Gulf War order of battle: United States Navy

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The United States Navy sent their naval forces in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf including six Aircraft Carriers to take part in Operation Desert Storm, including others that arrived before or after the war started and ended (as part of Operation Southern Watch).[1][2] USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72

## Units in Operation Desert Shield

[edit]

Before Operation Desert Storm, the US Navy helped with the buildup of forces in the Middle East. Both Independence and Dwight D. Eisenhower did not take part in the actual conflict.

USS Independence CV-62 at sea.

### 'Battle Group Delta'* (Relieved by USS Midway on 1 November 1990) - Persian Gulf

[edit]

Source:[3]

* USS Independence CV-62
* USS Jouett CG-29
* USS Antietam CG-54
* USS Goldborough DDG-20
* USS Reasoner FF-1063
* USS Brewton FF-1086
* USS Barbey FF-1088

Carrier Air Wing 14 \- Tail Code: NK

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-21 Free Lancers | F-14A Tomcat |
VF-154 Black Knights | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-113 Stingers | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VA-196 Main Battery | A-6E TRAM Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  |
VAQ-139 Cougars | EA-6B Prowler |
VS-37 Sawbucks | S-3A Viking  |
VAW-113 Black Eagles | E-2C Hawkeye |
HS-8 Eightballers | SH-3H Sea King |

### USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN-69 (8 to 24 August) - Persian Gulf

[edit]

Source:[4]

* USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN-69
* USS Ticonderoga CG-47
* USS Tattnall DDG-19
* USS Scott DDG-995
* USS Peterson DD-969
* USS John Rodgers DD-983
* USS John L. Hall FFG-32
* USS Paul FF-1080

Carrier Air Wing 7 \- Tail Code: AG

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-142 Ghostriders | F-14A+ Tomcat  | F-14A+ renamed F-14B in 1992.
VF-143 Pukin' Dogs | F-14A+ Tomcat  | F-14A+ renamed F-14B in 1992.
VFA-136 Knight Hawks | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VFA-131 Wildcats | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VA-34 Blue Blasters | A-6E TRAM Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  |
VAQ-140 Patriots | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-31 Topcats | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-121 Bluetails | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-5 Night Dippers | SH-3H Sea King  |

## Units in Operation Desert Storm

[edit]

Aircraft Carriers USS Theodore Roosevelt (top right), Midway (top left), Ranger (bottom left) and America (bottom right), as part of Battle Force Zulu in the Persian Gulf. Midway was the flagship of Battle Force Zulu. At the start of Operations Desert Storm

### Battle Group Alfa'(2 October 1990 to 17 April 1991 - Persian Gulf)'

[edit]

Source:[5]

* USS Midway CV-41 (Flagship of Battle Force Zulu)
* USS Bunker Hill CG-52
* USS Mobile Bay CG-53
* USS Hewitt DD-966
* USS Oldendorf DD-972
* USS Fife DD-991
* USS Curts FFG-38

Unlike the other carriers in the Gulf War, USS Midway couldn't carry the S-3 Viking or the F-14 Tomcat due to her size constraints meaning the ship instead had three F/A-18 squadrons.

NF101 (BuNo 162887), an F/A-18A Hornet assigned to VFA-195 Dambusters aboard the USS Midway, CV-41 in the 1991 Gulf War. Carrier Air Wing 5 - Tail Code: NF

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VFA-151 Vigilantes | F/A-18A Hornet |
VFA-192 Golden Dragons | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VFA-195 Dambusters | F/A-18A Hornet  | First F/A-18 Hornet squadron to deploy the AGM-62 Walleye II.[6]
VA-115 Eagles | A-6E TRAM Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  |
VA-185 Nighthawks | A-6E TRAM Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  | VA-185 led the first naval strikes.

It was decommissioned on 30 August 1991.[7]

VAQ-136 Gauntlets | EA-6B Prowler  |
VAW-115 Liberty Bells | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-12 Wyverns | SH-3H Sea King |
USS Bunker Hill CG-52
Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
HSL-47 Saberhawks

Det. A/B

| SH-60B Seahawk | Detachment A from January till 10 February

Detachment B for the remainder of the war.[8]

### Saratoga Carrier Battlegroup (7 August 1990 to 28 March 1991) - Red Sea

[edit]

* USS Saratoga CV-60
* USS South Carolina CGN-37
* USS Biddle CG-34
* USS Philippine Sea CG-58
* USS Spruance DD-963
* USS Sampson DDG-10
* USS Elmer Montgomery FF-1082
* USS Thomas C. Hart FF-1092

Carrier Air Wing 17 - Tail Code: AA

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-74 Be-Devilers | F-14A+ Tomcat  | F-14A+ renamed F-14B in 1992.
VF-103 Sluggers | F-14A+ Tomcat  | F-14A+ renamed F-14B in 1992.
VFA-81 Sunliners | F/A-18C Hornet  | Scored first Navy air to air kills in Gulf War (2 F-7B Fishbeds \- PRC copy of MiG-21).[9][10]
VFA-83 Rampagers | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VA-35 Black Panthers | A-6E TRAM Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  |
VAQ-132 Scorpions | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-30 Diamondcutters  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-125 Tigertails/Torchbearers | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-3 Tridents  | SH-3H Sea King  |

### Battle Group Echo (8 December 1990 – 8 June 1991) - Persian Gulf

[edit]

Source:[11]

