training to USN Strike Fighter (VFA) squadrons. Also provides one combat ready VAQ EA-18G squadron for tasking as required. Headquartered at NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX., squadrons are based at NAS Oceana, VA., NAS Fallon, NV., NAS Key West, FL., NAS JRB New Orleans, LA., and NAS Whidbey Island, WA. |
Maritime Support Wing | MSW | ![]() | P-8A MH-60S MH-60R | Established 31 July 2015:[13] Provides two combat ready Patrol Squadrons (VP) flying the P-8A Poseidon, one Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) which flies the MH-60S and one Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) flying the MH-60R for tasking as required. Headquartered at NAS North Island, CA., squadrons are based at NAS North Island, CA., NAS Jacksonville, FL., and NAS Whidbey Island, WA. |
Fleet Logistics Support Wing | FLSW | ![]() | C-40A C-130T C-37A C-37B | Established as Reserve Tactical Support Wing (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings" section): Operates twelve Fleet Logistics Support squadrons (VR) and an executive transport detachment conducting worldwide logistics support and Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift (NUFEA) missions in support of U.S. Navy requirements. Headquartered at NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX., squadrons and detachments are based at JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI., JB Andrews, MD., JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ., NAS JB Fort Worth, TX., NAS JB New Orleans, LA., MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI., NAVBASE Ventura County Point Mugu, CA., NAS Oceana, VA., NAS North Island, CA., NAS Jacksonville, FL., and NAS Whidbey Island, WA. |
Disestablished Type and Functional Wings
[edit]Included in the tables of disestablished wings below are no longer used former designations of disestablished or currently active wings. For example the current Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN was established in August 1942 as Patrol Wing 11, it was re-designated Fleet Air Wing 11 in November of that year, re-designated back to Patrol Wing ELEVEN in 1973 and finally to the current designation of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN in 1999. Patrol Wing 11 and Fleet Air Wing 11 are not disestablished wings, they are formerly used designations of the current Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN. Similarly the currently active Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic Fleet (HSMWINGLANT) was previously designated Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Wing Atlantic Fleet (HSLWINGLANT), before that it was designated Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Wing ONE (HSLWING ONE) and before that it was designated Helicopter Sea Control Wing THREE (HELSEACONWING THREE). HELSEACONWING THREE, HSLWING ONE and HSLWINGLANT are not disestablished wings as the wing still exists as HSMWINGLANT, they are former designations of the currently active wing which are no longer used.
Disestablished Fleet Air Wings, Patrol Wings and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings
[edit]Patrol Wings/Fleet Air Wings/Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings controlled squadrons of large land based bomber or patrol or other non ship based aircraft including amphibious or float planes. Note: the parenthetical (1st) and (2nd) appended to some Fleet Air Wing and Patrol Wing designations below are not a part of the wing's designation. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than one time during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and to specify which use of the designation is indicated. There is not necessarily any connection between Fleet Air Wings and/or Patrol Wings which shared the same designation.
Fleet Air Wings (FAW), Patrol Wings (PATWING), and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings (PATRECONWING) Patrol Wings were first established in Oct 1937. All Patrol Wings in existence on 1 Nov 1942 were redesignated Fleet Air Wings. Additional Fleet Air Wings were established during WWII and as late as 1963.[14] All Fleet Air Wings still in existence in 1973 were redesignated Patrol Wings except for FAW-10 (the second to use the designation) which was disestablished. All Patrol Wings still in existence in 1999 were redesignated Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings. | ||
---|---|---|
Wing | Insignia | Notes[8] |
-Patrol Wing 1(1st) -Fleet Air Wing 1 -Patrol Wing ONE(2nd) -Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ONE | ![]() FAW-1 ![]() PatReconWing 1 | Established as Patrol Wing 1 on 1 Oct 1937, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 1 on 1 Nov 1942, redesignated Patrol Wing ONE on 30 Jun 1973, redesignated Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ONE on 1 June 1999. Ceased operations as a functional wing after 2000 and was redesignated Patrol and Reconnaissance Force 7th Fleet/CTF-72 exercising operational control over VP squadrons deployed to 7th Fleet. |
-Patrol Wing 2(1st) -Fleet Air Wing 2 -Patrol Wing TWO(2nd) | ![]() FAW-2 ![]() PatWing 2 | Established as Patrol Wing 2 on 1 Oct 1937, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 2 on 1 Nov 1942, redesignated Patrol Wing TWO on 30 Jun 1973, disestablished on 8 Jun 1993. |
-Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TWO | ![]() | Established as Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TWO in Oct 2003 (adopted insignia from previously disestablished Patrol Wing TWO),[15] disestablished on 1 May 2017.[16] This wing does not share a lineage with the former Patrol Wing TWO as that wing was disestablished ten years before the establishment of this wing. |
