List of United States Navy aircraft wings

This is a list of United States Navy aircraft wings. The U.S. Navy operates different types of aircraft wings. Carrier air wings are operational units made up of squadrons of different types of aircraft and which deploy aboard aircraft carriers. Type Wings are wings of a single type/model or type/model/series aircraft which do not deploy, they are "force providers" providing combat ready squadrons to deploying Carrier Air Wings and to other Navy or joint forces. Functional wings are wings which perform type wing functions but in addition to those functions they are also responsible for executing operational tasking of their subordinate squadrons. Lastly, the Navy operates Training Air Wings which train Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Student Naval Aviators and Student Naval Flight Officers qualifying them as Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers. All Navy aircraft wings are commanded by an officer holding the rank of Captain.

Currently Active Wings[]

Carrier Air Wings (CVW)[]

See Carrier air wing

Carrier Air Wings of the United States Navy (Carrier Air Wings were titled Carrier Air Groups (CVG, CVAG or CVBG) 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" are affiliated with the Atlantic Fleet, while "N" denotes Pacific Fleet affiliation.

Type and Functional Wings[]

Type Wings are non-deploying "force provider" wings which supply combat ready VFA, VAQ, VAW, HSC or HSM squadrons or Fleet Logistics Support (VRC) detachments to Carrier Air Wings, or combat ready VAQ, VP, HM, HSC, HSM squadrons or detachments for "expeditionary" land based or shipboard (non-aircraft carrier) detachment deployments. They also operate Fleet Replacement Squadrons. Functional Wings operate land based aircraft such as those of Fleet Logistics Support, Patrol and Reconnaissance or Strategic Communications Squadrons.

Type and Functional Wings are not assigned Tail Codes except for 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. Type Wing squadrons which deploy as a part of a Carrier Air Wing wear the tail code of that Carrier Air Wing. Type Wing squadrons which do not deploy as part of a Carrier Air Wing and Functional Wing squadrons are all assigned tail codes unique to each squadron (except for the aforementioned expeditionary VAQ squadrons). See U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Tail Codes.

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 acquired different aircraft through the years. The tables below list the Type and Functional Wings which are active as of January 2019.

Type Wings[]

Type Wings of the United States Navy
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 or designations no longer in use" 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 or designations no longer in use" 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	Established as Electronic Combat Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet on 1 Feb 1993 (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings or designations no longer in use" section): Tail Code "NL" for the wing's land based "expeditionary" squadrons only. 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 ELEVEN (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings or designations no longer in use" section): All Airborne Command & Control Squadrons (VAW) and Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons (VRC). Headquartered at NAWS Point Mugu, CA., squadrons are based at NAWS 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 ONE (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings or designations no longer in use" section): All Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission (VRM) Squadrons. Headquartered at NAS North Island, CA., squadrons based at NAS North Island, and future squadrons planned in NS Norfolk, VA. and one squadron forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni. Provides combat ready CMV-22B detachments to Carrier Air Wings. Operates one CMV-22B Fleet Replacement Squadron which is 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 or designations no longer in use" 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 or designations no longer in use" 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 or designations no longer in use" 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. 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 or designations no longer in use" 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[]

Functional Wings of the United States Navy and U. S. Navy Reserve
Wing		Insignia	Aircraft	Notes
Strategic Communications Wing ONE	STRATCOMWING ONE		E-6B	Established 1 May 1992.[2] Operates two Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons (VQ), which fly the Boeing E-6B Mercury airborne command post and communications relay aircraft as Commander United States Strategic Command task force 124. Based at Tinker AFB, OK. Operates one E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron.
Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN	PATRECONWING TEN		P-8A P-3C 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.[3] 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.[3] Operates all east coast based Patrol (VP) and (VUP) squadrons. Based at NAS Jacksonville, FL.
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. Based at NAS Point Mugu, CA.
Tactical Support Wing	TSW		F/A-18A,C F-5F,N EA-18G	U. S. Navy Reserve Wing Tail Code "AF". Established as CVWR-20 on 1 Apr 1970 (see "Disestablished/Redesignated Carrier Air Wings" section), redesignated Tactical Support Wing (TSW) on 1 April 2007: Operates three aggressor squadrons (VFC) (one F/A-18 Hornet Squadron and two F-5F/N squadrons) providing air combat training to USN Strike Fighter (VFA) squadrons. Also provides one combat ready VFA F/A-18 Hornet squadron and 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-3C HH-60H MH-60R	U. S. Navy Reserve Wing Established 31 July 2015:[4] Provides two combat ready Patrol Squadrons (VP), one Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) which flies the HH-60H 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-20G C-37A C-37B	U. S. Navy Reserve Wing Established as Reserve Tactical Support Wing (see "Disestablished Type and Functional Wings or designations no longer in use" section): Operates twelve Fleet Logistics Support squadrons (VR) and two executive transport detachments 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., NAWS Point Mugu, CA., NAS Oceana, VA., NAS North Island, CA., NAS Jacksonville, FL., NAS Whidbey Island, WA., and NAS Sigonella, Italy.