* USS Ranger CV-61
* USS Horne CG-30
* USS Valley Forge CG-50
* USS Princeton CG-59
* USS Paul F. Foster DD-964
* USS Harry W. Hill DD-986
* USS Jarrett FFG-33
* USS Francis Hammond FF-1067

USS Ranger had a very different air wing compared to most carriers in the Gulf War as it was in the 'Grumman Air Wing' format. This meant it didn't have the F/A-18 or A-7E Corsair, which were the 2 different light attack aircraft used on many of the carriers, replacing them with 2 A-6E intruder squadrons.[12]

Carrier Air Wing 2 - Tail Code: NE

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-1 Wolfpack | F-14A Tomcat  | Scored last Navy air to air kill (Mi-8 Helicopter)[13]
VF-2 Bounty Hunters | F-14A Tomcat  |
VA-145 Swordsmen | A-6E SWIP/TRAM Intruder[14] | SWIP improvement was an avionics upgrade to A-6E TRAMs.[14]
VA-155 Silver Foxes | A-6E TRAM Intruder  |
VAQ-131 Lancers | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-38 Red Griffins | S-3A Viking  |
VAW-116 Sun Kings | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-14 Chargers | SH-3H Sea King  |
VRC-30 Providers Detachment 61 | C-2A Greyhound |
VRC-50 Foo Dogs Detachment | C-2A Greyhound  | Deployed aboard USS Ranger when the carrier in the area of responsibility of the 7th Fleet.

### USS America CV-66 (28 December 1990 – 18 April 1991) - Red Sea (Later Persian Gulf)

[edit]

* USS America CV-66
* USS Virginia CGN-38
* USS Normandy CG-60
* USS William V. Pratt DDG-44
* USS Preble DDG-46
* USS Halyburton FFG-40

USS America crossed through the Suez Canal on 15 January 1991, the same day the UN deadline for Iraq leaving Kuwait ended.

At daylight on 19 January 1991 (2 days after the first night), CVW-1 conducted their first strikes against Iraq.

Carrier Air Wing 1 - Tail Code: AB

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-33 Starfighters | F-14A Tomcat  |
VF-102 Diamondbacks | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-82 Marauders | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-86 Sidewinders | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VA-85 Black Falcons | A-6E TRAM Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  |
VAQ-137 Rooks | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-32 Maulers | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-123 Screwtops | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-11 Dragon Slayers | SH-3H Sea King  |

### USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 (15 August 1990 – 28 March 1991) - Red Sea

[edit]

* USS John F. Kennedy CV-67
* USS Mississippi CGN-40
* USS Thomas S. Gates CG-51
* USS San Jacinto CG-56
* USS Moosbrugger DD-980
* USS Samuel B. Roberts FFG-58

Carrier Air Wing 3 - Tail Code: AC

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-14 Tophatters | F-14A Tomcat  |
VF-32 Swordsmen | F-14A Tomcat  |
VA-46 Clansmen | A-7E Corsair | Last war for the A-7 Corsair.
VA-72 Blue Hawks | A-7E Corsair | Last war for the A-7 Corsair.
VA-75 Sunday Punchers | A-6E SWIP/TRAM Intruder/KA-6D Intruder[14] | SWIP improvement was an avionics upgrade to A-6E TRAMs.[14]
VAQ-130 Zappers | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-22 Checkmates | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-126 Seahawks | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-7 Dusty Dogs | SH-3H Sea King  |

### USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 (28 December 1990 – 28 June 1991) - Persian Gulf (Later Red Sea)

[edit]

Source:[15]

* USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71
* USS Richmond K. Turner CG-20
* USS Leyte Gulf CG-55
* USS Caron DD-970
* USS Hawes FFG-53
* USS Vreeland FF-1068

USS Theodore Roosevelt launched her first strikes two days after the first night on the morning of 19 January 1991.[16] After the Gulf War, Theodore Roosevelt took part in Operation Provide Comfort after transiting the Suez Canal on 20 April 1991.[17]

Two F/A-18As from VFA-87 about to refuel from an A-6E from VA-36 during Desert Storm in 1991. Carrier Air Wing 8 - Tail Code: AJ

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-41 Black Aces | F-14A Tomcat  |
VF-84 Jolly Rogers | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-15 Valions | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VFA-87 Golden Warriors | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VA-36 Roadrunners | A-6E TRAM Intruder  |
VA-65 Tigers | A-6E TRAM Intruder  | This was VA-65's last deployment before retirement in 1993.
VAQ-141 Shadowhawks | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-24 Scouts | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-124 Bear Aces | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-9 Sea Griffins | SH-3H Sea King  |
VRC-40 Rawhides Detachment D | C-2A Greyhounds  |

## Units in Operation Southern Watch (1991-2003)

[edit]

### 1991

[edit]

Battle Group Bravo (25 February 1991 – 24 August 1991)

Source:[18]

* USS Nimitz CVN-68
* USS Texas CGN-39
* USS Chancellorsville CG-62
* USS Rentz FFG-46
* USS Stein FF-1065
* USS Harold E. Holt FF-1074

Carrier Air Wing 9 - Tail Code: NG

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-24 Fighting Renegades | F-14A+ Tomcat  |
VF-211 Checkmates | F-14A+ Tomcat  | F-14A+ renamed F-14B in 1992.
VFA-146 Blue Diamonds | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-147 Argonauts | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VA-165 Boomers | A-6E SWIP Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  |
VAQ-138 Yellow Jackets | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-33 Screwbirds | S-3A Viking  |
VAW-112 Golden Hawks | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-2 Golden Falcons | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

Battle Group Foxtrot (26 May 1991 – 25 November 1991)

Source:[19]

* USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72
* USS Long Beach CGN-9
* USS Lake Champlain CG-57
* USS Merrill DD-976
* USS Gary FFG-51
* USS Ingraham FFG-61

This was the maiden voyage for USS Abraham Lincoln.