-Patrol Wing 3 -Fleet Air Wing 3 | ![]() FAW-3 | Established as Patrol Wing 3 on 1 Oct 1937, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 3 on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 30 Jun 1971. |
-Patrol Wing 4(1st) -Fleet Air Wing 4 | ![]() FAW-4 | Established as Patrol Wing 4 on 1 Oct 1937, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 4 on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 30 Jun 1970. |
-Patrol Wing 5(1st) -Fleet Air Wing 5 -Patrol Wing FIVE(2nd) -Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE | ![]() PatReconWing 5 | Established as Patrol Wing 5 on 1 Oct 1937, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 5 on 1 Nov 1942, redesignated Patrol Wing FIVE on 1 Jul 1973, redesignated Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE on 26 Mar 1999, disestablished in 2009. |
-Fleet Air Wing 6(1st) | ![]() | Established as Fleet Air Wing 6 on 2 Nov 1942, disestablished on 1 Dec 1945. |
-Fleet Air Wing 6(2nd) | Established as Fleet Air Wing 6 (second use of the designation) on 4 Aug 1950, disestablished on 1 Jul 1972. | |
-Patrol Wing 7 -Fleet Air Wing 7 | Established as Patrol Wing Support Force on 1 Mar 1941, redesignated Patrol Wing 7 on 1 Jul 1941, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 7 on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 4 Aug 1945. | |
-Patrol Wing 8 -Fleet Air Wing 8(1st) | Established as Patrol Wing 8 on 8 Jul 1941, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 8 on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 3 Jul 1946. | |
-Fleet Air Wing 8(2nd) | Established as Fleet Air Wing 8 (second use of the designation) on 1 Jul 1965, disestablished on 1 Aug 1972. | |
-Patrol Wing 9 -Fleet Air Wing 9 | Established as Patrol Wing 9 in Apr 1942, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 9 on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 19 Jul 1945. | |
-Patrol Wing 10(1st) -Fleet Air Wing 10(1st) | Established as Patrol Wing 10 in Dec 1940, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 10, disestablished on 7 Jun 1947. Note: The current Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN does not share a lineage with this wing, that wing was established in 1981 as Patrol Wing TEN (second use of the designation). | |
-Fleet Air Wing 10(2nd) | ![]() | Established as Fleet Air Wing 10 (second use of the designation) on 29 Jun 1963, disestablished on 30 Jun 1973. |
-Patrol Wing TEN(2nd) -Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN | ![]() PatReconWing 10 | Established as Patrol Wing TEN (second use of the designation) on 1 Jun 1981, redesignated Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN on 1 Jun 1999. Note: This wing does not share a lineage with the first Patrol Wing 10 which was disestablished as Fleet Air Wing 10(1st) on 7 June 1947. Still exists as Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN. |
-Patrol Wing 11(1st) -Fleet Air Wing 11 -Patrol Wing ELEVEN(2nd) -Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN | ![]() FAW-11 ![]() PatWing 11 ![]() PatReconWing 11 | Established as Patrol Wing 11 on 15 Aug 1942, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 11 on 1 Nov 1942, redesignated Patrol Wing ELEVEN on 30 Jun 1973, redesignated Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN on 26 Mar 1999. Still exists as Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN. |
-Patrol Wing 12 -Fleet Air Wing 12 | Established as Patrol Wing 12 on 16 Sep 1942, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 12 on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 14 Jul 1945. | |
-Patrol Wing 14 -Fleet Air Wing 14 | ![]() FAW-14 | Established as Patrol Wing 14 on 15 Oct 1942, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 14 on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished in 1969. |
-Fleet Air Wing 15 | Established as Fleet Air Wing 15 on 1 Dec 1942, disestablished on 28 Jul 1945. | |
-Fleet Air Wing 16 | Established as Fleet Air Wing 16 on 16 Feb 1943, disestablished on 27 Jun 1945. | |
-Fleet Air Wing 17 | Established as Fleet Air Wing 17 on 15 Sep 1943, disestablished on 2 Jan 1946. | |
-Fleet Air Wing 18 | Established as Fleet Air Wing 18 on 5 May 1945, disestablished on 30 Jun 1947. | |
-Reserve Patrol Wing LANT -Reserve Patrol Wing PAC/ Patrol Wing FOUR(2nd) -Reserve Patrol Wing | ![]() PatWing 4 ![]() ResPatWing | Reserve Patrol Wing Atlantic and Reserve Patrol Wing Pacific (later dual designated as Reserve Patrol Wing Pacific/Patrol Wing FOUR (second use of the designation)) which had both been established in 1970 were consolidated into a single wing designated Reserve Patrol Wing in January 1999, disestablished in June 2007.[15] |
Disestablished Fleet Airship Wings
[edit]Fleet Airship Wings (FASW) were created to operate the large airship force that the Navy created in WWII. The Navy operated airships prior to the war but individual airships were assigned to airship stations, the airship force was not organized into squadrons and wings until WWII. Note: the parenthetical (1st) and (2nd) appended to the two FASW 1 entries are not a part of either wing's designation. They are added to indicate that the FASW 1 designation was used to designate two separate unrelated wings, the first was a WWII wing and the second was created after the war to operate the Navy's postwar lighter-than-air fleet.
