01/13/21 18:46:32 UTC
319.175 MHz
ALGER, OH
 fort wayne A-10's, air2 air
 
01/13/21 18:44:39 UTC
226.025 MHz
ALGER, OH
 fort wayne A-10's, air2air
 
01/11/21 15:49:38 UTC
75.300 MHz
ALBEMARLE, NC
 75.300 FM. Same chirp/encryption sounds as heard on 01-06-21 on 75.65 and on 01-07-21 on 75.75FM. 96-6042 AE272C currently orbiting area over Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, south of KVUJ. VIKINGxx reported in area to KVUJ tower approx 1015h. No in the clear tx heard yet. -AJ
 
01/10/21 00:03:00 UTC
11.175 USB MHz
BARING, WA
 Callsign "Bradyfish" Standing by for traffic. Repeated three times, no response
 
01/07/21 17:03:30 UTC
225.35 MHz
DAYTONA BEACH, FL
 Vanguard, Rustic flts A10s hitting Pinecastle range
 
01/11/21 15:56:47 UTC
75.750 MHz
"Elevation 4-7-0 feet, enemy fighting position, 17 Sierra Papa Uniform (grid location outskirts of Ft Bragg), none, friendlies east, 180 meters" PL 151.4. A2G, prolonged voice comms, intermixed with occasional crypto. VIKINGxx (CN-235) orbiting over grid at the time. 01-07-2021 between 1500-1600h. -AJ
 
01/11/21 15:56:21 UTC
75.750 MHz
"Elevation 4-7-0 feet, enemy fighting position, 17 Sierra Papa Uniform (grid location outskirts of Ft Bragg), none, friendlies east, 180 meters" PL 151.4. A2G, prolonged voice comms, intermixed with occasional crypto. VIKINGxx (CN-235) orbiting over grid at the time. 01-07-2021 between 1500-1600h. -AJ
 
01/07/21 17:29:16 UTC
75.650 MHz
"...7-5, lima-charlie, in-the-RED.." 1644h. "..radio check...fire..gonna start for us...prob get a good hour, an hour from when we depart, if we stick around past now its going to delay those guys getting in the air by 1800..." 1700h. "..9-9, VIKING73, came in broken, unreadable, say again...from 73, we want to push SECURE..." 1826h. All Tx's after that sounded like static, with a chirp/beep at the start of each. 01/06/2021. 96-6042 & 96-6043 (common callsign VIKING) active in same time frame Sanford/Bragg vic. -AJ
 
12/22/20 13:09:02 UTC
228.7500 MHz
"ALPHA 5-0-0 and below, southern airspace....3-0-0 and below" 12-21-2020 1433h -AJ
 
12/18/20 15:38:09 UTC
143.300 MHz
"...GECKO07, six jumpers away..." 12/11/2020, 1639h. -AJ
 
12/18/20 15:36:30 UTC
123.475 MHz
"...GECKO65, request winds..." "LIGHTNING6, GECKO65, all jumpers away...flight level 250, flight speed 130 knots..." 12/11/2020, between 0950-1020h. -AJ
 
12/17/20 13:34:43 UTC
32.450 MHz
"ZEUS33, FORECAST BASE, calling in the blind, we are arrival Montgomery County (K43A)" 2145h. "...Ops normal, we are off Montgomery, en route to TTA (KTTA Raleigh Executive Jetport at Sanford-Lee County Airport)" 2220h 12/15/20 -AJ
 

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Current US Navy Aircraft Carriers, Air Wings, & Squadrons

Below is a list of the current US Aircraft Carriers with their assigned Air Wings and Squadrons in each Air Wing.

Included are the type of aircraft each squadron uses and the known radio callsigns used.

This chart can help identify what Aircraft Carrier you are hearing flight operations from. While not a perfect method it does work most of the time. When hearing aircraft on the milair bands mention "USS SHIP" you know that you've got an Aircraft Carrier off your coast. Pay close attention to the radio callsigns you're hearing. Scroll down the list and find that callsign, you've probably now just ID'ed the Carrier in your area.

There is a small "gotcha" here. VRC-40, Fleet Support Squadron. There are only 2 Fleet Support Squadron's in the Navy. So if you hear call sign RAWHIDE, you need to remember, VRC-40 (and VRC-30) detachments can be flying to/from any Carrier.

Update: Thanks to Kyle from the Eastern Shore of MD I've included the Tail Number series for each squadron where it is known.

When Aircraft check in with Marshall they report their tail number along with bearing, distance, and altitude to Moms and there fuel state. Tail numbers or side numbers will identify which unit and aircraft type your hearing.

When Aircraft meet up with a tanker for refueling they are usually asked for their side number.