Training Air Wings (TAW)[]

See Naval Air Training Command

Training Air Wings of the United States Navy (Train Student Naval Aviators of the USN, USMC and USCG)
Wing		Tail Code	Insignia	Aircraft	Notes
Training Air Wing ONE	TRAWING ONE (TW-1)	A		T-45C	Established on 1 Aug 1971[5] to control training activities at NAS Meridian, MS.[6] Operates two Training Squadrons (VT) conducting Student Naval Aviator Advanced Jet training.
Training Air Wing TWO	TRAWING TWO (TW-2)	B		T-45C	Established on 1 Aug 1971[5] to control training activities at NAS Kingsville, TX.[6] Operates two Training Squadrons (VT) conducting Student Naval Aviator Advanced Jet training.
Training Air Wing FOUR	TRAWING FOUR (TAW-4)	G		T-6B T-44C	Established in Mar 1972[7] to control training activities at NAS Corpus Christi, TX.[6][8] 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)	E		T-6B TH-57B TH-57C	Established 9 Jan 1972 at NAS Whiting Field to control training activities at NAS Whiting Field, FL and NAS Ellyson Field, FL[8] (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.
Training Air Wing SIX	TRAWING SIX (TAW-6)	F		T-6A T-45C	Established 1 Feb 1972 to control training activities at NAS Pensacola, FL.[8] 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.

Disestablished Wings or Air Wing Designations no longer in use[]

Disestablished Carrier Air Wings (CVW)[]

See Carrier air wing

Disestablished Carrier Air Wings of the United States Navy (Carrier Air Wings were titled Carrier Air Groups (CVG, CVAG or CVBG) prior to 20 Dec 1963)
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[9]
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.[10]
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 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[9]

Disestablished/Redesignated Carrier Air Wings of the United States Navy Reserve
Wing		Tail Code	Insignia	Notes[1]
Carrier Air Wing Reserve TWENTY	CVWR-20	AF		Established as CVWR-20 on 1 April 1970, redesignated Tactical Support Wing (TSW), 1 April 2007 (See Type and Functional Wings in the "Currently Active Wings" section)
Carrier Air Wing Reserve THIRTY	CVWR-30	ND		Established as CVWR-30 on 1 Apr 1970. Disestablished 31 Dec 1994

Tail codes with a first letter "A" are affiliated with the Atlantic Fleet, while "N" denotes Pacific Fleet affiliation.

Disestablished Type and Functional Wings or designations no longer in use[]

