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Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) is a virtual US Navy Air Wing in DCS World built around a single idea: earn everything. Every pilot follows the same pipeline real naval aviators walk — from your first T-45C Goshawk flight in VT-9 through FRS conversion in VFA-122 to fleet operations with VFA-81 in the F/A-18C Hornet.
We don't hand out wings. They're earned through merit, demonstrated proficiency, and a commitment to the standard. Our training is tracked through SHARP, our custom-built Sierra Hotel Aviation Reporting Program — every qualification, every currency check, every carrier trap across the entire air wing.
Beyond the air wing, we host the Panther Den — one of DCS World's most popular PVE multiplayer servers — open to pilots of all backgrounds flying dynamic missions across a range of maps and theaters.
CVW-1 exists for one reason: to fly the Hornet to its absolute edge. If you're here to push the jet and hold the line, you're in the right place.
The VT-9 Tigers have trained US naval aviators at NAS Meridian since 1961. VT-9 is your entry point in the T-45C Goshawk. Here we teach cold starts, day and night flying, TACFORM, and basic strike — ending with an FCLP check ride.
The VFA-122 Flying Eagles at NAS Lemoore are the West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron. VFA-122 is where you make the jump to the F/A-18C Hornet. Here we teach carrier landings, basic weapons, low level nav, aerial refueling, and Case 1 & 3 Carrier Qualifications.
The VFA-81 Sunliners at NAS Oceana have operated under the motto “Anytime, Anyplace” since 1963. VFA-81 is our first operational fleet squadron. As a nugget you will be expected to participate in weekly training and beginning your journey through SFWT (Strike Fighter Weapons Training) out at NTTR.
For pilots who want to go further than flying as a line pilot, the air wing offers several certifications — Instructor, Mission Commander, Air Intercept Controller, Forward Air Controller (Airborne), and Joint Terminal Attack Controller, to name a few. Each cert comes with its own syllabus and its own patch.
No. Our training pipeline starts from zero. VT-9 covers everything from cold starts to basic flight.
You will need DCS: Nevada map, T-45C Goshawk community mod & the DCS: F/A-18C Hornet module. Eventually you will also need the DCS: Supercarrier module.
SNA phase is ~2–3 months. FRS phase ~8 months to ~1.5 years. Fleet training is indefinite with most pilots getting through SFWT in 2–3 years.
SHARP (Sierra Hotel Aviation Reporting Program) is our custom-built web app for tracking qualifications, currency, training progress, carrier traps, and flight hours across the entire air wing. It integrates directly with our DCS server.
We operate under ZULU time with a preference for EST/EDT time zone. Most of our pilots hail from North America/Europe but we are always open to pilots from Central/South America, Africa, Middle East, Asia and Oceania. We try our best to cater to as many regions as possible but time conflicts are still plausible. Our servers run 24/7/365.
The Panther Den is our Discord server — the hub for all CVW-1 communication, scheduling, briefings, debrief, and community. Everything outside the cockpit happens here.
We're looking for dedicated virtual aviators who want to fly with purpose. No experience required — just the willingness to put in the work.