Airship Patrol Groups (APG) and Fleet Airship Wings (FASW)[17] Fleet Airship Wings were first created as Airship Patrol Groups (APG) beginning in January 1942. The Fleet Airship Wing (FASW) designation first appeared on 1 Dec 1942 with FASW 30 and 31 which were placed organizationally above the APGs. On 15 July 1943 FASW 30 and 31 were redesignated "Fleet Airships Atlantic" (FASL) and "Fleet Airships Pacific" (FASP) and the Airship Patrol Groups (APG) under them were redesignated Fleet Airship Wings (FASW). The five FASWs which operated during WWII were all disestablished by January 1946. Three years after that a new wing designated Fleet Airship Wing 1 was established to control the activities of the post war airship squadrons. It operated until 1961 when the Navy's airship operations came to an end. | |||
---|---|---|---|
Wing | Insignia | Notes | |
WWII Wings | |||
-Airship Patrol Group 1 -Fleet Airship Wing 1(1st) | Established as Airship Patrol Group 1 on 2 Jan 1942, redesignated Fleet Airship Wing 1 on 15 July 1943, disestablished on 16 Jan 1946 | ||
-Airship Patrol Group 2 -Fleet Airship Wing 2 | Established as Airship Patrol Group 2 on 1 Mar 1943, redesignated Fleet Airship Wing 2 on 15 Jul 1943, disestablished on 16 Jun 1945. | ||
-Airship Patrol Group 3 -Fleet Airship Wing 3 | . | Established as Airship Patrol Group 3 on 1 Oct 1942, redesignated Fleet Airship Wing 3 on 15 July 1943, disestablished on 23 Jan 1946. | |
-Fleet Airship Wing 4 | Established as Fleet Airship Wing 4 on 2 Aug 1943, disestablished on 15 Jul 1945. | ||
-Fleet Airship Wing 5 | . | Established as Fleet Airship Wing 5 on 2 Aug 1943, disestablished in 11 Dec 1944. | |
-Fleet Airship Wing 30 -Fleet Airships Atlantic | Established as Fleet Airship Wing 30 on 1 Dec 1942, redesignated Fleet Airships Atlantic on 15 Jul 1943, disestablished on 16 Jan 1946. This organization existed above the "wing" level. The original Airship Patrol Groups (ATG) functioned as wings as they were the level above the airship squadrons. Once the ATGs were redesignated as wings this "wing" was retitled to describe its function above the wing level. | ||
-Fleet Airship Wing 31 -Fleet Airships Pacific | Established as Fleet Airship Wing 31 on 1 Dec 1942, redesignated Fleet Airships Pacific on 15 Jul 1943, disestablished on 23 Jan 1946. This organization existed above the "wing" level. The original Airship Patrol Groups (ATG) functioned as wings as they were the level above the airship squadrons. Once the ATGs were redesignated as wings this "wing" was retitled to describe its function above the wing level. | ||
Post WWII Wing | |||
-Fleet Airship Wing 1(2nd) | ![]() | Established as Fleet Airship Wing 1 (second use of the designation) on 20 Jan 1949, disestablished on 31 Oct 1961. |
Disestablished Training Air Wings
[edit]Training Air Wings were established in 1971 and 1972. Prior to their establishment, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard flight training was conducted by Training Squadrons organized under the Flag Officers "Chief of Naval Air Basic Training" and "Chief of Naval Air Advanced Training" which were aligned under the "Chief of Naval Air Training". Eight Training Air Wings were established, each under the command of a Captain who reported directly to the Chief of Naval Air Training eliminating the positions of Chief of Naval Air Basic Training and Chief of Naval Air Advanced Training.[18][19]
Disestablished Training Air Wings | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Wing | Tail Code | insignia | Notes | |
Training Air Wing THREE | TRAWING THREE (TW-3) | C | ![]() | Established on 1 Oct 1971[9] to control training activities at NAS Chase Field, TX. Disestablished 31 Aug 1992 with the closure of NAS Chase Field and disestablishment of subordinate squadrons.[20] |
Training Air Wing SEVEN | TRAWING SEVEN (TAW-7) | Established 1 Feb 1972 to control training activities at NAS Saufely Field, FL.[12] Disestablished in 1976 with deactivation of the Saufley Field airfield and disestablishment of subordinate squadrons.[21] | ||
Training Air Wing EIGHT | TRAWING EIGHT (TAW-8) | Established in 1972 to control training activities at NAS Glynco, GA.[22][12] Disestablished in 1974 with closure of NAS Glynco.[23] Subordinate squadron was relocated to NAS Pensacola and realigned under TRAWING SIX. |
Disestablished other Type and Functional Wings
[edit]Unlike today with the Navy’s Carrier Air Wing squadrons each assigned to two different wings; to a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) for operational employment when deployed and preparing for deployment, and administratively to a Type Wing for “man, train and equip” functions in order to be able to deploy, before 1970 carrier air wing squadrons when not deployed fell under various “Fleet Air” organizations (Fleet Air San Diego, Fleet Air Whidbey, Fleet Air Lemoore…) located at the various Naval Air Stations at which the squadrons were based. These Fleet Air organizations were large, under the command of a Flag Officer and were responsible for the squadrons based at a specific Naval Air Station regardless of the type of aircraft each squadron operated. In the 1950s when the Navy began putting nuclear bombers (Heavy Attack Squadron – VAH) detachments on carriers it formed “Heavy Attack Wings” which reported to their respective "Fleet Air" organization to ensure these crews and aircraft received the specialized training and upkeep required for the safe and effective conduct of this specialized mission. Similarly, the emerging specialized Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) and Tactical Electronic Warfare (VAQ) squadrons were organized into wings under the Fleet Air organizations where they were based. CAEWWINGs 11 & 12 and VAQWING 13 ensured their squadrons’ aircraft and crews were ready and capable of executing their unique roles when attached to their Carrier Air Groups, later Carrier Air Wings, for deployment.
