AIR WARFARE

Outline I. Mission II. History III. Operations IV. Fixed Wing Aviation V. Rotary Wing VI. The Future of Naval Aviation

I. Mission

Naval aircraft support all missions and operations of the U.S. Navy. The capabilities of naval aircraft are too vast to limit their use to one specific mission. As such,  THE MISSION OF NAVAL AVIATION IS TO DEPLOY COMBAT CAPABLE FORCES FORWARD FULLY RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE NATION.

II. History

History In war at sea, eclipsing the battleship as the decisive weapon, aircraft carriers projected their powerful air wings over vast expanses of water, striking with surprise at enemy fleets and land bases, then disappearing with equal swiftness. In times of peace, the carrier and her battle group provided American political leaders with a readily and efficient way to respond to regional crises wherever and whenever. The Navy's interest in airplanes as a naval weapon dates back to 1898.

History In 1910, LT T.G. Ellyson became the first naval officer selected for flight training. Eugene Ely made the first shipboard takeoff from the USS Birmingham in  the first pilot to successfully land an aircraft on the deck of a ship. 1911, LT Ellyson demonstrated the ability to launch a plane utilizing a newly devised compressed air catapult. Annapolis, MD at Greenbury Point in , the first aircraft carrier, USS Langley, was commissioned.

History It was the performance at the Battle of Midway that solidified their position of importance. Having destroyed all four Japanese carriers, naval aviators turned the war in the Pacific from defensive to offensive.

III. Operations

Operations The primary function of naval aviation is to closely coordinate with other naval forces in maintaining command of the seas. Accomplishing this task takes five areas of focus: 1. Eyes and ears of the fleet. Naval aviation has over-the-horizon surveillance equipment that provides vital information to our task force operation. 2. Protection against submarine attack. Antisubmarine warfare operations go on continuously for the task force and along our country's shoreline. This type of mission includes hunter/killer operations to be sure of task force protection and to keep our coastal waterways safe. 3. Aid and support operations during amphibious landings. From the beginning to the end of the operations, support occurs with a variety of firepower. Providing air cover and support is an important function of naval aviation in modern, technical warfare. 4. Rapid logistic support for ground forces. Logistic support aircraft strongly support the mobility of the ground forces. Providing logistic support aircraft is another required function of naval aviation. 5. Search and rescue operations. During sea missions, the possibility of a downed aircraft or man overboard always exists. Search and rescue helps reduce the number of lives lost.

Operations Naval aviation conducts its primary mission through the following operations: 1. ANTI-AIR WARFARE (AAW) 2. ANTI-SURFACE SHIP WARFARE (ASU) 3. ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE (ASW) 4. CLOSE AIR SUPPORT (CAS) 5. COMBAT SEARCH AND RESCUE (CSAR) 6. COMMAND, CONTROL, AND COMMUNICATIONS (CCC) 7. COMMAND AND CONTROL WARFARE (C2W) 8. FLEET SUPPORT OPERATIONS (FSO) 9. INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISR) 10. MINE WARFARE (MIW) 11. STRIKE WARFARE (STW)

Operations The numerous naval aviation operations are carried out by multiple aviation platforms. In general, there are two categories of aircraft, Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing. Fixed wing naval aviation assets can be further classified into one of two groups: Carrier Aviation or Maritime Aviation.

IV. Fixed Wing Aviation

Carrier Aviation Mission: To provide a credible, sustainable, independent forward presence and conventional deterrence in peacetime, to operate as the cornerstone of joint/allied maritime expeditionary forces in times of crisis, and to operate and support aircraft attacks on enemies, protect friendly forces and engage in sustained independent operations in war. Aircraft Carrier: With over 5,000 personnel, the current Nimitz Class nuclear powered aircraft carrier (CVN) directly supports of aircraft from 7-8 squadrons deployed onboard. The squadrons work together under the direction of the Carrier Air Wing. Each aircraft and squadron serves a unique and necessary role in the conduct of the overall mission.

Carrier Air Wing Elements: Strike Fighter (VFA)

Carrier Air Wing Elements: Electronic Attack (VAQ)

Carrier Air Wing Elements: Airborne Early Warning (VAW)

Carrier Air Wing Elements: Fleet Logistics Support (VRC)

Maritime Aviation Mission: To conduct global patrol, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in a maritime role under the command of land- based forces. Maritime patrol and reconnaissance promotes regional security and enhancement of theater security cooperation through close interoperation with allied forces, friendly nations, and other U.S. military services.

Maritime Elements: Patrol (VP)

Maritime Elements: Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ)

V. Rotary Wing

Rotary Wing The workhorses of the Navy, rotary wing aircraft employ over 70% of Naval Aviators. Helicopters carry out missions ranging from cargo and personnel transport to Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), while others play vital roles in sea control, surface surveillance, or mine countermeasure operations.

Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) – Transitioning to HSM and MH-60R HSL squadrons utilize the SH-60B and traditionally deploy on DDG’s, FFG’s, and CG’s.

Anti-Submarine (HS) – Transitioning to HSC and MH-60S The SH-60F and HH-60H are assigned to HS squadrons and traditionally deploy on aircraft carriers. Their duties include: antisubmarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue, airborne utility services, and combat search and rescue.

Sea Combat Support (HSC) With the disestablishment of the Navy’s Combat Support (HC) squadrons comprised of H-3 and CH-53 helicopters, HS squadrons have assumed the additional responsibilities of the HC community and formed the HSC community. The newer MH-60S is the aircraft of choice for the HSC community.

Mine Countermeasures (HM) Capable of transporting 55 troops or 32,000 pounds of cargo, the MH-53 Sea Dragon remains the armed forces largest and most capable transport helicopter.

VI. The Future of Naval Aviation

Carrier Aviation

Carrier Wing

Maritime Aviation

Rotary Wing Two new H-60 variants, the MH-60R and MH-60S, will replace the aging H-60 and MH-53 fleet. The transition will involve restructuring the Navy’s current squadrons and the assumption of mine countermeasure duties as well as missions formerly assigned to the S-3 Viking.

Rotary Wing

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