Ralph_S wrote:
Mike Weeks wrote:
Ralph_S wrote:
I bought a copy of Air Forces Monthly last weekend, that includes an
overview of the current USN carrier wing compositions. To my amazement
I saw that CVW-17 currently doesn't seem to have _any_ Hornet squadrons
assigned to it. Until recently it had four:
VFA-103 Jolly Rogers is part of CVW-7, as is VFA-83 Rampagers. The two
other squadrons have been assigned to West Coast Air wings, although
they are still home-based at Oceana:
VFA-34 Blue Blasters is part of CVW-2 and VFA-81 Sunliners is assigned
to CVW-11.

So, what's going on? Will other Hornet squadrons be assigned to CVW-17
by the time that it deploys again?

That's the $64 question. CVW-17, having been assigned to JFK is
currently *assigned* to a deck (GW) which is in the yards for about a
year, and then she's to move to Japan. So the shortfall in Hornet
squadrons in other CVWs are being made up, no so much as from USMC
VMFAs, but by VFAs from CVW-17.

The real question is; what's to happen to CVW-17? Because there's not
another deck available given the decision to axe JFK without a 1-for-1
replacement.

Fun times ahead, as indicated in another posting about the new
challenges facing NavAir.

MW

Thanks Mike,
I read that post, and considered adding my question regarding CVW-17 to
that thread since I thought the underlying problem was probably the
same: a shortage of aircraft. However, if I understand you correctly
this seemingly is also coupled to a decrease in the number of
carriers. With carriers undergoing refuelling and major refits (Carl
Vinson) or shorter yard periods (GW), there seem to be more wings than
available carriers, unless CVW-17 is axed.

That appears to be the bottom line.

The situation with aircraft "life" is one situation, and the withdraw
of JFK (i.e., one deck) is another; related to a degree with the other.

With the on-going situation of a CVN in the yard for a 3-year refueling
& major refit, the situation of mis-matched CVWs-to-deck will switch
between those based on the east and west coast -- if there isn't a CVW
axed.

As has been the case for the pass 15 or so years, it's like jello when
attempting to see how it all will play out ... g