CVW-5 was first deployed to Japan in 1973 alongside the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV 41) and has contributed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region for over 50 years. In May of this year, CVW-5 departed Japan together with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which had been forward-deployed to Japan since 2015. The wing conducted a “hull swap” with USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Reagan’s successor, transferring equipment and personnel in San Diego.
This time, CVW-5 returned to Japan as the air wing assigned to USS George Washington, now equipped with three new aircraft types.
The first is the state-of-the-art stealth fighter, the F-35C. The F-35C is the carrier-based variant of the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter, featuring an enlarged wing area, folding wing mechanisms, and reinforced landing gear to enable carrier operations. In Japan, the U.S. Marine Corps already operates the F-35B, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fields the F-35A. With the addition of the F-35C, Japan becomes the only country outside the United States where all three variants of the F-35 are deployed.
The second is the CMV-22B Osprey. This tiltrotor aircraft serves as the successor to the long-serving C-2A Greyhound, tasked with transporting supplies and personnel between carriers and land-based facilities. Unlike other V-22 variants, the CMV-22B is equipped with massive fuel tanks housed in sponsons on its sides, granting it an impressive extended range.
The third is the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. While CVW-5 previously operated E-2D aircraft during its time assigned to USS Ronald Reagan, the newly deployed models are equipped with air-to-air refueling probes. This upgrade allows the E-2D to undertake longer missions compared to the previous version.
“Carrier Air Wing 5 represents the Navy’s determined investments in Naval Aviation through cutting-edge technology and our most advanced training with years of unmatched experience flying in this consequential theater. Our forward-deployed forces in Japan are among our most capable in the world and represent a tangible sign of America’s commitment to Japan and the region.” Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Task Force 70 and the George Washington Carrier Strike Group.
The squadrons of CVW-5 and their respective aircraft are as follows:
・Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 “Diamondbacks”
Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet (two-seat variant)
・Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 “Royal Maces”
Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet (single-seat variant)
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 “Eagles”
・Aircraft: F-35C Lightning II (carrier-based stealth fighter)
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 “Dambusters”
Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
・Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 “Shadowhawks”
Aircraft: EA-18G Growler (electronic warfare aircraft based on the F/A-18F)
・Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 “Tigertails”
Aircraft: E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (airborne early warning and control aircraft)
・Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 “Titans”, Detachment Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF)
Aircraft: CMV-22B Osprey (carrier onboard delivery and transport aircraft)
・Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 “Saberhawks”
Aircraft: MH-60R Seahawk (multi-mission maritime helicopter)
・Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 “Golden Falcons”
Aircraft: MH-60S Seahawk (multi-mission helicopter for logistics, search and rescue, and other operations)
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