From 1970 to 1973 the Navy reorganized for the “man, train and equip” functions of its CVW aircraft squadrons by establishing wings to replace the “Fleet Air” organizations. The Pacific and Atlantic Fleets went about the reorganization differently, with the Pacific Fleet opting for a Functional Wing organization and the Atlantic Fleet for a Type Wing organization. In the Pacific Fleet the “Fleet Air” organizations were essentially renamed as wings: At NAS Whidbey Island VAQWING 13 was disestablished and its Tactical Electronic Warfare (VAQ) squadrons combined with the medium attack (VA) squadrons there to form MATVAQWINGPAC which replaced Fleet Air Whidbey; At NAS Miramar CAEWWING 11 was disestablished and all of Fleet Air Miramar's Airborne Early Warning (VAW) squadrons and Fighter (VF) squadrons reported directly to FITAEWWINGPAC; In San Diego ASWWINGPAC replaced Fleet Air San Diego to oversee all ASW helicopter and fixed wing squadrons based there (the few logistics squadrons in San Diego were included in the wing as well); and at NAS Lemoore, Fleet Air Lemoore was replaced by LATWINGPAC with all Pacific Fleet Light Attack (VA) squadrons. These Pacific Fleet wings were all commanded by Flag Officers as had been the former Fleet Air organizations. In the Atlantic Fleet the two already existing type wings, CAEWWING 12 and RECONATKWING ONE were joined by the newly established LATWING ONE, FITWING ONE, MATWING ONE, AIRANTISUBWING ONE, HELANTISUBWING ONE, and HELSEACONWING ONE and all its Fleet Air organizations were eliminated. CAEWWING 12 was not renamed so there was no CAEWWING ONE. Each of these wings was responsible for a single type/model aircraft and each was commanded by a Captain.
In 1993 the Pacific Fleet adopted the Atlantic Fleet’s Type Wing organization breaking up its large functional wings into their component Type Wing parts. At the same time the Atlantic Fleet went about renaming its type wings removing the “One” from the title replacing it with “LANT” (meaning "Atlantic") resulting in uniform type wing designations across the two fleets with wings titled AEWWINGLANT & AEWWINGPAC and HSWINGLANT & HSWINGPAC etc…
Type and Functional Wings, including formerly used designations of disestablished and currently active wings. | |||
---|---|---|---|
Airborne Early Warning and Fighter Wings, Naval Air Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet | |||
Wing | Insignia | Notes | |
AEWWINGLANT | |||
Airborne Early Warning Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (First use of the designation) | AEWWINGLANT (First use) | Established 1 Jul 1955[24][25] to operate land based Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadrons flying the WV-2/EC-121K Warning Star as part of the "Atlantic Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning line (DEW line). Disestablished by 26 Aug 1965 when the Atlantic Barrier ceased operations.[26] | |
CAEWWING TWELVE / AEWWINGLANT | |||
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing TWELVE | CAEWWING 12 | ![]() | Established 1 April 1967 when Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron TWELVE (VAW-12) was elevated to wing status and its detachments were established as separate squadrons. Redesignated Airborne Early Warning Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (AEWWINGLANT) on 1 Sep 1993.[27] |
Airborne Early Warning Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (Second use of the designation) | AEWWINGLANT (Second use) | ![]() | Redesignated from CAEWWING 12 on 1 Sep 1993. Disestablished 23 Sep 2005, squadrons were realigned under Airborne Early Warning Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet which was then redesignated Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing (ACCLOGWING) (see currently active Type Wings section). This wing was unrelated to the AEWWINGLANT which existed as part of the "Atlantic Barrier" from 1955 to 1965. |
FITWING ONE / FITWINGLANT | |||
Fighter Wing ONE | FITWING ONE | ![]() | Established 16 Jul 1971 as the Atlantic Fleet Fighter type wing. Redesignated Fighter Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (FITWINGLANT) on 1 Sep 1993.[27] |
Fighter Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet | FITWINGLANT | ![]() | Redesignated from FITWING ONE on 1 Sep 1993. Disestablished 1 Oct 2004, remaining F-14 Tomcat squadrons realigned under Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (STKFITWINGLANT) (see currently active Type Wings section) and eventually transitioned to the F/A-18E or F Super Hornet. |
Airborne Early Warning and Fighter Wings, Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet | |||
Wing | Insignia | Notes | |
AEWWINGPAC | |||