Disestablished Type and Functional Wings of the United States Navy
Airborne Early Warning and Fighter Wings
Naval Air Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet
Wing		Insignia	Notes
Airborne Early Warning Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (First use of the designation)	AEWWINGLANT (First use)		Established 1 Jul 1955[11][12] 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.[13]
Airborne Early Warning Wing TWELVE	AEWWING 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.[14]
Airborne Early Warning Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (Second use of the designation)	AEWWINGLANT (Second use)		Redesignated from AEWWING 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, 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.
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.[14]
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.
Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet
Wing		Insignia	Notes
Airborne Early Warning Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (First use of the designation)	AEWWINGPAC (First use)		Established 10 Jan 1956[15] 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).[16]
Airborne Early Warning Wing ELEVEN	AEWWING 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 AEWWING 11. Disestablished on 30 Sep 1993.[17] 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[17] to assume control of the disestablishing FITAEWWINGPAC's VAW squadrons. Redesignated Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing (ACCLOGWING) 23 Sep 2005 (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[17] to assume control of the disestablishing FITAEWWINGPAC's VF squadrons. Disestablished 17 Dec 1996,[18] remaining F-14 Tomcat squadrons were realigned under Fighter Wing, U. S. Atlantic Fleet (FITWINGLANT).
Attack and Electronic Warfare Wings
Naval Air Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet
Wing		Insignia	Notes
Heavy Attack Wing ONE	HATWING ONE		Established 1 Feb 1951[19] to operate Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons flying nuclear bomber AJ aircraft. Squadrons ultimately transitioned to A-3 and A-5 aircraft. Redesignated Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE (RECONATKWING ONE) in Aug 1964[20] 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.[21]
Light Attack Wing ONE	LATWING ONE		Established 1 Jun 1970[22] 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[14] (see currently active Type Wings section) with replacement of the A-7 Corsair II by the F/A-18 Hornet in the Atlantic Fleet.
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.[14]
Attack Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet	ATTACKWINGLANT		Redesignated from MATWING ONE on 1 Sep 1993. Disestablished on 30 Jun 1997[23] with the retirement of the A-6 Intruder.
Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet
Wing		Insignia	Notes
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[24] (see currently active Type Wings section) with replacement of the A-7 Corsair II by the F/A-18 Hornet in the Pacific Fleet.
Heavy Attack Wing TWO	HATWING TWO		Established 2 July 1956.[25] Operated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons flying nuclear bomber A-3 aircraft. Disestablished 30 Jun 1959,[26] squadrons realigned under Fleet Air Whidbey.
Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing THIRTEEN	VAQWING 13		Established 1 Sep 1968 at NAS Alameda to oversee administrative, operations and maintenance support for the new VAQ squadrons.[27] Moved to NAS Whidbey Island with the decision to base EA-6B sqdns at NASWI. Disestablished 1 Jul 1972.[28]
Medium Attack, Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet	MATVAQWINGPAC		Established from Fleet Air Whidbey in 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.[29] 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[29] to assume control of the disestablished MATVAQWINGPAC's Tactical Electronic Warfare (VAQ) squadrons. Renamed Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (VAQWINGPAC) in 1998 (see currently active Type Wings section).
Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet	ATTACKWINGPAC		Established 1 Feb 1993[29] to assume control of the disestablished MATVAQWINGPAC's Attack (VA) squadrons. Disestablished on 30 Apr 1997[23] with the retirement of the A-6E Intruder.
Anti-Submarine and Sea Control Wings
Naval Air Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet
Wing		Insignia	Notes
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.[14]
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.
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,[30] squadrons re-aligned under Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing ONE (HSLWING ONE).
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.[31]
Helicopter Antisubmarine (Light) Wing ONE	HSLWING ONE		Redesignated from Helicopter Sea Control Wing THREE to Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing (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.[14]
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[31] with the transition of the HSL squadrons flying the SH-60B Seahawk to HSM squadrons flying the MH-60R Seahawk (see currently active Type Wings section).
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 from Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing ONE to Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (HSWINGLANT) on 1 Sep 1993.[14]
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.
Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet
Wing		Insignia	Notes
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.[32] 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[32] 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[33] 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 (see currently active Type Wings section).
Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet	HSWINGPAC		Established 1 July 1993[33] 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
Fleet Tactical Support Wing ONE	FLTTACSUPWING ONE		Established 1 Jul 1973 to operate Atlantic Fleet fixed wing logistics and utility squadrons.[34] Disestablished 1 Oct 1989 with the transfer of the air logistics and utility roles to the U. S. Navy Reserve and contracted services.[35]
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.[14]
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 (see currently active Type Wings section) with the redesignation of Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons and their transitions to the MH-60S Seahawk.
Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet
Wing		Insignia	Notes
Helicopter Tactical Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet	HELTACWINGPAC		Established on 1 July 1993[33] 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 (see currently active Type Wings section) with the redesignation of Pacific Fleet Combat Support (HC) squadrons to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons and their transitions to the MH-60S Seahawk.

