About this Unit
Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) is a distinguished United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing established in 1938, originally designated as Ranger Air Group. Throughout World War II, CVW-1 participated in major Atlantic and Pacific operations, earning a formidable combat reputation. Over the decades, the wing has operated from numerous aircraft carriers, taking part in key conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism. Today, CVW-1 remains an integral component of U.S. naval power projection, deploying aboard carriers like USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).
Historical Facts
•
Oldest U.S. Navy Air Wing: Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) is one of the oldest air wings in the U.S. Navy, first established in 1938 as Ranger Air Group aboard USS Ranger (CV-4).
•
World War II Service: During World War II, CVW-1 participated in the North Africa landings (Operation Torch) and conducted strikes in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
•
Multiple Designations: Over its history, the wing has been redesignated several times, including as Carrier Air Group 1 (CVG-1), Attack Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1), and finally Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1).
•
Korean War Deployments: CVW-1 saw combat in the Korean War, flying from carriers such as USS Midway (CV-41) and USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42).
•
Cuban Missile Crisis: The wing was embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN-65) during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, providing a critical show of force.
•
Vietnam War Operations: CVW-1 conducted multiple combat cruises during the Vietnam War, participating in air strikes and providing support for ground forces.
•
First to Deploy with F-14 Tomcat: In the 1970s, CVW-1 was among the first air wings to deploy with the legendary F-14 Tomcat fighter.
•
Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, CVW-1 participated in Operation Desert Storm aboard USS America (CV-66), flying combat sorties against Iraqi targets.
•
Current Home: Today, CVW-1 is typically embarked aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and is based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.
•
Modern Operations: CVW-1 has supported recent operations such as Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, striking terrorist targets and providing air support in the Middle East.