Airborne Early Warning Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (First use of the designation) | AEWWINGPAC (First use) | Established 10 Jan 1956[28] to operate land based Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadrons flying the WV-2 Warning Star as part of the "Pacific Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning line (DEW line). Disestablished 1 Feb 1960 when the wing and its squadrons were merged into a single squadron designated AEW Barrier Squadron Pacific (AEWBARRONPAC)[29] which was then itself disestablished on 30 June 1965 with the conclusion of the operation of the Pacific Barrier. | |
CAEWWING ELEVEN / FITAEWWINGPAC : FITAEWWINGPAC / AEWWINGPAC / ACCLOGWING : FITAEWWINGPAC / FITWINGPAC | |||
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing ELEVEN | CAEWWING 11 | Established 20 April 1967 when Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ELEVEN (VAW-11) was elevated to wing status and its detachments were established as separate squadrons. Combined with Fleet Air Miramar July 1973 to form Fighter, AEW Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (FITAEWWINGPAC) | |
Fighter AEW Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | FITAEWWINGPAC | ![]() | Established July 1973 by combining Fleet Air Miramar and CAEWWING 11. Disestablished on 30 Sep 1993.[30] AEWWINGPAC was established to assume control of the wing's VAW squadrons and FITWINGPAC to assume control of the wing's VF squadrons. |
Airborne Early Warning Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (Second use of the designation) | AEWWINGPAC (Second use) | ![]() | Established 1 Aug 1993[30] to assume control of the disestablishing FITAEWWINGPAC's VAW squadrons. Redesignated Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing (ACCLOGWING) 23 Sep 2005. This wing still exists as ACCLOGWING (see currently active Type Wings section). This wing was unrelated to the AEWWINGPAC which existed as part of the "Pacific Barrier" from 1956 to 1960. |
Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | FITWINGPAC | ![]() | Established 1 Aug 1993[30] to assume control of the disestablishing FITAEWWINGPAC's VF squadrons. Disestablished 17 Dec 1996,[31] remaining F-14 Tomcat squadrons were realigned under Fighter Wing, U. S. Atlantic Fleet (FITWINGLANT). |
Attack and Reconnaissance Wings, Naval Air Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet | |||
Wing | Insignia | Notes | |
HATWING ONE / RECONATKWING ONE | |||
Heavy Attack Wing ONE | HATWING ONE | ![]() | Established 1 Feb 1951[32] to provide Heavy Attack (VAH) squadron detachments flying nuclear bomber AJ aircraft to Carrier Air Groups. Squadrons ultimately transitioned to A-3 and A-5 aircraft. Redesignated Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE (RECONATKWING ONE) in Aug 1964[33] with the end of the U.S. Navy's nuclear bomber role and the conversion of the A-5 Vigilante nuclear bomber squadrons (VAH) to RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance squadrons (RVAH). |
Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE | RECONATKWING ONE | ![]() | Disestablished 7 Jan 1980 with the retirement of the RA-5C Vigilante and disestablishment of RVAH squadrons.[34] |
LATWING ONE / STRKFITWINGLANT | |||
Light Attack Wing ONE | LATWING ONE | ![]() | Established 1 Jun 1970[35] as the type wing for "light" Attack (VA) squadrons flying the A-7. Redesignated Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (STRKFITWINGLANT) on 1 Sep 1993 with replacement of the A-7 Corsair II by the F/A-18 Hornet in the Atlantic Fleet.[27] This wing still exists as STRKFITWINGLANT (see currently active Type Wings section) |
MATWING ONE / ATTACKWINGLANT | |||
Medium Attack Wing ONE | MATWING ONE | ![]() | Established 1 Oct 1971 as the type wing for Atlantic Fleet "medium" Attack (VA) squadrons flying the A-6 Intruder. Redesignated Attack Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (ATTACKWINGLANT) on 1 Sep 1993.[27] |
Attack Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet | ATTACKWINGLANT | ![]() | Redesignated from MATWING ONE on 1 Sep 1993. Disestablished on 30 Jun 1997[36] with the retirement of the A-6 Intruder. |
Attack and Electronic Warfare Wings, Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet | |||
Wing | Insignia | Notes | |
HATWING TWO | |||
Heavy Attack Wing TWO | HATWING TWO | ![]() | Established 2 July 1956[37] to provide Heavy Attack (VAH) squadron detachments flying nuclear bomber A-3 aircraft to Carrier Air Groups. Disestablished 30 Jun 1959,[38] squadrons realigned under Fleet Air Whidbey. |
LATWINGPAC / STRKFITWINGPAC | |||
Light Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | LATWINGPAC | ![]() | Established from Fleet Air Lemoore 1 Jul 1973 as the type wing for "light" Attack (VA) squadrons flying the A-7. Redesignated Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (STRKFITWINGPAC) on 5 Apr 1991 with replacement of the A-7 Corsair II by the F/A-18 Hornet in the Pacific Fleet.[39] This wing still exists as STRKFITWINGPAC (see currently active Type Wings section) |