Carrier Air Wing 11 - Tail Code: NH

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-114 Aardvarks | F-14A Tomcat  | Disestablished 30 April 1993
VF-213 Black Lions | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VA-95 Green Lizards | A-6E SWIP Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  |
VAQ-135 Black Ravens | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-29 Dragonflies | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-117 Wallbangers | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-6 Indians | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

Battle Force Zulu (26 September 1991 – 2 April 1992)

Source:[20][21]

* USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN-69
* USS Bainbridge CGN-25
* USS Ticonderoga CG-47
* USS Mahan DDG-42
* USS Arthur W. Radford DD-968
* USS Elrod FFG-55

Carrier Air Wing 7 \- Tail Code: AG

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-142 Ghostriders | F-14A+ Tomcat  | F-14A+ renamed F-14B in 1992.
VF-143 Pukin' Dogs | F-14A+ Tomcat  | F-14A+ renamed F-14B in 1992.
VFA-136 Knight Hawks | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VFA-131 Wildcats | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VA-34 Blue Blasters | A-6E TRAM Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  |
VAQ-140 Patriots | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-31 Topcats | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-121 Bluetails | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-5 Night Dippers | SH-3H Sea King  |

America Carrier Battle Group (2 December 1991 – 6 June 1992)

Source:[22]

* USS America CV-66
* USS Normandy CG-60
* USS Monterey CG-61
* USS Scott DDG-995
* USS John Hancock DD-981
* USS Thorn DD-988
* USS Boone FFG-28
* USS Simpson FFG-56

Carrier Air Wing 1 - Tail Code: AB

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-33 Starfighters | F-14A Tomcat  |
VF-102 Diamondbacks | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-82 Marauders | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-86 Sidewinders | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VA-85 Black Falcons | A-6E TRAM Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  |
VAQ-137 Rooks | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-32 Maulers | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-123 Screwtops | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-11 Dragon Slayers | SH-3H Sea King  |

### 1992

[edit]

Independence Carrier Battle Group (15 April 1992 – 13 October 1992)

Source:[23]

* USS Independence CV-62
* USS Gridley CG-21
* USS Bunker Hill CG-52
* USS Mobile Bay CG-53
* USS Fife DD-991
* USS Thach FFG-43
* USS Vandegrift FFG-48

USS Independence replaced USS Midway as the forward deployed carrier of the United States 7th Fleet.

Carrier Air Wing 5 - Tail Code: NF

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-21 Free Lancers | F-14A Tomcat  |
VF-154 Black Knights | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-192 Golden Dragons | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-195 Dambusters | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VA-115 Eagles | A-6E SWIP/TRAM Intruder  |
VAQ-136 Gauntlets | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-21 Redtails | S-3B Viking |
VAW-115 Liberty Bells | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-12 Wyverns  | SH-3H Sea King  |

Ranger Carrier Battle Group (1 August 1992 – 31 January 1993)

Source:[24]

* USS Ranger CV-61
* USS Valley Forge CG-50
* USS Chosin CG-65
* USS Kinkaid DD-965
* USS Kirk FF-1087

This was the last cruise for USS Ranger.

Carrier Air Wing 2 - Tail Code: NE

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-1 Wolfpack | F-14A Tomcat  | Disestablished 1 Oct 1993
VF-2 Bounty Hunters | F-14A Tomcat  |
VA-145 Swordsmen | A-6E SWIP Intruder[14] | SWIP improvement was an avionics upgrade to A-6E TRAMs.[14]

Disestablished 1 Oct 1993

VA-155 Silver Foxes | A-6E SWIP Intruder  | Disestablished 30 April 1993
VAQ-131 Lancers | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-38 Red Griffins  | S-3A Viking  |
VAW-116 Sun Kings | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-14 Chargers | SH-3H Sea King  |

Kitty Hawk Carrier Battle Group (3 November 1992 – 3 May 1993)

Source:[25][26][27]

* USS Kitty Hawk CV-63
* USS Leahy CG 16
* USS Worden CG-18
* USS William H. Standley CG-32
* USS Cowpens CG-63
* USS Hewitt DD-966
* USS Stump DD-978
* USS Jarrett FFG-33
* USS Samuel B. Roberts FFG-58

The Kitty Hawk Battle Group participated in a airstrike on Jan 13 to Jan 22 in 1993.

