Table of Contents
Does the CAG fly?
The CAG serves as the Strike Group’s strike warfare commander, responsible for all offensive strike operations (including Tomahawk missiles). CAGs are typically qualified to fly at least two types of aircraft in the Carrier Air Wing inventory.
Commander, Air Group, the informal name for the senior US Navy officer of a carrier air wing.
Are LSO’s pilots?
LSOs have been rated carrier pilots since the end of World War II, but during the war the need was such that some non-aviators were trained. Because of the importance of LSOs, the duty offers great responsibility for junior officers, generally lieutenants (junior grade) to lieutenant commander.
What does CAG stand for on an aircraft carrier?
For years, the military has delicately referred to this special missions unit (SMU) as “CAG,” which stands for “Combat Applications Group (Airborne).”
What is a carrier air group commander (CAG)?
The CAG was a department head of the ship reporting to the carrier’s commanding officer. In 1963 when Carrier Air Groups were retitled Wings, the commander retained the legacy title of “CAG” which continues to this day. After WWII until 1983, CAGs were typically post-squadron command aviators in the rank of Commander.
Junior naval aviators perceive limited opportunities to command a carrier air wing. As one considers naval aviation in the 21st century, a disturbing trend emerges: More than half of all career carrier aviators are denied the opportunity to command a carrier air wing (CVW).
How many people live on an aircraft carrier?
When fully manned, an aircraft carrier is home to as many as 5,000 personnel—the size of a small city. Thinking of a carrier as a city is a useful way to understand its organization.
How many aircraft are in an air wing of a carrier?
These air wings are occasionally reassigned to different aircraft carriers based on carrier maintenance schedules. A modern air wing consists of roughly 1,500 personnel and 74–78 aircraft.