Gulf War order of battle: United States Navy

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

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

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

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

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)'

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

• 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

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)

• 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

• 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)

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)

1991

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

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

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

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
17 February 1994 – 17 August 1994
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 Ghostrider	F-14B Tomcat
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-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

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

USS Independence CV-62

Carrier Air Wing 5 - Tail Code: NF
23 January 1998 – 5 June 1998
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

USS Kitty Hawk CV-63

Carrier Air Wing 11 - Tail Code: NH
11 October 1996 – 11 April 1997
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-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.B	ES-3A Shadow

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

Carrier Air Wing 5 - Tail Code: NF
2 March 1999 – 25 August 1999
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

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

Carrier Air Wing 2 - Tail Code: NE
1 April 1997 – 1 October 1997
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

Carrier Air Wing 2 - Tail Code: NE
18 June 1999 – 17 December 1999
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

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)[51]
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

Two A-6E SWIP Intruders painted as CAG Birds for VA-75 and VA-196 in 1996.

Carrier Air Wing 17 - Tail Code: AA
28 June 1996 – 20 December 1996 (Including Operation Desert Strike)
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

Carrier Air Wing 3 - Tail Code: AC
6 November 1998 – 6 May 1999
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

Carrier Air Wing 3 - Tail Code: AC
25 April 2001 – 10 November 2001 (Including Operation Enduring Freedom)[52]
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 Nimitz CVN-68

Carrier Air Wing 9 - Tail Code: NG
1 September 1997 – 1 March 1998 (World Cruise: Bremerton to Norfolk)
Squadron	Aircraft	Notes
VF-24 Fighting Renegades	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-2 Golden Falcons	SH-60F/HH-60H Oceanhawk
VQ-5 Sea Shadows Det.D	ES-3A Shadow

USS Carl Vinson CVN-70

Carrier Air Wing 14 - Tail Code: NK
14 May 1996 – 14 November 1996 (Including Operation Desert Strike)
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[53]
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

USS Carl Vinson also took part in Operation Desert Fox.

Carrier Air Wing 11 - Tail Code: NH
6 November 1998 – 6 May 1999 (Including Operation Desert Fox)
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

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

Carrier Air Wing 14 - Tail Code: NK
11 June 1998 – 11 December 1998
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

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[54]
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[55]
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)

USS Forrestal CV-59

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

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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