Disestablished Type and Functional Wings of the United States Navy Reserve
Wing		Insignia	Notes
Helicopter Wing Reserve	HELWINGRES		Tail Code "NW": Established Jun 1975, disestablished 31 May 2007.[36] Remaining reserve helicopter squadrons continue to use tail code NW even though the wing no longer exists.
Reserve Tactical Support Wing	RESTACSUPWING		Established in 1974, redesignated Fleet Logistics Support Wing (FLSW) in 1983[37] (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 and the current Tactical Support Wing is the designation of the former Carrier Air Wing Reserve TWENTY (CVWR-20)

Disestablished Fleet Air Wings, Patrol Wings, and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings or designations no longer in use[]

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.^[38] 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.

Disestablished Fleet Air Wings, Patrol Wings, and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings of the United States Navy and U. S. Navy Reserve
Wing		Insignia	Notes[3]
Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 1	PATRECONWING ONE	(FAW-1) (PatReconWing 1)	Established as Patrol Wing 1 (first use of the designation) on 1 Oct 1937, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 1 on 1 Nov 1942, redesignated Patrol Wing ONE (second use of the designation) 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	PATWING TWO	(FAW-2) (PatWing 2)	Established as Patrol Wing 2 (first use of the designation) on 1 Oct 1937, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 2 on 1 Nov 1942, redesignated Patrol Wing TWO (2nd use of the designation) on 30 Jun 1973, disestablished on 8 Jun 1993.
Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2	PATRECONWING TWO		Established as Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TWO in Oct 2003 (adopted insignia from previously disestablished Patrol Wing TWO),[39] disestablished on 1 May 2017[40]
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.
Fleet Air Wing 4	FAW 4	(PatWing 4) (FAW-4)	Established as Patrol Wing 4 (first use of the designation) on 1 Oct 1937, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 4 on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 30 Jun 1970.
Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE	PATRECONWING FIVE		Established as Patrol Wing 5 (first use of the designation) on 1 Oct 1937, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 5 on 1 Nov 1942, redesignated Patrol Wing FIVE (second use of the designation) on 1 Jul 1973, redesignated Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE on 26 Mar 1999, disestablished in 2009.
Fleet Air Wing 6 (First use)	FAW 6 (1st)		Established as Fleet Air Wing 6 (first use of the designation) on 2 Nov 1942, disestablished on 1 Dec 1945.
Fleet Air Wing 6 (Second use)	FAW 6 (2nd)		Established as Fleet Air Wing 6 (second use of the designation) on 4 Aug 1950, disestablished on 1 Jul 1972.
Fleet Air Wing 7	FAW 7		Established as Patrol Wing Support Force on 1 Mar 1941, redesignated Patrol Wing 7 on 1 Jul 1941, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 7 (FAW-7) on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 4 Aug 1945.
Fleet Air Wing 8 (first use)	(FAW 8) (1st)		Established as Patrol Wing 8 on 8 Jul 1941, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 8 (first use of the designation) on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 3 Jul 1946.
Fleet Air Wing 8 (second use)	(FAW 8) (2nd)		Established as Fleet Air Wing 8 (second use of the designation) on 1 Jul 1965, disestablished on 1 Aug 1972.
Fleet Air Wing 9	FAW 9		Established as Patrol Wing 9 in Apr 1942, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 9 on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 19 Jul 1945.
Fleet Air Wing 10 (First use)	FAW 10 (1st)		Established as Patrol Wing 10 (first use of the designation) in Dec 1940, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 10 (first use of the designation), 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) (Second use)	FAW 10 (2nd)		Established as Fleet Air Wing 10 (second use of the designation) on 29 Jun 1963, disestablished on 30 Jun 1973.
Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN	PATRECONWING ELEVEN	(FAW-11) (PatWing 11)	Established as Patrol Wing 11 (1st use of the designation) on 15 Aug 1942, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 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. Still exists as Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN.
Fleet Air Wing 12	FAW 12		Established as Patrol Wing 12 on 16 Sep 1942, redesignated Fleet Air Wing 12 on 1 Nov 1942, disestablished on 14 Jul 1945.
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	FAW 15		Established as FAW-15 on 1 Dec 1942, disestablished on 28 Jul 1945.
Fleet Air Wing 16	FAW 16		Established as FAW-16 on 16 Feb 1943, disestablished on 27 Jun 1945.
Fleet Air Wing 17	FAW 17		Established as FAW-17 on 15 Sep 1943, disestablished on 2 Jan 1946.
Fleet Air Wing 18	FAW 18		Established as FAW-18 on 5 May 1945, disestablished on 30 Jun 1947.
Reserve Patrol Wing	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.[39]

