Carrier Air Wing Eleven
| Carrier Air Wing Eleven | |
|---|---|
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CVW-11 Insignia
|
|
| Active | 27 October 1942 - Present |
| Country |
 United States of America
|
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | Carrier Air Wing |
| Part of | United States Pacific Fleet |
| Garrison/HQ |
NAS Lemoore USS Nimitz |
| Tail Code | NH |
| Engagements |
World War II Korean War Vietnam War Operation Desert Shield Operation Desert Storm Operation Southern Watch Operation Restore Hope Operation Desert Fox Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Decorations |
Presidential Unit Citation (2) Navy Unit Commendation (2) |
Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.
To conduct carrier air warfare operations and assist in the planning, control, coordination and integration of seven air wing squadrons in support of carrier air warfare including; Interception and destruction of enemy aircraft and missiles in all-weather conditions to establish and maintain local air superiority. All-weather offensive air-to-surface attacks, Detection, localization, and destruction of enemy ships and submarines to establish and maintain local sea control. Aerial photographic, sighting, and electronic intelligence for naval and joint operations. Airborne early warning service to fleet forces and shore warning nets. Airborne electronic countermeasures. In-flight refueling operations to extend the range and the endurance of air wing aircraft and Search and rescue operations.
CVW-11 consists of 9 Squadrons
Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) was previously known as Carrier Air Group Eleven (CVG-11).
On 10 October 1942 at Naval Air Station San Diego, four squadrons joined together to form Carrier Air Group Eleven (CVG-11). Bombing Squadron Eleven (VB-11), Fighting Squadron Eleven (VF-11), Scouting Squadron Eleven (VS-11) and Torpedo Squadron Eleven (VT-11). In late October the entire air group was sent to Hawaii. VB-11, VS-11 and VT-11 were stationed at NAS Barbers Point on Oahu and VF-11 was sent to NAS Maui. While at Maui, the pilots of VF-11 trained and enjoyed the hospitality of the von Tempsky ranch. Boyd, Maria and Alexa von Tempsky made sure VF-11 had a place to relax when they were not flying.
In February 1943 the Air Group embarked on the USS Altamaha (ACV-18) and the USS Long Island (ACV-1) en route to Nandi in the Fijian Islands. CVG-11 continued to train and fly simulated combat missions. By the time CVG-11 arrived in the Pacific combat zone only one aircraft carrier was operational. This meant the entire air group would be land based at Guadalcanal.
On 25 April 1943 CVG-11 arrived at Guadalcanal. VF-11 would fly from Lunga Point, known as "Fighter One." The pilots of VF-11 would set out on escort missions providing cover for the Bombing and Torpedo Squadrons. In addition, the "Sundowners" as VF-11 is known, searched for and destroyed Japanese aircraft operating in the region. It was during this time that VS-11 was re-designated to VB-21. The remainder of the air group (VB-11, VB-21 & VT-11) would fly from Henderson Field. The bomber and torpedo planes conducted patrol, search, spotting, strike, and night mine-laying operations.
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