VAQWING THIRTEEN | |||
Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing THIRTEEN | VAQWING 13 | Established 1 Sep 1968 at NAS Alameda to oversee administrative, operations and maintenance support for the new Tactical Electronic Warfare (VAQ) squadrons flying the EKA-3B Skywarrior which provided detachments to Carrier Air Wings.[40] Moved to NAS Whidbey Island with the decision to base the new EA-6B Prowler squadrons at NASWI. Disestablished 1 Jul 1972.[41] Squadrons realigned under Fleet Air Whidbey. | |
MATVAQWINGPAC / VAQWINGPAC : MATVAQWINGPAC / MATWINGPAC | |||
Medium Attack, Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | MATVAQWINGPAC | ![]() | Established from Fleet Air Whidbey in July 1973 as the type wing for both "medium" Attack (VA) squadrons flying the A-6 Intruder and Tactical Electronic Warfare (VAQ) squadrons flying the EA-6B Prowler. Disestablished 31 Jan 1993.[42] ATTACKWINGPAC and VAQWINGPAC were established to assume control of the wing's Attack (VA) and Tactical Electronic Warfare (VAQ) squadrons respectively. |
Electronic Combat Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | VAQWINGPAC | ![]() | Established 1 Feb 1993[42] to assume control of the disestablished MATVAQWINGPAC's Tactical Electronic Warfare (VAQ) squadrons. Renamed Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (VAQWINGPAC) in 1998. This wing still exists as VAQWINGPAC (see currently active Type Wings section). |
Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | ATTACKWINGPAC | ![]() | Established 1 Feb 1993[42] to assume control of the disestablished MATVAQWINGPAC's Attack (VA) squadrons. Disestablished on 30 Apr 1997[36] with the retirement of the A-6E Intruder. |
Anti-Submarine and Sea Control Wings, Naval Air Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet | |||
Wing | Insignia | Notes | |
AIRANTISUBWING ONE / SEASTRIKEWING ONE / SEACONWINGLANT | |||
Air Antisubmarine Wing ONE | AIRANTISUBWING ONE | ![]() | Established 1 Apr 1973 as the Atlantic Fleet type wing for Air Antisubmarine (VS) squadrons flying the S-2 Tracker. Squadrons ultimately transitioned the S-3 Viking. Redesignated Sea Strike Wing ONE (SEASTRIKEWING ONE) May 1987. |
Sea Strike Wing ONE | SEASTRIKEWING ONE | ![]() | Redesignated from Air Antisubmarine Wing ONE continuing as the type wing for Air Antisubmarine (VS) squadrons flying the S-3 Viking. Redesignated Sea Control Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (SEACONWINGLANT) on 1 Sep 1993.[27] |
Sea Control Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet | SEACONWINGLANT | ![]() | Redesignated from Sea Strike Wing ONE on 1 Sep 1993 when the Air Antisbumbarine (VS) squadrons were redesignated to Sea Control (VS) squadrons. Disestablished 30 Jan 2009 with retirement of the S-3 Viking. |
HSWING ONE / HSWINGLANT | |||
Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing ONE | HSWING ONE | ![]() | Established 1 Apr 1973 as the type wing for Atlantic Fleet Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons flying the SH-3 Sea King. Squadrons ultimately transitioned to the SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawk. Redesignated Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (HSWINGLANT) on 1 Sep 1993.[27] |
Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet | HSWINGLANT | ![]() | Redesignated from Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing ONE on 1 Sep 1993 continuing as the Atlantic Fleet SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawk type wing. Disestablished 1 Apr 2005. Squadrons were realigned under Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (HSCWINGLANT) (see currently active Type Wings section) in anticipation of their transitions to the MH-60S Seahawk and redesignation to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons. |
HELSEACONWING ONE | |||
Helicopter Sea Control Wing ONE | HELSEACONWING ONE | ![]() | Established Jun 1973 as the type wing for Atlantic Fleet Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) (HSL) squadrons flying the SH-2 Sea Sprite. Disestablished 1 Jul 1992,[43] squadrons re-aligned under Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing ONE (HSLWING ONE). |
HELSEACONWING THREE / HSLWING ONE / HSLWINGLANT / HSMWINGLANT | |||
Helicopter Sea Control Wing THREE | HELSEACONWING THREE | ![]() | Established Mar 1985 as the type wing for Atlantic Fleet Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) (HSL) squadrons flying the then new SH-60B Seahawk. Redesignated Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing ONE (HSLWING ONE) on 1 Jul 1992.[44] |
Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing ONE | HSLWING ONE | Redesignated from Helicopter Sea Control Wing THREE to Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing ONE on 1 Jul 1992. Operated as type wing for HSL squadrons flying SH-2 Sea Sprites and HSL squadrons flying SH-60B Seahawks. Redesignated Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (HSLWINGLANT) on 1 Sep 1993.[27] | |
Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet | HSLWINGLANT | ![]() | Redesignated from Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing ONE on 1 Sep 1993. Type wing for HSL SH-2 Sea Sprite squadrons and SH-60B Seahawk squadrons until the last SH-2 squadron was disestablished in 1994, then continued as the SH-60B Atlantic Fleet type wing. Redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (HSMWINGLANT) on 1 Jul 2006[44] with the transition of the HSL squadrons flying the SH-60B Seahawk to HSM squadrons flying the MH-60R Seahawk. This wing still exists as HSMWINGLANT (see currently active Type Wings section). |
Anti-Submarine and Sea Control Wings, Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet | |||
Wing | Insignia | Notes | |
ASWWINGPAC / SEACONWINGPAC : ASWWINGPAC / HSLWINGPAC / HSMWINGPAC : ASWWINGPAC / HSWINGPAC | |||
Anti Submarine Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | ASWWINGPAC | ![]() | Established from Fleet Air San Diego in July 1973. The wing consisted of all Pacific Fleet fixed wing and rotary wing ASW squadrons and included fleet logistics and service support squadrons as well. Disestablished on 30 Sep 1993.[45] SECONWINGPAC, HSWINGPAC, HSLWINGPAC and HELTACWINGPAC were established to assume control of the wing's Sea Control (VS), Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS), Helicopter Antisubmarine (light) (HSL) and Helicopter Combat Support (HC)/Helicopter Mine Coutermeasures (HM) squadrons respectively. |
Sea Control Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | SEACONWINGPAC | ![]() | Established 22 Apr 1993[45] to assume control of Sea Control (VS) squadrons from the disestablishing ASWWINGPAC. Disestablished 19 Aug 2005, remaining squadrons were re-aligned under SECONWINGLANT. |
Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | HSLWINGPAC | ![]() | Established 5 May 1993[46] to assume control of Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) (HSL) squadrons from the disestablishing ASWWINGPAC. Redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (HSMWINGPAC) on 1 Apr 2005 with the transition of the HSL squadrons flying the SH-60B Seahawk to HSM squadrons flying the MH-60R Seahawk. This wing still exists as HSMWINGPAC (see currently active Type Wings section). |
Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | HSWINGPAC | ![]() | Established 1 July 1993[46] to assume control of Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons from the disestablishing ASWWINGPAC. Disestablished in Apr 2005. Squadrons were realigned under Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (HSCWINGPAC) (see currently active Type Wings section) in anticipation of their transitions to the MH-60S Seahawk and redesignation to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons. |
Logistics and Service Support Wings, Naval Air Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet | |||
Wing | Insignia | Notes | |
FLTTACSUPWING ONE | |||
Fleet Tactical Support Wing ONE | FLTTACSUPWING ONE | ![]() | Established 1 Jul 1973 to operate Atlantic Fleet fixed wing logistics and utility squadrons.[4] Disestablished 1 Oct 1989 with the transfer of the air logistics and utility roles to the U. S. Navy Reserve and contracted services.[47] |
HELTACWING ONE / HELTACWINGLANT / HSCWINGLANT | |||
Helicopter Tactical Wing ONE | HELTACWING ONE | ![]() | Established 1 Oct 1982 to operate Atlantic Fleet Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM) squadrons and Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons flying vertical replenishment (VERTREP) and utility helicopters. Redesignated Helicopter Tactical Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (HELTACWINGLANT) on 1 Sep 1993.[27] |
Helicopter Tactical Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet | HELTACWINGLANT | ![]() | Redesignated from Helicopter Tactical Wing ONE. Continued to operate HC and HM squadrons. Redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (HSCWINGLANT) 1 Apr 2005 with the redesignation of Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons and their transitions to the MH-60S Seahawk. This wing still exists as HSCWINGLANT (see currently active Type Wings section) |
Logistics and Service Support Wings, Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet | |||
Wing | Insignia | Notes | |
ASWWINGPAC / HELTACWINGPAC / HSCWINGPAC | |||
