Naval Operations Concept - Defense Technical Information Center

Naval Operations Concept 2010
Naval aircraft can be described in three broad categories: fixed wing
aircraft; rotary-wing/tilt-rotor aircraft; and unmanned aerial systems.
Aircraft from all three categories may be task-organized to provide the
capability and capacity necessary to perform specific missions. Four
common organizational constructs provide the basis for describing the
Naval Service aviation force structure.
Carrier air wings are comprised of aircraft designed to operate from
CVNs. Each of ten wings embarks on a single carrier and will typically
be comprised of four fighter/attack squadrons, one electronic warfare
squadron, one early warning and control squadron, one or two helicopter
squadrons, a two-plane fleet logistics support detachment and a detachment
of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Marine air wings constitute the aviation combat element of each
Marine expeditionary force (MEF). They are designed to operate from
a combination of ships and austere airfields. Their assets can be taskorganized
to support deployed Marine expeditionary units (MEUs) as
well as Marine expeditionary brigades (MEBs) or special purpose Marine
air-ground task forces (SP MAGTFs). Additionally, Marine fighter/attack
squadrons are provided on a scheduled rotational basis to selected carrier
air wings as part of Tactical Aviation Integration (TAI). Given their
different mission portfolio, Marine air wings should not be confused with
carrier air wings in size or composition. While the exact structure of
each Marine air wing varies slightly, they are generally composed of six or
seven fighter/attack squadrons, three vertical/short take-off and landing
attack squadrons, one electronic attack squadron, five or six attack
helicopter squadrons, six or seven medium lift helicopter or tilt-rotor
squadrons, three or four heavy lift helicopter squadrons, a refueling/
transport squadron, a squadron of unmanned aerial systems, as well as
organic C2 and expeditionary support groups. Marine rotary wing and
tilt-rotor aircraft may be task-organized to support distributed operations
from amphibious ships or austere locations ashore. In addition to providing
the ability to command and control air operations, and operate in an
expeditionary environment as a result of the aviation logistics capabilities
resident in the Marine wing support squadrons, the Marine air wing also
contributes key capabilities that support the MAGTF command element’s
ability to function as the nucleus of a joint task force headquarters.