BuNo 162883 as NL-405, one of the aircraft of VFA-27 that took part in the 13 January 1993 air strike against air defence targets in Southern Iraq. Carrier Air Wing 15 - Tail Code: NL

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-51 Screaming Eagles | F-14A Tomcat  |
VF-111 Sundowners | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-27 Chargers | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VFA-97 Warhawks | F/A-18A Hornet  | Led airstrike on Jan 13, 1993[28]
VA-52 Knightriders | A-6E SWIP Intruder / KA-6D Intruder  |
VAQ-134 Garudas | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-37 Sawbucks | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-114 Hormel Hogs | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-4 Black Knights | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

### 1993

[edit]

Nimitz Carrier Battle Group (2 February 1993 – 1 August 1993)

Source:[29]

* USS Nimitz CVN-68
* USS Truxtun CGN-35
* USS Reeves CG-24
* USS Lake Champlain CG-57
* USS Chancellorsville CG-62
* USS Leftwich DD-984

Carrier Air Wing 9 - Tail Code: NG

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-24 Fighting Renegades  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VF-211 Checkmates  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-146 Blue Diamonds  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-147 Argonauts  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VA-165 Boomers  | A-6E SWIP Intruder/KA-6D Intruder  |
VAQ-138 Yellow Jackets  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-33 Screwbirds  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-112 Golden Hawks  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-2 Golden Falcons  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Battle Group (11 March 1993 – 8 September 1993)

Source:[30]

* USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71
* USS Arliegh Burke DDG-51
* USS Spruance DD-963

Carrier Air Wing 8 - Tail Code: AJ

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-84 Jolly Rogers  | F-14A Tomcat  | Disestablished on 1 Oct 1995
VFA-15 Valions  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-87 Golden Warriors  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-312 Checkboards | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet. Marine Corps Squadron
VA-36 Roadrunners  | A-6E TRAM Intruder  | Disestablished on 1 April 1994
VAQ-141 Shadowhawks  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VAW-124 Bear Aces  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-3 Tridents  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
HMH-362 Ugly Angels | CH-53D Sea Stallion

UH-1N Twin Huey (HMLA-167)

VRC-40 Rawhides Detachment 2  | C-2A Greyhound  |

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group (15 June 1993 – 15 December 1993)

Source:[31]

* USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72
* USS Fox CG-33
* USS Princeton CG-59
* USS Chandler DDG-996
* USS Ingraham FFG-61

Carrier Air Wing 11 - Tail Code: NH

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-213 Black Lions  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-314 Black Knights  | F/A-18A Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VA-95 Green Lizards  | A-6E SWIP Intruder  |
VAQ-135 Black Ravens  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-29 Dragonflies  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-117 Wallbangers  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-6 Indians  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

Independence Carrier Battle Group (17 November 1993 – 17 March 1994)

Source:[32]

* USS Independence CV-62
* USS Bunker Hill CG-52
* USS Mobile Bay CG-53
* USS Curts FFG-38
* USS McClusky FFG-41

F-14A of VF-154 while attached to CVW-5 in 1994. This aircraft is flying over Mount Suribachi in Japan. Carrier Air Wing 5 - Tail Code: NF

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-21 Free Lancers  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VF-154 Black Knights  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-192 Golden Dragons  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-195 Dambusters  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VA-115 Eagles  | A-6E SWIP Intruder  |
VAQ-136 Gauntlets  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-21 Redtails  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-115 Liberty Bells  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-12 Wyverns  | SH-3H Sea King  | Disestablished 30 Nov 1994
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.A | ES-3A Shadow  |
Aircraft from CVW-14 flying over the USS Carl Vinson CVN-70 on 1 May 1994.

### 1994

[edit]

Carl Vinson Carrier Battlegroup (17 February 1994 – 17 August 1994)

* USS Carl Vinson CVN-70
* USS Arkansas CGN-41[33][34]
* USS Antietam CG-54[34]
* USS Paul F. Foster DD-964[33]
* USS Reuben James FFG-57[33]
* USS Asheville SSN-758[33]

Carrier Air Wing 14 - Tail Code: NK

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-11 Red Rippers  | F-14D Super Tomcat  | First deployment of F-14D  | Cruise filmed for

Carrier: Fortress at Sea.[35]

VF-31 Tomcatters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  | First deployment of F-14D
VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-113 Stingers | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VA-196 Main Battery | A-6E SWIP Intruder  |
VAQ-139 Cougars | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-35 Blue Wolves | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-113 Black Eagles | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-8 Eightballers | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

George Washington Carrier Battle Group (20 May 1994 – 17 November 1994)

Source:[36][37] [38]

* USS George Washington CVN-73
* USS Leyte Gulf CG-55
* USS San Jacinto CG-56
* USS Barry DDG-52
* USS Hewitt DD-966
* USS Reid FFG-30
* USS John L. Hall FFG-32
* USS Rodney M. Davis FFG-60

Maiden voyage for the USS George Washington, also participated in Operation Vigilant Warrior.

Carrier Air Wing 7 - Tail Code: AG

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-142 Ghostriders  | F-14B Tomcat  |
VF-143 Pukin Dogs  | F-14B Tomcat  |
VFA-131 Wildcats  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-136 Knighthawks  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VA-34 Blue Blasters  | A-6E SWIP Intruder  |
VAQ-140 Patriots  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-31 Topcats  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-121 Bluetails  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-5 Nightdippers  | SH-3H Sea King  |
VQ-6 Black Ravens Det.B | ES-3A Shadow  |

Dwight D Eisenhower Carrier Battle Group (20 October 1994 – 14 April 1995)

Source:[39][40]

* USS Dwight D Eisenhower CVN-69
* USS Gettysburg CG-64
* USS Anzio CG-68
* USS Halyburton FFG-40

Carrier Air Wing 3 - Tail Code: AC

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-32 Swordsmen  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-37 Bulls  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-105 Gunslingers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VAQ-130 Zappers  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-22 Checkmates  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-126 Seahawks  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-7 Dusty Dogs  | SH-3H Sea King  |
VQ-6 Black Ravens Det.C  | ES-3A Shadow  |