During COMPTUEX exercises in order to make them more "real world" squadron aircraft do not use their 'normal' radio callsign. They'll use a tactical callsign and the best way to associate a tactical callsign to the actual squadron is to listen for the tail number when they check in with Marshall.

Carrier Name: USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77)
Year Commissioned: 2009
Ships Home Port: Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA
Assigned Carrier Air Wing: CVW-8
    Carrier Air Wing: CVW-8
    Aircraft Tail Code: AJ
    Air Wing Homeport: NAS Oceana
      VFA-15 - Strike Fighter Squadron 15
      Aircraft: F/A-18 Hornet
      Name: Valions
      Radio Call Sign: PRIDE
      Side Number Series: 300-
      VFA-31 - Strike Fighter Squadron 31
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Tomcatters
      Radio Call Sign: FELIX
      Side Number Series: 100-
      VFA-87 - Strike Fighter Squadron 87
      Aircraft: F/A-18 Hornet
      Name: Golden Warriors
      Radio Call Sign: PARTY
      Side Number Series: 400-
      VFA-213 - Strike Fighter Squadron 213
      Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet
      Name: Black Lions
      Radio Call Sign: LION
      Side Number Series: 200-
      VAW-124 - Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124
      Aircraft: E-2C Hawkeye
      Name: Bear Aces
      Radio Call Sign: BEAR
      Side Number Series: 600-
      VAQ-134 - Electronic Attack Squadron 134
      Aircraft: EA-6B Prowler
      Name: Garudas
      Radio Call Sign: GARUDA
      Side Number Series: 500-
      VRC-40 - Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 Det. 2
      Aircraft: C-2A Greyhound
      Name: Rawhides
      Radio Call Sign: RAWHIDE
      Side Number Series:
      HSC-9 - Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9
      Aircraft: MH-60S Knighthawk
      Name: Tridents
      Radio Call Sign: TRIDENT (there is some question about this) or TROUBLESHOOTER
      Side Number Series: 610-
      HSM-70 - Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70
      Aircraft: MH-60R Seahawk
      Name: Spartans
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series: 700-


Carrier Name: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)
Year Commissioned: 2003
Ships Home Port: Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA
Assigned Carrier Air Wing: CVW-2
    Carrier Air Wing: CVW-2
    Aircraft Tail Code: NE
    Air Wing Homeport: NAS Lemoore
      VFA-2 - Strike Fighter Squadron 2
      Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet
      Name: Bounty Hunters
      Radio Call Sign: BULLET
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-137 - Strike Fighter Squadron 137
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Kestrels
      Radio Call Sign: FALCON
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-86 - Strike Fighter Squadron 86
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Sidewinders
      Radio Call Sign: WINDER
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-34 - Strike Fighter Squadron 34
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Blue Blasters
      Radio Call Sign: JOKER
      Side Number Series:
      VAW-113 - Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113
      Aircraft: E-2C Hawkeye
      Name: Black Eagles
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      VAQ-131 - Electronic Attack Squadron 131
      Aircraft: EA-6B Prowler
      Name: Lancers
      Radio Call Sign: SKYBOLT
      Side Number Series:
      VRC-30 - Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 Det. 2
      Aircraft: C-2A Greyhound
      Name: Providers
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      HSC-4 - Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 4
      Aircraft: MH-60S Seahawk
      Name: Black Knights
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      HSM-78 - Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 78
      Aircraft: MH-60R Seahawk
      Name: Blue Hawks
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:


Carrier Name: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)
Year Commissioned: 1998
Ships Home Port: Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA
Assigned Carrier Air Wing: CVW-3
    Carrier Air Wing: CVW-3
    Aircraft Tail Code: AC
    Air Wing Homeport: NAS Oceana
      VMFA-312 - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Checkerboards
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series: 200-
      VFA-32 - Strike Fighter Squadron 32
      Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet
      Name: Fighting Swordsmen
      Radio Call Sign: GYPSY
      Side Number Series: 100-
      VFA-37 - Strike Fighter Squadron 37
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Ragin Bulls
      Radio Call Sign: RAGIN
      Side Number Series: 300-
      VFA-105 - Strike Fighter Squadron 105
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Gunslingers
      Radio Call Sign: CANYON
      Side Number Series: 400-
      VAW-126 - Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126
      Aircraft: E-2C Hawkeye
      Name: Seahawks
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series: 600-
      VAQ-130 - Electronic Attack Squadron 130
      Aircraft: EA-18G Growler
      Name: Zappers
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series: 500-
      VRC-40 - Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 Det. 1
      Aircraft: C-2A Greyhound
      Name: Rawhides
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      HSC-7 - Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7
      Aircraft: MH-60S Knighthawk
      Name: Dusty Dogs
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      HSM-74 - Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74
      Aircraft: MH-60R Seahawk
      Name: Swamp Foxes
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:


Carrier Name: USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
Year Commissioned: 1995
Ships Home Port: Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton, WA
Assigned Carrier Air Wing: CVW-9
    Carrier Air Wing: CVW-9
    Aircraft Tail Code: NG
    Air Wing Homeport: NAS Lemoore
      VFA-14 - Strike Fighter Squadron 14
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Tophatters
      Radio Call Sign: CAMELOT
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-41 - Strike Fighter Squadron 41
      Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet
      Name: Black Aces
      Radio Call Sign: FAST EAGLE (or DEALER which could be an older call)
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-151 - Strike Fighter Squadron 151
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Vigilantes
      Radio Call Sign: SWITCH
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-25 - Strike Fighter Squadron 25
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Fist of the Fleet
      Radio Call Sign: FIST
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-97 - Strike Fighter Squadron 97
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Warhawks
      Radio Call Sign: WARHAWK
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-192 - Strike Fighter Squadron 192
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: World Famous Golden Dragons
      Radio Call Sign: DRAGON
      Side Number Series:
      VAQ-136 - Electronic Attack Squadron 136
      Aircraft: EA-18G Growler
      Name: The Gauntlets
      Radio Call Sign: IRON or IRONCROW
      Side Number Series:
      VAW-112 - Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112
      Aircraft: E-2 Hawkeye
      Name: The Golden Hawks
      Radio Call Sign: GHOST
      Side Number Series:
      HSC-8 - Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8
      Aircraft: MH-60S Seahawk
      Name: Eightballers
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      HSM-71 - Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71
      Aircraft: MH-60R
      Name: Raptors
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      VRC-30 - Fleet Logistics Suport Squadron 30 Det 4
      Aircraft: C-2 Greyhound
      Name: Providers
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:


Carrier Name: USS George Washington (CVN-73)
Year Commissioned: 1992
Ships Home Port: Yokosuka Naval Base, Yokosuka, Japan
Assigned Carrier Air Wing: CVW-5
    Carrier Air Wing: CVW-5
    Aircraft Tail Code: NF
    Air Wing Homeport: NAF Atsugi
      VFA-27 - Strike Fighter Squadron 27
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Royal Maces
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-102 - Strike Fighter Squadron 102
      Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet
      Name: Diamondbacks
      Radio Call Sign: DBACK
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-115 - Strike Fighter Squadron 115
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Eagles
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-195 - Strike Fighter Squadron 195
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Dambusters
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      VAW-115 - Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115
      Aircraft: E-2C Hawkeye 2000
      Name: Liberty Bells
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      VAQ-141 - Electronic Attack Squadron 141
      Aircraft: EA-18G Growler
      Name: Shadowhawks
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      VRC-30 - Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 Det. 5
      Aircraft: C-2A Greyhound
      Name: Providers
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      HSC-12 - Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12
      Aircraft: MH-60S
      Name: Golden Falcons
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      HSM-77 - Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77
      Aircraft: MH-60R
      Name: Saberhawks
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:


Carrier Name: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)
Year Commissioned: 1989
Ships Home Port: Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA
Assigned Carrier Air Wing: unknown
    Carrier Air Wing:
    Aircraft Tail Code:
    Air Wing Homeport:


Carrier Name: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)
Year Commissioned: 1986
Ships Home Port: Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA
Assigned Carrier Air Wing: CVW-1
    Carrier Air Wing: CVW-1
    Aircraft Tail Code: AB
    Air Wing Homeport: NAS Oceana
      VFA-11 - Strike Fighter Squadron 11
      Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet
      Name: Red Rippers
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series: 100-
      VFA-136 - Strike Fighter Squadron 136
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Knighthawks
      Radio Call Sign: HAWK
      Side Number Series: 300-
      VFA-211 - Strike Fighter Squadron 211
      Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet
      Name: Fighting Checkmates
      Radio Call Sign: NIKEL
      Side Number Series: 200-
      VMFA-251 - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Thunderbolts
      Radio Call Sign: T-BOLT
      Side Number Series: 400-
      VAW-123 - Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123
      Aircraft: E-2C Hawkeye
      Name: Screwtops
      Radio Call Sign: SCREWTOP
      Side Number Series: 600-
      VAQ-137 - Electronic Attack Squadron 137
      Aircraft: EA-18G Growler
      Name: Rooks
      Radio Call Sign: ROOK
      Side Number Series: 500-
      VRC-40 - Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 Det. 2
      Aircraft: C-2A Grayhound
      Name: Rawhides
      Radio Call Sign: RAWHIDE
      Side Number Series:
      HS-11 - Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 11
      Aircraft: SH-60F Seahawk
      Name: Dragon Slayers
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:


Carrier Name: USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)
Year Commissioned: 1981
Ships Home Port: Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA
Assigned Carrier Air Wing: CVW-17
    Carrier Air Wing: CVW-17
    Aircraft Tail Code: NA
    Air Wing Homeport: NAS Lemoore
      VFA-22 - Strike Fighter Squadron 22
      Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet
      Name: Fighting Redcocks
      Radio Call Sign: BEEF or BEEF EATER
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-81 - Strike Fighter Squadron 81
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Sunliners
      Radio Call Sign: ZAPPER
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-113 - Strike Fighter Squadron 113
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Stingers
      Radio Call Sign: STINGER
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-94 - Strike Fighter Squadron 94
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Shrikes
      Radio Call Sign: HOBO
      Side Number Series:
      VAQ-139 - Electronic Attack Squadron 139
      Aircraft: EA-18G Growler
      Name: Cougars
      Radio Call Sign: WARCAT or COUGAR
      Side Number Series:
      VAW-116 - Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 116
      Aircraft: E-2C Hawkeye
      Name: Sun Kings
      Radio Call Sign: SUNKING
      Side Number Series:
      VRC-40 - Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 Det 5
      Aircraft: C-2A Greyhound
      Name: Rawhides
      Radio Call Sign: RAWHIDE
      Side Number Series:
      HSC-15 - Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 15
      Aircraft: MH-60S Seahawk
      Name: Red Lions
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:


Carrier Name: USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
Year Commissioned: 1975
Ships Home Port: Naval Station Everett, Everett, WA
Assigned Carrier Air Wing: CVW-11
    Carrier Air Wing: CVW-11
    Aircraft Tail Code: NH
    Air Wing Homeport: NAS Lemoore
      VFA-146 - Strike Fighter Squadron 146
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Blue Diamonds
      Radio Call Sign: DIAMOND
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-147 - Strike Fighter Squadron 147
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Argonauts
      Radio Call Sign: JASON
      Side Number Series:
      VFA-154 - Strike Fighter Squadron 154
      Aircraft: F/A-18F super Hornet
      Name: Black Knights
      Radio Call Sign: KNIGHT
      Side Number Series:
      VMFA-323 - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Death Rattlers
      Radio Call Sign: SNAKE or SWORD
      Side Number Series:
      VAW-117 - Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117
      Aircraft: E-2C Hawkeye
      Name: The Wallbangers
      Radio Call Sign: BANGER
      Side Number Series:
      VAQ-142 - Electronic Attack Squadron 142
      Aircraft: EA-6B Prowler
      Name: Gray Wolves
      Radio Call Sign: THUNDER
      Side Number Series:
      VRC-30 - Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 Det 3
      Aircraft: C-2A Greyhound
      Name: Providers
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      HSC-6 - Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 6
      Aircraft: MH-60S Knighthawk
      Name: Indians
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:
      HSM-75 - Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 75
      Aircraft: MH-60R Seahawk
      Name: Wolfpack
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series:


Carrier Name: USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
Year Commissioned: 1977
Ships Home Port: Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA
Assigned Carrier Air Wing: CVW-7
    Carrier Air Wing: CVW-7
    Aircraft Tail Code: AG
    Air Wing Homeport: NAS Oceana
      VFA-83 - Strike Fighter Squadron 83
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Rampagers
      Radio Call Sign: RAM
      Side Number Series: 300-
      VFA-103 - Strike Fighter Squadron 103
      Aircraft: F/A-18F Super Hornet
      Name: Jolly Rogers
      Radio Call Sign: VICTORY
      Side Number Series: 200-
      VFA-131 - Strike Fighter Squadron 131
      Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
      Name: Wildcats
      Radio Call Sign: CAT & COUGAR
      Side Number Series: 400-
      VFA-143 - Strike Fighter Squadron 143
      Aircraft: F/A-18E Super Hornet
      Name: Pukin Dogs
      Radio Call Sign: DOG
      Side Number Series: 100-
      VAW-121 - Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121
      Aircraft: E-2C Hawkeye
      Name: Bluetails
      Radio Call Sign: GRIFFIN (Front End), BLUETAIL (Back End)
      Side Number Series: 600-
      VAQ-140 - Electronic Attack Squadron 140
      Aircraft: EA-6B Prowler
      Name: Patriots
      Radio Call Sign: STINGER
      Side Number Series: 500-
      VRC-40 - Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 Det 3
      Aircraft: C-2A Greyhound
      Name: Rawhides
      Radio Call Sign: RAWHIDE
      Side Number Series:
      HS-5 - Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 5
      Aircraft: SH-60F Seahawk
      Name: Nightdippers
      Radio Call Sign: DIPPER or CANVAS
      Side Number Series:
      HSM-72 - Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 72
      Aircraft: MH-60R Seahawk
      Name: Proud Warriors
      Radio Call Sign:
      Side Number Series: