Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) is one of the United States Navy's most distinguished and combat-proven air wings, with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1943. As a key component of the U.S. Navy's carrier strike group, CVW-7 has played a pivotal role in numerous military operations and humanitarian missions around the world. The air wing is currently embarked on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) and comprises approximately 2,500 personnel, 60 aircraft, and nine squadrons. With its diverse range of aircraft and capabilities, CVW-7 is a potent symbol of American military power and a testament to the Navy's commitment to defending the nation's interests abroad.
History and Lineage
CVW-7 was originally established as Carrier Air Group 28 (CAG-28) on June 20, 1943, at Norfolk Naval Air Station, Virginia. The air group saw action in World War II, participating in several key battles and campaigns, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa. Following the war, CAG-28 was redesignated as Carrier Air Group 7 (CVG-7) in 1946 and later as Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) in 1963. Over the years, the air wing has undergone numerous reorganizations, deployments, and modernizations, with its aircraft inventory evolving to include some of the most advanced fighter, attack, and support aircraft in the world.
Current Composition and Capabilities
CVW-7 is a multi-role air wing, comprising nine squadrons that provide a broad range of capabilities, including air superiority, strike, electronic warfare, and logistics support. The air wing’s current composition includes:
- VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers” (F/A-18F Super Hornet)
- VFA-143 “Pukin’ Dogs” (F/A-18E Super Hornet)
- VFA-83 “Rampagers” (F/A-18C Hornet)
- VAW-121 “Bluetails” (E-2D Hawkeye)
- VAQ-140 “Patriots” (EA-18G Growler)
- VRC-40 “Rawhides” (C-2A Greyhound)
- HS-5 “Nightdippers” (SH-60F Seahawk)
- HSC-9 “Tridents” (MH-60S Seahawk)
- HSM-70 “Spartans” (MH-60R Seahawk)
With its diverse range of aircraft and capabilities, CVW-7 is equipped to conduct a wide range of missions, from air-to-air combat and strike operations to electronic warfare, logistics support, and search and rescue.
| Aircraft Type | Primary Mission | Number of Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| F/A-18E/F Super Hornet | Air superiority, strike | 24 |
| F/A-18C Hornet | Air superiority, strike | 12 |
| E-2D Hawkeye | Airborne early warning | 4 |
| EA-18G Growler | Electronic warfare | 5 |
| C-2A Greyhound | Logistics support | 2 |
| SH-60F Seahawk | Anti-submarine warfare | 6 |
| MH-60S Seahawk | Logistics support, search and rescue | 8 |
| MH-60R Seahawk | Anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue | 6 |
Key Points
- CVW-7 is a multi-role air wing with a diverse range of aircraft and capabilities.
- The air wing is currently embarked on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) and comprises approximately 2,500 personnel and 60 aircraft.
- CVW-7 has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1943, with numerous deployments and modernizations over the years.
- The air wing's current composition includes nine squadrons, providing a broad range of capabilities, including air superiority, strike, electronic warfare, and logistics support.
- CVW-7 is equipped to conduct a wide range of missions, from air-to-air combat and strike operations to electronic warfare, logistics support, and search and rescue.
Operations and Deployments
CVW-7 has participated in numerous military operations and humanitarian missions around the world, including the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The air wing has also been involved in several humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, including the response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. With its diverse range of aircraft and capabilities, CVW-7 is well-equipped to respond to a wide range of contingencies, from combat operations to humanitarian crises.
Training and Exercises
CVW-7 participates in numerous training exercises and operations throughout the year, including carrier qualifications, fleet exercises, and joint training exercises with other military services. These exercises provide the air wing with the opportunity to hone its skills and test its capabilities in a variety of scenarios, from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. By maintaining a high level of training and readiness, CVW-7 is able to respond quickly and effectively to emerging crises and contingencies around the world.
What is the primary mission of CVW-7?
+The primary mission of CVW-7 is to conduct air operations in support of the U.S. Navy’s carrier strike group, including air-to-air combat, strike operations, electronic warfare, and logistics support.
What types of aircraft are operated by CVW-7?
+CVW-7 operates a diverse range of aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F/A-18C Hornet, E-2D Hawkeye, EA-18G Growler, C-2A Greyhound, SH-60F Seahawk, MH-60S Seahawk, and MH-60R Seahawk.
Where is CVW-7 currently embarked?
+CVW-7 is currently embarked on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77).
What is the history of CVW-7?
+CVW-7 was established in 1943 as Carrier Air Group 28 (CAG-28) and has undergone numerous reorganizations, deployments, and modernizations over the years. The air wing has participated in numerous military operations and humanitarian missions around the world, including the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
What is the role of CVW-7 in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations?
+CVW-7 plays a critical role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, providing air support, logistics, and medical evacuation capabilities as needed. The air wing has participated in numerous humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations around the world, including the response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the earthquake in Haiti in 2010.