Constellation Carrier Battle Group (10 November 1994 – 10 May 1995)

Source:[41][42]

* USS Constellation CV-64
* USS Chosin CG-65
* USS Lake Erie CG-70
* USS Kinkaid DD-965

Carrier Air Wing 2 - Tail Code: NE

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-2 Bounty Hunters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-151 Viginlantes  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-137 Kestrels  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-323 Death Rattlers | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-131 Lancers  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-38 Red Griffins  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-116 Sun Kings  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-2 Golden Falcons | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.D  | ES-3A Shadow  |

### 1995

[edit]

Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Battle Group (22 March 1995 – 22 September 1995)

Source:[43][44]

* USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71
* USS Hué City CG-66
* USS Key West SSN-722

Carrier Air Wing 8 - Tail Code: AJ

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-41 Black Aces  | F-14A Tomcat
VFA-15 Valions  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-87 Golden Warriors  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-312 Checkboards | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet. Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-141 Shadowhawks  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VAQ-209 Star Warriors Detachment  | EA-6B Prowler  | 2 Plane Detachment
VAW-124 Bear Aces  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-3 Tridents  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VS-24 Scouts  | S-3B Viking  |
VQ-6 Black Raven Det.D  | ES-3A Shadow  |
VRC-40 Rawhides Detachment 3  | C-2A Greyhound  |

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group (11 April 1995 – 9 October 1995)

Source:[45][46]

* USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72
* USS Princeton CG-59
* USS John Paul Jones DDG-53
* USS Merrill DD-976

Carrier Air Wing 11 - Tail Code: NH

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-213 Black Lions  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VA-95 Green Lizards  | A-6E SWIP Intruder  | Disestablished 18 Nov 1995
VAQ-135 Black Ravens  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-29 Dragonflies  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-117 Wallbangers  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-6 Indians  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.C  | ES-3A Shadow  |

Independence Carrier Battle Group (19 August 1995 – 18 November 1995)

Source:[47][48]

* USS Independence CV-62
* USS Bunker Hill CG-52
* USS Mobile Bay CG-53
* USS Fife DD-991
* USS Curts FFG-38

Carrier Air Wing 5 - Tail Code: NF

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-21 Free Lancers  | F-14A Tomcat  | Disestablished 31 Jan 1996
VF-154 Black Knights  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-192 Golden Dragons  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-195 Dambusters  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VA-115 Eagles  | A-6E SWIP Intruder  | Renamed VFA-115 1 Oct 1996

Transitioned to F/A-18C

VAQ-136 Gauntlets  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-21 Redtails  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-115 Liberty Bells  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-14 Chargers | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.A  | ES-3A Shadow  |

America Carrier Battle Group (28 August 1995 – 24 February 1996)

Source:[49]

* USS America CV-66
* USS Monterey CG-61

This was the last cruise for USS America.

Carrier Air Wing 1 - Tail Code: AB

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-102 Diamondbacks | F-14B Tomcat  |
VFA-82 Marauders | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-86 Sidewinders | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VMFA-251 Thunderbolts | F/A-18C Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VMAQ-3 Moon Dogs | EA-6B Prowler  | Marine Corps Squadron
VS-32 Maulers | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-123 Screwtops | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-11 Dragon Slayers | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-6 Black Raven Det.A  | ES-3A Shadow  |
VRC-40 Rawhides Detachment 4  | C-2A Greyhound  |

Nimitz Carrier Battle Group (27 November 1995 – 20 May 1996)

Source:[50]

* USS Nimitz CVN-68
* USS Port Royal CG-73
* USS Callaghan DDG-994
* USS Oldendorf DD-972
* USS Ford FFG-54

An F/A-18C Night Attack Hornet from VFA-147 Argonauts approaching the USS Nimitz CVN-68 in 1996. Carrier Air Wing 9 - Tail Code: NG

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-24 Fighting Renegades  | F-14A Tomcat  | Disestablished 31 Aug 1996
VF-211 Checkmates  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-146 Blue Diamonds  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-147 Argonauts  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VA-165 Boomers  | A-6E SWIP Intruder  | Disestablished 30 Sep 1996
VAQ-138 Yellow Jackets  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-33 Screwbirds  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-112 Golden Hawks  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-2 Golden Falcons  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.C  | ES-3A Shadow  |

### 1996

[edit]

George Washington Carrier Battle Group (26 January 1996 – 23 July 1996)

Source:[51]

* USS George Washington CVN-73
* USS San Jacinto CG-56

Carrier Air Wing 7 - Tail Code: AG

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-143 Dogs  | F-14B Tomcat  |
VFA-131 Wildcats  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-136 Knighthawks  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VA-34 Blue Blasters  | A-6E SWIP Intruder  |
VAQ-140 Patriots  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-31 Topcats  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-121 Bluetails  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-5 Nightdippers  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-6 Black Ravens Det.B | ES-3A Shadow  |

Kitty Hawk Carrier Battle Group (11 April 1996 – 9 October 1996)

Source:[52][53][54]

* USS Kitty Hawk CV-63
* USS Antietam CG-54
* USS Cowpens CG-63
* USS Cushing DD-985
* USS Reid FFG-30

Carrier Air Wing 11 - Tail Code: NH

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-213 Black Lions | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  |
VFA-97 Warhawks  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  |
VAQ-135 Black Ravens | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-29 Dragonflies  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-117 Wallbangers | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-6 Indians | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.B  | ES-3A Shadow  |

