Carrier Air Wing 17 Over Wake Island Poster

Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) is a component of Carrier Strike Group 12. Its history dates back to World War II when it was commissioned as Carrier Air Group 17 (CVG-17) on January 10, 1943, at Naval Air Station Alameda, California. During World War II, CVG-17 operated from the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) in the Pacific Theater, participating in various campaigns, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After World War II, CVG-17 was redesignated as Carrier Air Group 17 (CVAG-17) and subsequently Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17). Over the years, CVW-17 has deployed aboard several aircraft carriers, including the USS Forrestal (CVA-59), USS Saratoga (CV-60), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and more. The air wing's composition has evolved to include a mix of aircraft, such as fighter jets, strike aircraft, electronic warfare planes, and support aircraft. CVW-17 has been involved in numerous conflicts and deployments, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Balkans, and the global war on terror. Its squadrons have participated in combat operations, humanitarian missions, and training exercises worldwide. The air wing has played a vital role in projecting American military power and maintaining security in various regions around the world.