Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7), 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 .
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
History
World War II
Carrier Air Wing Seven was originally commissioned 20 July 1943 at
Naval Air Station Alameda,
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.
Korean War
During the
Korean War, 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.
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 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 June 1999 CVW-7 started preparation for their next deployment reuniting with the USS
Dwight D Eisenhower.
Current force
Fixed wing aircraft
Rotary wing aircraft
See also
List of United States Navy Carrier air wings