Carl Vinson Carrier Battle Group (14 May 1996 – 14 November 1996)

Source:[55]

* USS Cark Vinson CVN-70
* USS California CGN-36
* USS Arkansas CGN-41
* USS Shiloh CG-67
* USS Crommelin FFG-37

Carl Vinson Battle Group participated in Operation Desert Strike

Carrier Air Wing 14 - Tail Code: NK

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-11 Red Rippers  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VF-31 Tomcatters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-113 Stingers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VA-196 Main Battery  | A-6E SWIP Intruder  | Disestablished 28 Feb 1997

Last Pacific Fleet A-6 Intruder Squadron[56]

VAQ-139 Cougars  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-35 Blue Wolves  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-113 Black Eagles  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-4 Black Knights  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.D  | ES-3A Shadow  |

Enterprise Carrier Battle Group (28 June 1996 – 20 December 1996)

Source:[57]

* USS Enterprise CVN-65
* USS Gettysburg CG-64

Two A-6E SWIP Intruders painted as CAG Birds for VA-75 and VA-196 in 1996. Carrier Air Wing 17 - Tail Code: AA

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-103 Jolly Rogers  | F-14B Tomcat  |
VFA-81 Sunliners  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-83 Rampagers  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VA-75 Sunday Punchers  | A-6E SWIP Intruder  | Disestablished 21 Mar 1997

First and Last A-6 Intruder Squadron[14]

VAQ-132 Scorpions  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-30 Diamondheads  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-125 Tigertails/Torchbearers  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-15 Red Lions  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-6 Black Ravens Det.C | ES-3A Shadow  |

Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Battle Group (25 November 1996 – 22 May 1997)

Source:[58]

* USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71
* USS Vella Gulf CG-72

Carrier Air Wing 3 - Tail Code: AC

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-32 Swordsmen  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-37 Bulls  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-105 Gunslingers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-312 Checkerboards  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-130 Zappers  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-22 Checkmates  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-126 Seahawks  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-7 Dusty Dogs  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-6 Black Ravens Det.D  | ES-3A Shadow  |

### 1997

[edit]

Constellation Carrier Battle Group (1 April 1997 – 1 October 1997)

Source:[59][60][61]

* USS Constellation CV-64
* USS Chosin CG-65
* USS Lake Erie CG-70
* USS John Paul Jones DDG-53
* USS Merrill DD-976

Carrier Air Wing 2 - Tail Code: NE

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-2 Bounty Hunters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-151 Viginlantes  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-137 Kestrels  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-323 Death Rattlers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-131 Lancers  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-38 Red Griffins  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-116 Sun Kings  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-2 Golden Falcons  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.C  | ES-3A Sea Shadow  |

John F. Kennedy Carrier Battle Group (29 April 1997 – 28 October 1997)

Source:[62][63]

* USS John F. Kennedy CV-67
* USS Vicksburg CG-69

Carrier Air Wing 8 - Tail Code: AJ

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-14 Tophatters  | F-14A Tomcat  | Equipped with LANTIRN
VF-41 Black Aces  | F-14A Tomcat  | Equipped with TARP
VFA-15 Valions  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-87 Golden Warriors  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VAQ-141 Shadowhawks  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-24 Scouts  | S-3B Viking  |
VQ-6 Black Ravens Det A  | ES-3A Shadow  |
VAW-124 Bear Aces  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-3 Tridents  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VRC-40 Rawhides Det 4  | C-2A Greyhounds  |

Nimitz Carrier Battle Group (1 September 1997 – 1 March 1998)

Source:[64][65][66]

* USS Nimitz CVN-68
* USS Lake Champlain CG-57
* USS Port Royal CG-73
* USS Kinkaid DD-965
* USS Ford FFG-54

Carrier Air Wing 9 - Tail Code: NG

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-211 Fighting Checkmates  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-146 Blue Diamonds  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-147 Argonauts  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-314 Black Knights | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet. Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-138 Yellow Jackets  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-33 Screwbirds  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-112 Golden Hawks  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-8 Eightballers  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.D  | ES-3A Shadow  |

George Washington Carrier Battle Group (3 October 1997 – 3 April 1998)

Source:[67][68][69]

* USS George Washington CVN-73
* USS Normandy CG-60
* USS Carney DDG-64

Carrier Air Wing 1 - Tail Code: AB

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-102 Diamondbacks | F-14B Tomcat  |
VFA-82 Marauders | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-86 Sidewinders | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VMFA-251 Thunderbolts | F/A-18C Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-137 Rooks | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-32 Maulers | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-123 Screwtops | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-11 Dragon Slayers | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-6 Black Raven Det.B  | ES-3A Shadow  |
VRC-40 Rawhides Det 1  | C-2A Greyhound  |

### 1998

[edit]

Independence Carrier Battle Group (23 January 1998 – 6 June 1998)

Source:[70]

* USS Independence CV-62
* USS Bunker Hill CG-52
* USS John S. McCain DDG-56

This was the last cruise for USS Independence.

Carrier Air Wing 5 - Tail Code: NF

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-154 Black Knights  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-27 Royal Maces  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-192 Golden Dragons  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-195 Dambusters  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VAQ-136 Gauntlets  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-21 Redtails  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-115 Liberty Bells  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-14 Chargers | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.5  | ES-3A Shadow  |

John C. Stennis Carrier Battle Group (26 February 1998 – 26 August 1998)

Source:[71][72]

* USS John C. Stennis CVN-74
* USS San Jacinto CG-56
* USS Cole DDG-67

This was the maiden voyage for USS John C. Stennis.