Helicopter Tactical Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet | HELTACWINGPAC | ![]() | Established on 1 July 1993[46] to assume control of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM) squadrons and Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons flying vertical replenishment (VERTREP) and utility helicopters from the disestablished ASWWINGPAC. Redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (HSCWINGPAC) in Apr 2005 with the redesignation of Pacific Fleet Combat Support (HC) squadrons to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons and their transitions to the MH-60S Seahawk. This wing still exists as HSCWINGPAC (see currently active Type Wings section) |
US Navy Reserve Wings | |||
Wing | Insignia | Notes | |
HELWINGRES | |||
Helicopter Wing Reserve | HELWINGRES | ![]() | Tail Code "NW" was adopted from the disestablished CVSGR-80. Established Jun 1975 to assume control of the soon to be disestablished CVSGR-70 and CVSGR-80 helicopter squadrons. Disestablished 31 May 2007.[48] Remaining reserve helicopter squadrons continue to use tail code NW even though the wing no longer exists. |
RESTACSUPWING / FLSW | |||
Reserve Tactical Support Wing | RESTACSUPWING | Established in 1974 as a USNR wing to provide logistics capacity in support of the active component's Fleet Tactical Support Wing ONE. Redesignated Fleet Logistics Support Wing (FLSW) in 1983.[49] This wing still exists as FLSW (see currently active Functional Wings section). This wing and the Navy Reserve's current Tactical Support Wing are unrelated as this wing is the current Fleet Logistics Support Wing (FLSW) and the current Tactical Support Wing (TSW) is the redesignation of the former Carrier Air Wing Reserve TWENTY (CVWR-20) |
See also
[edit]- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
Notes
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Air Wings of the US Navy". www.wings-aviation.ch.
- ^ a b c Roy A. Grossnick (ed.), United States Naval Aviation 1910–1995, Appendix 15 Archived 16 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine, accessed May 2012
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I pg 30
- ^ a b c d Naval Aviation News Feb 1974 pg 19
- ^ a b Naval Aviation News Feb 1971 pg 15
- ^ "Defense News".
- ^ Naval Aviation News July–August 1992 pg4
- ^ a b c Naval Aviation News Feb 1972 pg 18
- ^ a b c Naval Aviation News October 1971 pg 23
- ^ "Training Air Wing Four". www.cnatra.navy.mil.
- ^ a b c d e Naval Aviation News April 1972 pg 3
- ^ OPNAVNOTE 5400 dated 9 July 2015
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol II App 13
- ^ OPNAVNOTE 5400 dated 10 May 2016
- ^ Grossnick, Roy A. Kite Baloons to Airshps...the Navy's Lighter-than-air Experience. Washington DC. Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare). 1986"
- ^ Naval Aviation News Oct 1971, pg 22
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1972 pg 17
- ^ Naval Aviation News November–December 1992 pg 7
- ^ Naval Aviation News June 1977 pg 34.
- ^ Naval Aviation News Oct 1971 pg 23
- ^ Naval Aviation News November 1974 pg 29
- ^ "Atlantic Barrier". Archived from the original on 16 December 2001.
- ^ Naval Aviation News May 1957 pg 1
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1966 pg 10
- ^ a b c d e f g h Naval Aviation News May/June 1994 pg 6
- ^ Naval Aviation News Jan 1957 pg 3
- ^ Naval Aviation News April 1960 pg 38
- ^ a b c Naval Aviation News May/June 1994 pg 8
- ^ "Oceana Commands". militarynews.com.
- ^ United States Naval Aviation 1910–2010 chap 7 pg 262
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1965 pg10
- ^ Naval Aviation News May 1980 pg 4
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1971 pg14
- ^ a b Naval Aviation News Sep/Oct 1997 pg22
- ^ Naval Aviation News Jan 1957 pg 5
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1960 pg10
- ^ Naval Aviation News July/Aug 1993 pg 6
- ^ The Hook; Journal of Naval Aviation Spring 2002 pg 23
- ^ United States Naval Aviation 1910–1995 pg 297. Roy A. Grossnick, Mark Llewellyn Evans, published June 2001
- ^ a b c Naval Aviation News May/Jun 1993 pg 7
- ^ "Disestablished Atlantic Fleet Navy Helicopter Squadrons – Naval Helicopter Association Historical Society". nhahistoricalsociety.org.
- ^ a b "Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Atlantic – Naval Helicopter Association Historical Society". nhahistoricalsociety.org.
- ^ a b Naval Aviation News May/Jun 1994 pg 8
- ^ a b c Naval Aviation News May/Jun 1994 pg 9
- ^ Naval Aviation News November–December 1989
- ^ "Helicopter Wing Reserve – Disestablished – Naval Helicopter Association Historical Society". nhahistoricalsociety.org.
- ^ "CFLSW". Archived from the original on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
References
[edit]- Roy A. Grossnick (ed.), United States Naval Aviation 1910–1995, [1]