Disestablished Training Air Wings (TAW)[]

See Naval Air Training Command

Disestablished Training Air Wings of the United States Navy
Wing		Tail Code	insignia	Notes
Training Air Wing THREE	TRAWING THREE (TW-3)	C		Established on 1 Oct 1971[5] 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.[41]
Training Air Wing SEVEN	TRAWING SEVEN (TAW-7)			Established 1 Feb 1972 to control training activities at NAS Saufely Field, FL.[8] Disestablished in 1976 with deactivation of the Saufley Field airfield and disestablishment of subordinate squadrons.[42]
Training Air Wing EIGHT	TRAWING EIGHT (TAW-8)			Established in 1972 to control training activities at NAS Glynco, GA.[43][8] Disestablished in 1974 with closure of NAS Glynco.[44] Subordinate squadron was relocated to NAS Pensacola and realigned under TRAWING SIX.

Disestablished Carrier Air Groups (Ship Named Groups, CVG, CVLG, CVEG, CVAG, CVBG, CVSG) and Air Task Groups (ATG) or designations no longer in use[]

Prior to 20 Dec 1963 aircraft squadrons which operated from aircraft carriers were organized into Carrier Air Groups (CVG). There were sometimes variations of the Air Group designation adding a modifying letter between the V and the G to indicate the type of aircraft carrier from which the group operated: E-Escort Carrier, L-Light Carrier, B-Large Carrier, A-Medium Carrier and from 1960 to 1976; S-Antisubmarine Carrier. On 20 December 1963 all existing Carrier Air Groups except for the CVSGs were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW).
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. Navy Naval Aviation and to specify which use of the designation is indicated. There is not necessarily any connection between two or more Carrier Air Groups which shared the same designation.

Ship-Named Air Groups established pre WWII^[1][]

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". Carrier Air Groups were permanently assigned to a specific Aircraft Carrier and carried that Aircraft Carrier's name.

• Squadrons operating from USS Langley (CV-1) from Jan 1923 to June 1936 informally called "Langley 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 8 May 1942 after the loss of USS Lexington in the battle of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
• Saratoga Air Group See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section
• Ranger Air Group See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section
• Squadrons operating from USS Yorktown (CV-5) from Jan 1938 informally called "Yorktown Air Group". Yorktown Air Group officially established 1 Jul 1938, disestablished 7 Jun 1942 after the 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 and entered Pearl Harbor naval shipyard for repairs.
• Established 1 Jul 1939 to fly from USS Wasp (CV-7), disestablished 15 Sep 1942 after the loss of USS Wasp during the Guadalcanal Campaign.
• Established 20 Oct 1941 to fly from USS Hornet (CV-8), disestablished 26 Oct 1942 after the loss of USS Hornet in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.

Air Groups established during WWII^[1][]

With the massive buildup of Aircraft Carriers and Carrier Air Groups after the U.S. entry into WWII, the Carrier Air Group designation scheme was changed to drop the name of the Aircraft Carrier to which the Air Group was assigned and a numbering system was adopted. By this time CV 1 had been converted to a Seaplane Tender (in 1936), and CV 2, CV 5, CV 7 and CV 8 had been sunk. The Air Groups of the remaining CV 3 and CV 4 were redesignated CVG-3 and CVG-4 respectively and CV 6's "Enterprise Air Group" was disestablished and a new CVG-6 was established and assigned to the ship. In 1943 new CVGs 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8 were established (with no corresponding CVs 1, 2, 5, 7 or 8 as CV 1 had long ago been converted and CV 2, 5, 7 and 8 had been sunk) and the practice of numbering CVGs with the hull number of the Aircraft Carrier to which they were assigned ceased.