Carrier Air Wing 7 - Tail Code: AG

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-11 Red Rippers  | F-14B Tomcat
VF-143 Dogs  | F-14B Tomcat  |
VFA-131 Wildcats  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-136 Knighthawks  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VAQ-140 Patriots  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-31 Topcats  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-121 Bluetails  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-5 Nightdippers  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-6 Black Ravens Det.C | ES-3A Shadow  |

Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Battle Group (10 June 1998 – 10 December 1998)

Source:[73][74]

* USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN-69
* USS Anzio CG-68
* USS Cape St. George CG-71
* USS Arleigh Burke DDG-51

Carrier Air Wing 17 - Tail Code: AA

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-103 Jolly Rogers  | F-14B Tomcat  |
VFA-34 Blue Blasters  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-81 Sunliners  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-83 Rampagers  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VAQ-132 Scorpions  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-30 Diamondheads  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-125 Tigertails/Torchbearers  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-15 Red Lions  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-6 Black Ravens Det.D | ES-3A Shadow  |

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Battle Group (11 June 1998 – 11 December 1998)

Source:[75][76][77][78]

* USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72
* USS Valley Forge CG-50
* USS Shiloh CG-67
* USS Elliot DD-967
* USS Jarrett FFG-33

Carrier Air Wing 14 - Tail Code: NK

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-31 Tomcatters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-113 Stingers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-115 Eagles  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VAQ-139 Cougars  | EA-6B Prowler  | Changed modex from 620 to 500
VS-35 Blue Wolves  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-113 Black Eagles  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-4 Black Knights  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.B  | ES-3A Shadow  |

Enterprise Carrier Battle Group (6 November 1998 – 6 May 1999)

Source:[79]

* USS Enterprise CVN-65
* USS Philippine Sea CG-58
* USS Gettysburg CG-64
* USS Stout DDG-55
* USS Nicholson DD-982
* USS Halyer DD-997
* USS Klakring FFG-42

The Enterprise Battle Group participated in Operation Desert Fox.

Carrier Air Wing 3 - Tail Code: AC

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-32 Swordsmen  | F-14B Tomcat  |
VFA-37 Bulls  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-105 Gunslingers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-312 Checkerboards  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-130 Zappers  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-22 Checkmates  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-126 Seahawks  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-7 Dusty Dogs  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-6 Black Ravens Det.A  | ES-3A Shadow  |

Carl Vinson Carrier Battle Group (6 November 1998 – 6 May 1999)

Source:[80]

* USS Carl Vinson CVN-70
* USS Antietam CG-54
* USS Princeton CG-59
* USS Fitzgerald DDG-62
* USS Oldendorf DD-972
* USS McClusky FFG-41

Carl Vinson Battle Group also participated in Operation Desert Fox.

Carrier Air Wing 11 - Tail Code: NH

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-213 Black Lions  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-97 Warhawks  | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VAQ-135 Black Ravens  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-29 Dragonflies  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-117 Wallbangers  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-6 Indians  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.C  | ES-3A Shadow  |

### 1999

[edit]

Kitty Hawk Carrier Battle Group (2 March 1999 – 25 August 1999)

Source:[81][82][83]

* USS Kitty Hawk CV-63
* USS Chancellorsville CG-62
* USS Curtis Wilbur DDG-54

In 1998, Kitty Hawk would replace the Independence as the forward deployed carrier in Japan.[28]

Carrier Air Wing 5 - Tail Code: NF

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-154 Black Knights  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-27 Royal Maces  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-192 Golden Dragons  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-195 Dambusters  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VAQ-136 Gauntlets  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-21 Redtails  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-115 Liberty Bells  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-14 Chargers  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Battle Group (26 March 1999 – 22 September 1999)

Source:[84][85]

* USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71
* USS Leyte Gulf CG-55

Carrier Air Wing 8 - Tail Code: AJ

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-14 Tophatters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VF-41 Black Aces  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-15 Valions  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VFA-87 Golden Warriors  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VAQ-141 Shadowhawks  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-24 Scouts  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-124 Bear Aces  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-3 Tridents  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
VRC-40 Rawhides Det 1  | C-2A Greyhounds  |

Constellation Carrier Battle Group (18 June 1999 – 17 December 1999)

Source:[86][87][88][89]

* USS Constellation CV-64
* USS Chosin CG-65
* USS Lake Erie CG-70
* USS Benfold DDG-65
* USS Kinkaid DD-965
* USCGC Midgett WHEC-726

Carrier Air Wing 2 - Tail Code: NE

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-2 Bounty Hunters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-151 Viginlantes  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-137 Kestrels  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-323 Death Rattlers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-131 Lancers  | EA-6B Prowler  | VAQ-131 deployed to MCAS Iwakuni

in Japan ahead of CVW-2 in June 1999

and rejoined the Air Wing when

CV-64 arrived in the Sea of Japan in July.

