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| Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Carrier Air Wing Two |
| Native name | CVW-2 |
| Caption | Insignia |
| Dates | 1 May 1945–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Role | Naval aviation |
| Size | Air wing |
| Garrison | Naval Air Station Lemoore |
| Nickname | The Golden Falcons |
| Decorations | Navy Unit Commendation |
| Commander1 | (varies) |
Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) is a United States Navy carrier air wing established in 1945 that has operated from multiple aircraft carriers and participated in numerous conflicts and peacetime deployments. The air wing has flown a succession of fixed‑wing and rotary aircraft across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, supporting operations linked to major events such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and operations in the Persian Gulf. Its composition and mission have evolved with carrier aviation developments tied to organizations like the Bureau of Aeronautics and commands such as Commander, Naval Air Forces.
The air wing traces origins to World War II-era naval aviation expansions and postwar reorganization under the United States Navy and Chief of Naval Operations. During the Korean War era and the Vietnam War, the unit deployed aboard carriers including USS Lexington (CV-16), USS Enterprise (CVN-65), and USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), integrating with carrier battle groups led by commanders under United States Pacific Fleet and United States Fleet Forces Command. In the late Cold War period the wing adapted to changes driven by programs such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat introduction and later the transition to multirole platforms like the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Post‑Cold War operations included contingencies tied to Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, operating from nuclear and conventional carriers during multinational exercises with partners such as Royal Australian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Air wing structure follows United States Navy organizational models with a commander, deputy, and staff aligned to carrier strike group command chains under leaders in Carrier Strike Group One or carrier strike groups assigned to numbered fleets such as the U.S. Seventh Fleet and U.S. Third Fleet. Typical composition incorporates strike fighter squadrons, electronic attack squadrons, airborne early warning units, helicopter sea combat squadrons, and logistics detachments drawn from commands like Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center. Support elements have included maintenance units associated with Fleet Readiness Center complexes and personnel coordinated via Naval Air Station Lemoore and forward logistics nodes at bases like Naval Air Facility Atsugi.
Across its history the wing operated airframes produced by manufacturers such as Grumman, McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, and Sikorsky. Key types flown include the Grumman F6F Hellcat derivatives in early carrier aviation, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat during the Cold War, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet family during the 1980s–2000s, and the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in contemporary configurations. Electronic attack capability was provided by the Grumman EA-6B Prowler and later the Boeing EA-18G Growler; airborne early warning by the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye; antisubmarine and search-and-rescue by the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk variants. Squadrons assigned over time included strike fighter units such as VFA-2, VFA-14, VFA-113, electronic attack squadrons like VAQ-136, airborne early warning squadrons such as VAW-112, and helicopter squadrons including HSC-2 and HS-2 predecessors.
The wing’s deployments tied it to major naval operations and multinational campaigns. In the Vietnam era it flew combat sorties in support of Operation Rolling Thunder and carrier‑based interdiction missions coordinated with Seventh Fleet operations. During Operation Desert Storm and later Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the wing executed strike, reconnaissance, and suppression of enemy air defenses missions integrating with joint assets from United States Air Force and allied naval aviation units from Royal Navy carriers. Humanitarian and contingency missions included disaster relief and noncombatant evacuation operations alongside task forces participating in exercises such as RIMPAC and Malabar.
Command leadership rotated among senior naval aviators nominated by Chief of Naval Operations and confirmed through Navy selection processes. Commanders have often been aviators with previous squadron command experience and carrier qualifications, collaborating with flag officers such as commanders of Carrier Strike Group 9 and fleet commanders in the United States Pacific Fleet. Notable leaders advanced to flag rank within commands like Naval Air Forces Pacific and joint billets at United States Indo-Pacific Command.
The wing’s insignia and nickname reflect naval heraldry traditions maintained by units such as Navy Ceremonial Guard and administrative authorities in Bureau of Naval Personnel. Traditions include carrier flight deck practices codified with procedures from Naval Aviation Schools Command, squadron lineages recorded by the Navy Department Library, and ceremonial linkages to carriers on which the wing has embarked. Awards and unit commendations have been promulgated through Navy Unit Commendation channels and public affairs releases coordinated with Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs.
Over decades of carrier operations the wing experienced aviation accidents and flight deck incidents investigated under the Naval Safety Center and Judge Advocate General's Corps (United States Navy) processes when applicable. Mishaps have involved airframe losses during takeoff and landing cycles, carrier mishaps tied to arresting gear and catapult operations, and incidents during night operations and multiship exercises. Findings from investigations influenced safety directives issued by Commander, Naval Air Forces and training adjustments at institutions like United States Naval Test Pilot School.
Category:United States Navy air wings