Fleet Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVG) and Large Carrier (Midway class) Carrier Air Groups (CVBG)[]

• (1st) Established 1 May 1943, disestablished 25 Oct 1945.
• (1st) Established 1 Jun 1943, disestablished 9 Nov 1945.
• CVG-3(1st) See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVG-4(1st) See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVG-5(1st) See CVW-5 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVG-6(1st) Established 15 Mar 1943, disestablished 29 Oct 1945.
• (1st) Established 3 Jan 1944, disestablished 8 Jul 1946.
• (1st) Established 1 Jun 1943, disestablished 23 Nov 1945.
• (1st) Established 1 Mar 1942, disestablished 15 Oct 1945.
• (1st) Established 16 Apr 1942, disestablished 16 Nov 1945.
• CVG-11(1st) See CVW-11 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• (1st) Established 9 Jan 1943, disestablished 17 Sep 1945.
• CVG-13(1st) Established 2 Nov 1943, disestablished 20 Oct 1945.
• (1st) Established 1 Sep 1943, disestablished 14 Jun 1945.
• (1st) Established 1 Sep 1942, disestablished 30 Oct 1945.
• (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 See CVW-7 in the "Currently Active Wings" section
• (1st) See CVW-19 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• Established 15 Oct 1943, redesignated CVAG-9 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-9(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949.
• CVBG-74 See CVW-2 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• Established 1 Jun 1945, redesignated CVBG-3 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-4(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 8 Jun 1950.
• 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.
• Established 1 May 1944, disestablished 24 Sep 1945.^[9]
• Established 1 May 1944, disestablished 8 Oct 1945.
• Established 15 May 1944, disestablished 27 Sep 1945.
• Established 15 Jun 1944, disestablished 21 Nov 1945.
• Established 1 Jul 1944, disestablished 2 Nov 1945.
• Established 18 Aug 1944, disestablished 29 Oct 1945.
• Established 2 Oct 1944, disestablished 27 Apr 1946.
• Established 2 Dec 1944, disestablished 18 Dec 1946.
• Established 21 Dec 1944, disestablished 30 Apr 1946.
• Established 15 Nov 1944, disestablished 7 Nov 1945.
• Established 2 Jan 1945, disestablished 31 Oct 1945.
• Established 1 Nov 1944, disestablished 31 Mar 1946.
• Established 28 Aug 1944, redesignated CVAG-21 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 5 Aug 1947.
• Established 15 Jul 1944, disestablished 8 Sep 1945.
• Established 1 Apr 1944, disestablished 20 Feb 1946.
• Established 22 Jan 1945, disestablished 2 Nov 1946.
• Established 12 Feb 1945, disestablished 6 Oct 1945.
• Established 5 Mar 1945, disestablished 21 Sep 1945.
• Established 26 Mar 1945, redesignated CVAG-15 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-15(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949.

Light Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVLG) and Escort Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVEG)[]

• Established 15 May 1943, disestablished 5 Nov 1945.
• Established 30 Sep 1943, disestablished 15 Sep 1945.
• Established 16 Nov 1942, disestablished 19 Sep 1945.
• Established 31 Dec 1942, disestablished 25 Sep 1945.
• / Established 15 Feb 1943, redesignated CVEG-25 28 Aug 1944, disestablished 20 Sep 1945.
• Established 4 May 1942, disestablished 13 Nov 1945.
• Established 1 Mar 1942, disestablished 26 Oct 1945.
• Established 6 May 1942, disestablished 6 Nov 1945.
• Established 18 Jul 1942, disestablished 10 Sep 1945.
• Established 1 Apr 1943, disestablished 12 Sep 1945.
• Established 1 May 1943, disestablished 28 Oct 1945.
• Established 1 Jun 1943, disestablished 13 Nov 1945.
• Established 15 May 1944, disestablished 19 Nov 1945.
• Established 1 Apr 1945, disestablished 5 Dec 1945.
• Established 15 Jul 1943, disestablished 19 Nov 1945.
• Established 15 May 1944, disestablished 28 Jan 1946.
• Established 15 Jul 1943, disestablished 20 Dec 1945.
• / Established 16 Jun 1943, redesignated CVEG-38 on 15 Aug 1944, disestablished 31 Jan 1946.
• / Established 15 Mar 1945, redesignated CVLG-39 on 2 Jul 1945, disestablished 10 Sep 1945.
• Established 15 Jun 1943, disestablished 19 Nov 1945.
• Established 26 Mar 1945, redesignated CVEG-1 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 1 Sep 1948.
• Established 15 Jul 1945, redesignated CVEG-2 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 1 Sep 1948.
• Established 9 Aug 1945, disestablished 17 Jun 1946.
• Established 1 Aug 1943, disestablished 8 Nov 1943.
• Established 1 Feb 1944, disestablished 18 Sep 1945.
• Established 1 Apr 1944, disestablished 10 Sep 1945.
• Established 15 Apr 1944, disestablished 14 Sep 1945.
• Established 15 Apr 1944, disestablished 21 Sep 1945.
• Established 1 Jun 1944, disestablished 2 Jan 1945.
• / Established 10 Aug 1944, redesignated CVLG-49 on 1 Jan 1945, disestablished 27 Nov 1945.
• / Established 10 Aug 1944, redesignated CVEG-50 on 1 Oct 1944, disestablished 29 Oct 1945.
• Established 22 Sep 1943, disestablished 13 Nov 1945.
• Established 1 Sep 1943, disestablished 8 Nov 1943.
• Established 15 Jul 1943, disestablished 15 Nov 1945.
• Established 1 Jan 1945, disestablished 6 Jun 1945.