VS-38 Red Griffins  | S-3B Viking  | All Six S-3B were given to VS-21 in early December 1999 in Hawaii.
VAW-116 Sun Kings  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-2 Golden Falcons  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

### USS Kitty Hawk CV-63

[edit]

Carrier Air Wing 5 - Tail Code: NF

23 January 2003 – 6 May 2003

(Later Operation Iraqi Freedom)

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-154 Black Knights  | F-14A Tomcat  | Renamed VFA-154 in September 2003

Transitioned to F/A-18F

VFA-27 Royal Maces  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-192 Golden Dragons  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-195 Dambusters  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VAQ-136 Gauntlets  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-21 Redtails  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-115 Liberty Bells  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-14 Chargers  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

### USS Constellation CV-64

[edit]

BuNo 160163, An S-3B Viking VS-38 aboard the USS Constellation CV-64 during the deployment to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean in 2001. Carrier Air Wing 2 - Tail Code: NE

16 March 2001 – 15 September 2001
Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-2 Bounty Hunters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-151 Viginlantes  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-137 Kestrels  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-323 Death Rattlers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-131 Lancers  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-38 Red Griffins  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-116 Sun Kings  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-2 Golden Falcons  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
HSL-47 Saberhawks Det. 4  | SH-60B Seahawk  |
Carrier Air Wing 2 - Tail Code: NE

2 November 2002 – 2 June 2003

(Operation Iraqi Freedom)[90]

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-2 Bounty Hunters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  | VF-2 redesignated VFA-2 on 1 July 2003.
VFA-151 Viginlantes  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-137 Kestrels  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-323 Death Rattlers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-131 Lancers  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-38 Red Griffins  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-116 Sun Kings  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-2 Golden Falcons  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
HSL-47 Saberhawks Det. 4  | SH-60B Seahawk  |

### USS Enterprise CVN-65

[edit]

Carrier Air Wing 3 - Tail Code: AC

25 April 2001 – 10 November 2001

(Including Operation Enduring Freedom)[91]

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-32 Swordsmen  | F-14B Tomcat  |
VFA-37 Bulls  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-105 Gunslingers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VMFA-312 Checkerboards  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Marine Corps Squadron
VAQ-130 Zappers  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-22 Checkmates  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-126 Seahawks  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-7 Dusty Dogs  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

### USS Carl Vinson CVN-70

[edit]

Carrier Air Wing 11 - Tail Code: NH

23 July 2002 – 23 January 2003
Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-213 Black Lions  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-97 Warhawks  | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VAQ-135 Black Ravens  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-29 Dragonflies  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-117 Wallbangers  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-6 Indians  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

### USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72

[edit]

Carrier Air Wing 14 - Tail Code: NK

17 August 2000 – 12 February 2001
Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-31 Tomcatters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-113 Stingers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-115 Eagles  | F/A-18C Hornet  |
VAQ-139 Cougars  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-35 Blue Wolves  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-113 Black Eagles  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-4 Black Knights  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |
Sailors push an F/A-18E Super Hornet of VFA-115 to aid the handlers in directing it around the flight deck aboard USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 on 2 April 2003 during OIF. Carrier Air Wing 14 - Tail Code: NK

20 July 2002 – 6 May 2003 (Later Operation Iraqi Freedom)

Longest Carrier deployment since 1973 until 2020[92]

Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-31 Tomcatters  | F-14D Super Tomcat  |
VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-113 Stingers  | F/A-18C (N) Hornet  | Night Attack Hornet
VFA-115 Eagles  | F/A-18E Super Hornet | First deployment of the F/A-18 Super Hornet[93]
VAQ-139 Cougars  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-35 Blue Wolves  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-113 Black Eagles  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-4 Black Knights  | SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk  |

## Units in Operation Provide Comfort (1991-1996) and Operation Northern Watch (1997-2003)

[edit]

### USS Forrestal CV-59

[edit]

This was USS Forrestal's last deployment.

Carrier Air Wing 6 - Tail Code: AE

30 May 1991 – 21 December 1991
Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-11 Red Rippers | F-14A Tomcat  | Moved to CVW-14
VF-31 Tomcatters | F-14A Tomcat  | Moved to CVW-14
VFA-132 Privateers | F/A-18A Hornet  | Disestablished 1 Jun 1992
VFA-137 Kestrels | F/A-18A Hornet  | Moved to CVW-2
VA-176 Thunderbolts | A-6E TRAM Intruder  | Disestablished 30 Oct 1992
VAQ-133 Wizards | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-28 Gamblers  | S-3B Viking  | Disestablished 1 Oct 1992
VAW-122 Steeljaws | E-2C Hawkeye  | Disestablished 31 Mar 1996
HS-15 Red Lions  | SH-3H Sea King  |

### USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71

[edit]

Carrier Air Wing 8 - Tail Code: AJ

28 December 1990 – 28 June 1991* (Took part after the Gulf War ended from 22 April)
Squadron  | Aircraft  | Notes
VF-41 Black Aces  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VF-84 Jolly Rogers  | F-14A Tomcat  |
VFA-15 Valions  | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VFA-87 Golden Warriors  | F/A-18A Hornet  |
VA-36 Roadrunners  | A-6E TRAM Intruder  |
VA-65 Tigers  | A-6E TRAM Intruder  | This was VA-65's last deployment before retirement in 1993.
VAQ-141 Shadowhawks  | EA-6B Prowler  |
VS-24 Scouts  | S-3B Viking  |
VAW-124 Bear Aces  | E-2C Hawkeye  |
HS-9 Sea Griffins  | SH-3H Sea King  |
VRC-40 Rawhides Detachment D  | C-2A Greyhounds  |

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[edit]

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