Formation Flight Conducted Over U.S. Navy's Largest Supercarrier

Carrier Air Wing 8 flew F/A-18 Super Hornets, an E-2D Hawkeye, and MH-60S/R Seahawks over the USS Gerald R. Ford

Feb. 2, 2026 at 4:55pm

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The United States Navy confirmed that Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8), embarked on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), conducted a formation flight over the flattop earlier this month as part of the unit's aerial change of command ceremony. Seven F/A-18 Super Hornets multirole fighters, an E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, and two MH-60S/R Seahawk helicopters flew in formation over CVN-78.

Why it matters

The formation flight showcased the capabilities of Carrier Air Wing 8, which has a storied history dating back to World War II and has been involved in major U.S. military operations over the decades. The event also highlighted the ongoing deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy's newest and largest supercarrier, as it continues operations in the Caribbean Sea.

The details

The formation flight occurred on January 19 as CVN-78 remains underway in the Caribbean Sea. The Navy stated the flight was part of CVW-8's aerial change of command ceremony. The wing has been embarked on the USS Gerald R. Ford since 2022, having previously been assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush.

  • USS Gerald R. Ford began its current deployment on June 24, 2025.
  • As of Monday, USS Gerald R. Ford has been at sea for 223 days.

The players

USS Gerald R. Ford

The U.S. Navy's newest and largest supercarrier, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Carrier Air Wing 8

An air wing assigned to the USS Gerald R. Ford, with a lineage dating back to World War II and involvement in major U.S. military operations over the decades.

F/A-18 Super Hornets

Multirole fighter jets that were part of the formation flight over the USS Gerald R. Ford.

E-2D Hawkeye

An airborne early warning aircraft that was part of the formation flight.

MH-60S/R Seahawk

Helicopters that were part of the formation flight over the USS Gerald R. Ford.

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The takeaway

The formation flight over the USS Gerald R. Ford showcased the capabilities of Carrier Air Wing 8 and highlighted the ongoing deployment of the Navy's newest and largest supercarrier as it continues operations in the Caribbean Sea.