Arrangement of Fighter Squadrons on US Carriers: Differences Between the USN and USMC

The arrangement of fighter squadrons on US carriers has evolved over the years, reflecting changes in technology, mission requirements, and operational strategies. Let's explore how these squadrons are organized, with particular emphasis on the differences between US Navy (USN) and Marine Corps (USMC) squadrons.

Historical Background

In the 1980s, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier typically housed a diverse mix of squadrons, including F-14 Tomcat, A-7 Corsair II, A-6 Intruder, E-2 Hawkeye, S-3 Viking, SH-3, E-2 Hawkeye Electronic Warfare Detachment (EA-3 Whale), and RA-5 Vigilante for photo reconnaissance. The carrier would often have over 90 aircraft assigned, with different squadrons contributing various types of assets to the air wing.

Current Arrangements

Modern-day carrier configurations are significantly different. Today, a typical carrier may have an F-18C squadron, which is scheduled to be phased out, and three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons. One of the Super Hornet squadrons is likely to comprise two-seat F/A-18F aircraft. Electronic warfare has seen major advances, with the EA-6B Prowlers being replaced by E/A-18G Growlers. Additionally, the E-2 Hawkeye is transitioning to the E-2D variant, and helicopter squadrons are also being modernized with the H-60R and H-60S models.

Dramatic changes in aircraft numbers are reflected in the carrier’s air wing composition. The total number of aircraft has decreased, but the effectiveness of the air wing is maintained through the use of smart munitions and other advanced technologies.

USMC Squadrons on Carriers

The Marine Corps has a different arrangement when it comes to its squadrons on carriers. Back in the 1980s, Marine F-4 Phantom II squadrons used to operate off carriers. However, when the Hornet (now known as F/A-18 Hornet) became available, the Navy and Marine Corps agreed that the Marines would provide four squadrons of Hornets for carrier embarkation. The Marines, however, did not buy any Super Hornets or Growlers.

The current situation for Marine squadrons is similar in many ways. For carrier operations, the Marines now supply four squadrons of F-35C fighters. The rest of the Marine Hornet squadrons are focused on expeditionary missions. These Marine Hornet squadrons typically have 12 aircraft each, similar to the Navy squadrons. In the near future, F-35B squadrons will have 18 aircraft, and these V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing) fighter jets will replace the F/A-18 and AV-8 Harrier aircraft in the expeditionary role, as well as on the ten large-deck amphibious ships.

The only truly fixed-wing fighter/attack aircraft the Marines will retain are the four squadrons of embarked F-35Cs.

Maintenance Operations

The maintenance operations on US carriers are similar for both USN and USMC squadrons. Each squadron has a dedicated organizational level of maintainers, with about 150–180 members, including flight crew, depending on the aircraft type. Onboard, squadrons also send personnel to work at the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Division (AIMD) on the carrier to manage the entire maintenance process more efficiently.

Conclusion

The arrangement of fighter squadrons on US carriers is a reflection of evolving technologies and operational strategies. While both the US Navy and the Marine Corps have different but similarly structured squadrons, the overall maintenance and organizational operations remain consistent. The modern carrier airwings are more streamlined but no less capable, leveraging advanced technologies to maintain their combat effectiveness.

Keywords: US Navy Carrier Airwings, USMC Squadrons, Fighter Squadron Arrangement