USS Constellation-CV 64

Constellation Battle Group (CBG) is composed of several different commands, all which reside under the authority of Commander, Carrier-Destroyer Group ONE (CCDG-1).

Constellation, often referred to by its hull number (CV 64), is the centerpiece of the battle group. Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW 2), is made up of eight Navy squadrons and one Marine Corps squadro

Constellation Battle Group (CBG) is composed of several different commands, all which reside under the authority of Commander, Carrier-Destroyer Group ONE (CCDG-1).

Constellation, often referred to by its hull number (CV 64), is the centerpiece of the battle group. Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW 2), is made up of eight Navy squadrons and one Marine Corps squadron. The other ships and submarines in the battle group are under the command of Commander Destroyer Squadron SEVEN (DESRON 7).

(All pictures taken 14 August 2001.)

Embarked on USS Constellation is Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2). The air wing brings together nearly 2,600 officers and enlisted men and women, maintaining and flying the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world. Approximately 75 aircraft make up the air wing: three strike/fighter F-18 squadrons; one fighter F-14 squadron; one multi-mission sea control S-3 squadron; one airborne electronic warfare EA-6 squadron; one airborne early warning and control E-2 squadron; one helicopter HSL-47 detachment and; and one logistics support C-2 COD detachment.
F/A-18C Hornet: This agile multi-mission fighter/attack aircraft is the centerpiece of CVW-2's potent striking power. Flying the single-seat Hornet, the VFA-137 "Kestrels," VFA-151 "Vigilantes" and VMFA (USMC) "Death Rattlers" offer the premier power projection arm to the battle group commander. Capable of delivering precision weapons day or night, the F/A-18C has the state-of-the-art air-to-air/air-to-ground weapons suite.
F-14D SUPER TOMCAT: A two-seat, long-range, supersonic interceptor with attack capability. Outfitted with new engines, the F-14D enjoys increased fuel efficiency and unrestricted throttle handling throughout its flight envelope, including catapult launches without the use of afterburners. Improved radar and enhanced missle capability give the star of "TOP GUN" a decisive edge in the air-to-air arena. The VF-2 "Bounty Hunters" are the solo F-14 Tomcat squadron in CVW-2.
S-3B VIKING: A four-seat extended-range force multiplier, this aircraft is the “long pole in the tent” for CVW-2. While incorprating an improved anti-submarine weapons system, this upgraded Viking has evolved into a platform relied upon to perform multiple mission. Equipped with an imaging radar, improved avionics, the Harpoon missile, and an in-flight refueling system, the S-3B provides unique offensive punch and support to the battle group. The VS-38 “Red Griffins” fly in CVW-2.
EA-6B PROWLER: A four-seat electronic countermeasures aircraft, the VAQ-131 “Lancers” fly the ICAP-2 version of the Prowler. Improved jamming capacity, expanded communications systems, enhanced signal processing, and the HARM missle make the EA-6B the platform of choice for suppression of enemy air defense systems and protection of CVW-2 strike aircraft as they put ordnance on target and safely egress.
C-2A GREYHOUND: The C-2A Greyhound is the “Carrier On board Delivery” (COD) aircraft. The C-2A provides a means to transport spare parts, mail and people to and from the ship. A two-plane detachment from the VRC-30 “Providers” flies in CVW-2.
E-2C+ HAWKEYE: The “eyes of the airwing," this airborne early warning command and control aircraft keeps the big picture for the battle group. The VAW-116 “Sun Kings” fly the updated version of the Hawkeye. This E-2C+, with a crew of five, operates at longer ranges, can track more than 2,000 targets, has improved jamming resistance and fully-automated/optimized overland detection. State-of-the-art avionics and upgraded engines make this “mini-AWACS” an indispensable command and control platform.

SH-60F/HH-60H SEAHAWK: The air wing doesn’t fly without this aircraft first being airborne. Incorporating an integrated anti-submarine mission avionics system with a dipping sonar, a crew of four provides inner-zone protection for the carrier as well as primary Sea Air Rescue (SAR) responsibility. Other primary mission areas include strike rescue and special warfare support. The HS-2 “World Famous Golden Falcons” complete the total combat package for the air wing.

For more information and pictures, please visit the USS Constellation official website.| HOME |