cvg-5

• Origins in World War II: Carrier Air Group Five (CVG-5) was originally established on 15 February 1943, serving aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10) and participating in key Pacific Theater operations. • Multiple Redesignations: The unit has undergone several redesignations, known in modern times as Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5), reflecting changes in Navy nomenclature over decades. • Longest-Serving Forward-Deployed Air Wing: CVW-5 has been forward-deployed to Japan since 1973, making it one of the longest continually forward-deployed U.S. air wings in history. • Key Role in Vietnam War: CVW-5 flew from the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) and later from the USS Midway (CV-41), conducting combat operations and earning numerous unit citations. • Transition to F/A-18 Hornet: CVW-5 was among the first air wings to fully transition its fighter and attack squadrons to the versatile F/A-18 Hornet platform in the 1990s. • Operation Desert Storm: The air wing participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying from the USS Midway and contributing significantly to coalition air operations. • Humanitarian Missions: CVW-5 played a crucial role during Operation Tomodachi in 2011, supporting relief efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. • Homeport Shifts: The air wing was based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi for decades before relocating to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in 2017, improving operational reach and safety. • Iconic Squadrons: CVW-5 includes famous squadrons such as VFA-27 "Royal Maces" and VFA-102 "Diamondbacks," both renowned for their history and distinctive squadron art. • Carrier Deployments: CVW-5 has operated from various aircraft carriers, including USS Yorktown, USS Midway, USS Independence, USS Kitty Hawk, USS George Washington, and USS Ronald Reagan, reflecting its adaptability and enduring relevance.