Carrier Air Wing Seven

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= Carrier Air Wing Seven


caption= CVW-7 Insignia
dates= 20 July 1943 - Present
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= US Navy
type= Carrier Air Wing
role=
size=
command_structure= United States Fleet Forces Command
garrison= NAS Oceana
USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower|CVN-69
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battles= World War II
Korean War
Operation Desert Shield
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Deny Flight
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Enduring Freedom
anniversaries=
decorations=
battle_honours=
current_commander=
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ceremonial_chief=
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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 USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower|CVN-69.cite web
title = Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW 3)
work =
publisher = Global Security.org
url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/cvw7.htm
accessdate = 2006-12-30 ]

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.cite web
title = Carrier Air Wing 7 History
work = CVW-7
publisher = US Navy
url = http://www.cvw7.navy.mil/
accessdate = 2006-12-30 ]

Subordinate units

See also: List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons.

CVW-7 consists of 8 Squadronscite web
title = Carrier Air Wing Composition
work = US Navy
publisher = Tailhook Association
url = http://www.tailhook.net/CVWList1205.pdf
accessdate = 2006-12-30 ]

*Strike Fighter Squadron 83
*Strike Fighter Squadron 103
*Strike Fighter Squadron 131
*Strike Fighter Squadron 143
*Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125
*Carrier Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 140
*Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 Det. 3
*Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 5

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 USS|Bon Homme Richard|CV-31|6.

After moving from Quonset Point to Naval Air Station Oceana in 1958, the Air Group teamed up with USS|Independence|CV-62|6 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 USS|John F. Kennedy|CV-67|6, 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 USS|George Washington|CVN-73|6 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 USS|Saratoga|CV-60|6, 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 USS|John C. Stennis|CVN-74|6. 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

*F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
*F/A-18 Hornet
*EA-6B Prowler
*E-2 Hawkeye
*C-2 Greyhound

Rotary wing aircraft

*SH-60F Seahawk
*HH-60H Seahawk

See also

List of United States Navy Carrier air wings

References