Night Carrier Air Groups (CVG(N), CVLG(N), CVEG(N))[]

• Established 28 Aug 1944, disestablished 25 Feb 1945.
• Established 28 Aug 1944, disestablished 2 Jan 1945.
• Established 2 Aug 1944, disestablished 2 Jan 1945.
• / Established 20 Oct 1944, redesignated CVG(N)-52 on 6 Jan 1945, disestablished 15 Dec 1945.
• Established 2 Jan 1945, disestablished 11 Jun 1945.
• Established 1 Mar 1945, disestablished 11 Dec 1945.
• Established 20 Jun 1945, disestablished 11 Dec 1945.
• Established 25 Aug 1944, disestablished 21 Jun 1946.
• Established 5 Oct 1944, disestablished 21 Jun 1946.

Air Groups established after WWII but before 15 Nov 1946 redesignations^[1][]

• Established as CVLG-58 on 19 Mar 1946, redesignated CVLG-1 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 1 Sep 1948.

Air Groups redesignated on 15 Nov 1946 or established before 1 Sep 1948 redesignations^[1][]

Carrier Air Groups still in existence on 15 November 1946 were redesignated in accordance with a new Carrier Air Group Designation scheme: "A" for Air Groups assigned to medium carriers (Essex class) "B" for those assigned to large carriers (Midway class), "L" for those assigned to light carriers (Independence or Siapan classes) and "E" for those assigned to remaining WWII escort carriers.

Medium Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVAG)[]

• CVAG-1 Tail Code "T". See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVAG-3 Tail Code "K". See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVAG-5 Tail Code "S". See CVW-5 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVAG-7 Tail Code "L". See CVW-7 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• Tail Code "PS". See CVG-20 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• CVAG-11 Tail Code "V". See CVW-11 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVAG-13 Tail Code "P". See CVG-81 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• Tail Code "A". See CVG-153 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• CVAG-17 Tail Code "R". See CVG-82 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• Tail Code "B". See CVW-19 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• Tail Code "RI". See CVG-98 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.

Large Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVBG)[]

• CVBG-1 Tail Code "M". See CVW-2 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• Tail Code "F". See CVBG-75 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• CVBG-5 Tail Code "C". See CVW-6 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.

Light Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVLG) and Escort Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVEG)[]

• Tail Code "SA". See CLVG-58 in the "Air Groups established after WWII but before 15 Nov 1946" section.
• Tail Code "BS". See CVEG-41 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• Tail Code "SL". See CVEG-42 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• Established 21 Apr 1947, disestablished 15 Sep 1948.

Air Groups redesignated on 1 Sep 1948 or established before 20 Dec 1963 redesignations^[1][]

Carrier Air Groups still in existence on 1 Sep 1948 were redesignated in accordance with a new Carrier Air Group Designation scheme: All groups designated CVAG or CVBG were redesignated CVG. CVLG and CVEG groups were disestablished.

• CVG-1(2nd) Tail Code "T" (1946), "AB" (1957). See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVG-2(2nd) Tail Code "M" (1946), "NE" (1957). See CVW-2 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVG-3(2nd) Tail Code "K" (1946), "AC" (1957). See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• (2nd) Tail Code "F" (1946). See CVBG-75 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• (3rd) Tail Code "F" (1950), "AD" (1957). See RCVW-4 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• CVG-5(2nd) Tail Code "S" (1946), "NF" (1957). See CVW-5 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVG-6(2nd) Tail Code "C" (1946), "AF" (1957), "AE" (1963). See CVW-6 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• CVG-7(2nd) Tail Code "L" (1946), "AG" (1957). See CVW-7 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• CVG-8(2nd) Tail Code "E" (1951), "AJ" (1957). See CVW-8 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• (2nd) Tail Code "PS" (1946), "D" (1948). See CVG-20 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• CVG-9(3rd) Tail Code "N" (1952), "NG" (1957). See CVW-9 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• (2nd) Tail Code "P" (1952), "AK" (1957). See CVW-10(1st) in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• CVG-11(2nd) Tail Code "V" (1946), "NH" (1957). See CVW-11 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
• (2nd) Tail Code "D" (1950), "NJ" (1957). See RCVW-12 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• CVG-13(2nd) Tail Code "P" (1946). See CVG-81 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• CVG-13(3rd) Tail Code "AE". Established 21 Aug 1961, disestablished 1 Oct 1962.
• CVG-14(2nd) Tail Code "A" (1950), "NK" (1957). See CVW-14 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• (2nd) Tail Code "A: (1946). See CVG-153 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• (3rd) Tail Code "H" (1951), "NL" (1957). See CVW-15 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• (2nd) Tail Code "AH". See CVW-16 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• CVG-17(2nd) Tail Code "R" (1946), "AL" (1957). See CVG-82 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
• (2nd) Tail Code "B" (1946), "NM" (1957). See CVW-19 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• (1st) Established 15 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Mar 1949.
• (2nd) Tail Code "G" (1955), "NP" (1957). See CVW-21 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• CVG-101 Tail Code "A" (1950), "NK" (1957). See CVW-14 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
• Tail Code "D" (1950) "NJ" (1957). See RCVW-12 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.

Air Task Groups (ATG)[]

Air Task Groups were non-established carrier air group equivalents the first two of which were created during the Korean War (though they far outlasted the Korean War) when the Navy's requirement for CVGs exceeded the statutory limit on them. They were composed of squadrons transferred from existing CVGs reducing the number of squadrons in those CVGs from the then typical five total VF/VA squadrons to four total VF/VA squadrons reducing the number of squadrons in those CVGs but giving the Navy more "CVGs".^[45]

• ATG-1 Tail Code "U" (1956), "NA" (1957). Formed Oct 1951, disbanded 23 Feb 1959.
• ATG-2 Tail Code "W" (1956), "NB" (1957). 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.
• ATG-3 Tail Code "Y" (1956), "NC" (1957). Formed 5 Mar 1955, disbanded 11 Apr 1958.
• ATG-4 Tail Code "Z" (1956), "ND" (1957). Formed 30 Mar 1955, disbanded 19 Jan 1959.
• ATG-181 Tail Code "I" (1956), "AM" (1957). Formed 5 Mar 1955, disbanded 15 Aug 1958.
• ATG-182 Tail Code "O" (1956), "AN" (1957). Formed 1 Jul 1955, disbanded Jan 1959.
• ATG-201 Tail Code "J" (1956), "AP" (1957). Formed Jun 1955, disbanded Nov 1958.
• ATG-202 Tail Code "X" (1956), "AQ" (1957). Formed 1 Jul 1955, disbanded Jan 1959.

Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups (CVSG) established 1960 through 1970[]

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 from Anti-Submarine Fighter (VSF) squadrons for self defense. 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.
See Carrier air wing

Disestablished Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups of the United States Navy (Carrier Air Groups (except for the Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups) were retitled Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 Dec 1963. The CVSGs remained titled Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups until their disestablishments)
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
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
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[34]
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[34]
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[34]
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

Disestablished Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups of the United States Navy Reserve
Group		Tail Code	Insignia	Notes[1]
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group Reserve SEVENTY	CVSGR-70	AW		Established 1 May 1970,[46] disestablished 30 Jun 1976
Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group Reserve EIGHTY	CVSGR-80	NW		Established 1 May 1970,[46] 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" are affiliated with the Atlantic Fleet, while "N" denotes Pacific Fleet affiliation.

See also[]

• List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
• List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons

Notes[]

References[]

• Roy A. Grossnick (ed.), United States Naval Aviation 1910–1995, [1]