Carrier Air Wing Nine
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| Carrier Air Wing Nine | |
|---|---|
 United States Navy, vectorized by Nicholas Johnson · Public domain · source | |
| Unit name | Carrier Air Wing Nine |
| Caption | Emblem of Carrier Air Wing Nine |
| Dates | 1950s–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | Carrier air wing |
| Garrison | Naval Air Station Lemoore |
Carrier Air Wing Nine is a United States Navy carrier air wing that deploys aboard aircraft carriers to project air power for naval, joint, and coalition operations. It typically comprises strike fighter squadrons, electronic attack, airborne early warning, and helicopter units operating from nuclear-powered carriers, integrating platforms for power projection, maritime strike, and force protection. The air wing has participated in major Cold War, post-Cold War, and 21st-century operations, supporting carrier strike group missions across the Pacific, Indian, and Arabian Seas.
History
Carrier Air Wing Nine traces its origins to the post-World War II naval aviation expansion and the reorganization of carrier air groups during the Korean War era, aligning with carriers such as USS Lexington (CV-16), USS Enterprise (CVN-65), and USS Nimitz (CVN-68). During the Vietnam War era it flew combat sorties from carriers including USS Constellation (CV-64) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), participating alongside units linked to Operation Rolling Thunder, Operation Linebacker II, and joint operations with United States Air Force assets. In the 1990s the wing supported operations related to Operation Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, and multinational coalitions tied to United Nations mandates. Post-2001, it contributed to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, integrating newer platforms while operating with carrier strike groups centered on USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Throughout periods of restructuring influenced by decisions from United States Department of Defense leadership and congressional oversight, the wing adapted to evolving doctrine from Chief of Naval Operations directives and carrier air wing modernization initiatives.
Organization and Aircraft Assigned
The air wing’s composition follows Navy carrier air wing organization guidelines and typically includes strike fighter squadrons flying Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and formerly McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet, an electronic attack squadron operating Boeing EA-18G Growler, an airborne early warning squadron with Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye or E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, a maritime strike or logistics squadron using Grumman C-2A Greyhound or replacements, and a helicopter maritime strike squadron flying Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk variants. The wing’s embarked squadrons have included units such as Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14), Electronic Attack Squadron 137 (VAQ-137), Airborne Command and Control Squadron 113 (VAW-113), and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 (HSC-2). Aircraft assignment has reflected transitions driven by procurement decisions from Naval Air Systems Command and operational requirements set by United States Fleet Forces Command and United States Pacific Fleet.
Deployments and Operations
Deployments have ranged from Cold War readiness patrols in the Western Pacific and Sea of Japan to combat sorties over North Vietnam and later operations in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The air wing supported maritime security operations, freedom of navigation patrols associated with South China Sea tensions, and multinational exercises such as RIMPAC and Exercise Talisman Sabre, operating alongside allied navies including the Royal Australian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It has provided air superiority, close air support, reconnaissance, aerial refueling coordination, and electronic warfare support during contingency responses directed by United States Central Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command.
Insignia and Traditions
The wing’s insignia and traditions reflect naval aviation heritage tied to carrier deck operations and squadron lineage connected to Naval Aviation museums, memorial aviation squadrons, and historic carriers like USS Hornet (CV-12) and USS Saratoga (CV-60). Unit patches, flight deck jerseys, and ceremonies such as the carrier change of command, squadron decommissioning linked to Naval History and Heritage Command records, and lineage presented during Fleet Week appearances preserve customs. The wing’s emblem incorporates symbols commonly found in naval heraldry and is recognized in squadron repositories, aviation museums, and collections curated by institutions like the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Command Structure and Personnel
Operational command aligns under the embarked carrier strike group commander and administratively under Commander, Naval Air Forces chains, with unit-level leadership including a wing commander (Capt.), deputy commander, and staff overseeing operations, maintenance, and logistics. Personnel include naval aviators trained through Naval Aviator pipelines at Naval Air Station Pensacola and Naval Air Station Lemoore, enlisted aviation maintenance technicians certified under Naval Aviation Maintenance Program standards, and attached support from carrier-based air wing medical and supply departments. Career progression, squadron assignments, and personnel readiness follow policies influenced by Chief of Naval Personnel and training directives from Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center syllabi.
Modernization and Future Plans
Modernization efforts involve integrating fourth- and fifth-generation systems, sustainment programs for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet block upgrades, incorporation of EA-18G Growler electronic warfare capabilities, and planning for future platforms influenced by Joint Strike Fighter program outcomes and Navy roadmap studies from Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Logistics and carrier integration address carrier compatibility with Ford-class aircraft carrier designs and future carrier air wing compositions discussed in analyses by Congressional Budget Office and defense acquisition bodies. Training, networked sensor integration, and interoperability with allied platforms remain priorities under directives from United States Strategic Command and regional combatant commands.