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Do Carrier COs and XOs Fly?

Pags

N/A
pilot
Had a conversation with the XO Strike Fighter Group Atlantic (mostly about the PBS gig) he said he still got to strap on a 106 jet every once in a while. He's the president of Tailhook now.
Strike Fighter Group Atlantic? What is that? Do you mean Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic?
 

cfam

Well-Known Member
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Having the CDRE and DCDRE fly was routine in HSC land.

It’s also routine in VAQ land (especially because our CDRE essentially acts as the CAG for the four expeditionary squadrons). In answer to the OP’s previous question, I think the best way to put it would be that aviators on the CVN track don’t get to fly as frequently as CAG/DCAG, but it’s still a tour that allows for flying. In theory, aviators (both CAG and CVN CO background) can still fly after their CVN CO tour if they end up commanding a CSG. One of my CSG admirals flew several times a week during work ups and deployment. However, I’m not aware of any other flag officer billets that allow regular opportunities to fly.

And yes, the instructors in nuke school are junior to the O-5s/O-6s that are on the CVN track.
 
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jmcquate

Well-Known Member
Contributor
Do you guy's actually read what you post?.
(1) There is a Constitutional remedy.
(2) That's not gonna happen
(3) If if could, the proliferation makes the remedy moot.
(4) Look for a different solution.
 

BigRed389

Registered User
None
I don't have the stats to quote, but I was having this conversation with my O-6 CO this week (just picked up major command), and that was the gouge he received from his detailer. Anecdotally, all four of the CCSGs I've worked for were CVN CO backgrounds.

Since I can't imagine any aviator naturally preferring to take CVN CO route vs CAG, is that set up as an incentive to encourage Aviation Post-Command guys to take the tougher to fill billet?

Either that or URL selection boards just favor people who volunteer for pain.
 

Short

Well-Known Member
None
It’s also routine in VAQ land (especially because our CDRE essentially acts as the CAG for the four expeditionary squadrons). In answer to the OP’s previous question, I think the best way to put it would be that aviators on the CVN track don’t get to fly as frequently as CAG/DCAG, but it’s still a tour that allows for flying. In theory, aviators (both CAG and CVN CO background) can still fly after their CVN CO tour if they end up commanding a CSG. One of my CSG admirals flew several times a week during work ups and deployment. However, I’m not aware of any other flag officer billets that allow regular opportunities to fly.

And yes, the instructors in nuke school are junior to the O-5s/O-6s that are on the CVN track.

Vaq Commodore equally CAG for exped is a massive false equivalency. They don't deploy with the squadrons and I doubt there is anything approaching the tactical or operational complexity in a CDRE's daily life cycle that approaches a CAG's.
 

Brett327

Well-Known Member
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Vaq Commodore equally CAG for exped is a massive false equivalency. They don't deploy with the squadrons and I doubt there is anything approaching the tactical or operational complexity in a CDRE's daily life cycle that approaches a CAG's.
Relax. We’re talking about O6 gigs where you still get to fly, not saying that a CDRE is exactly like CAG in every way imaginable.
 

Short

Well-Known Member
None
Relax. We’re talking about O6 gigs where you still get to fly, not saying that a CDRE is exactly like CAG in every way imaginable.
Dude said the VAQ CDRE acts essentially as a CAG. That is incorrect. Are you using the royal we or have you been appointed to speak on his behalf?
 

Jim123

DD-214 in hand and I'm gonna party like it's 1998
pilot
Since I can't imagine any aviator naturally preferring to take CVN CO route vs CAG
I dunno... not all gold wing-wearing guys are bit hard by the flying bug, and aside from the pain vs fun that comes with the job, as compared to CAG, I gotta admit there is just something uniquely special about being commanding officer of a supercarrier. Put another way, I'd say a lot more kids have looked in awe at the scrambled eggs ball cap of the skipper of the boat than the CAG's ball cap (kids don't understand power projection or being able to put yourself on the flight schedule with anyone you wish in the air wing...).

Personally I'd rather be the CAG, but I totally get why some guys would rather be the old man.
 

UInavy

Registered User
pilot
Super Moderator
Contributor
Dude said the VAQ CDRE acts essentially as a CAG. That is incorrect. Are you using the royal we or have you been appointed to speak on his behalf?
Does this seem like a worthwhile pissing contest? Senior dudes like to fly. No one thinks the CDRE is the CAG. Also, no one cares. Don't obsess with the roles and repsonsibilities on the itnerwebs.
 
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