USS Harry Truman (CVN 75) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 81 text:

(CV-3) Air Group. Carrier Air Wing THREE is one of the two oldest carrier air wings in commission in the Navy. The air wing has distinguished service in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Bosnia and most recently Iraq. The air wing consists of three squadrons from Naval Air Station Oceana: VFA-37 Bulls, VFA-1 05 Gunslingers, and VF-32 Swordsmen; two squadrons from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., VS-22 Vidars, and HS-7 Dusty Dogs, one squadron from Beaufort S.C, VMFA-312 Checkerboards; one from Whidbey Island, Wa., VAQ- 1 30 Zappers and one from Naval Air Station Norfolk, VAW-126 Seahawks. VFA-37, VFA- 1 05, and VMFA-3 1 2 all fly the single-seat F A-18C Hornet. VF-32 pilots fly the F-14B Tomcat. The S-3B Viking aircraft is flown by VS-22. The E-2C lawkeye is flown by VAW- 1 26.

Page 80 text:

In the spring of 2000, a new era in the history of USS HARRYS. TRUMAN (CVN 75) began when Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW 3) came aboard to begin its carrier quahfications and other work- ups leading to the ship ' s initial deployment. Carrier Air Wing THREE, commanded by Captain Joseph Killer Kilkenny, includes a complement of almost 1,800 personnel including eight squadrons, one squadron detachment and 72 aircraft. 76 The air wing was established on July 1, 1938 and was then known as USS SARATOGA

Page 82 text:

Pilots in training, flying T-45 Goshawks, as well as more seasoned aviators, flying F-14 Tomcats, F A-1 8 Hornets, EA-6B Prowlers and a variety of other naval aircraft, benefitted from training received on HSTs flight deck, usually while the carrier sailed in the Virginia Capes Operating Area. i