CNATRA Subordinate Commands and Naval Air Training Structure

The Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) leads the Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM), the primary organization responsible for forging the next generation of naval aviators. To manage the complex requirements of flight instruction, CNATRA oversees a structured hierarchy of subordinate commands designed to take students from their first flight to advanced operational readiness.

The command is currently composed of five active Training Air Wings, which serve as the administrative and operational hubs for seventeen specialized Training Squadrons. These squadrons are categorized as VT (Training Squadron) and HT (Helicopter Training Squadron), each focusing on specific phases of flight training.

TA-4J Skyhawk flown by the Commander Naval Air Training Command CNATRA. The red carpet has been rolled out for him at Randolph AFB, Texas, in 1975

Key Facts

CNATRA manages five active Training Air Wings and seventeen Training Squadrons.
Training is divided into primary and advanced phases across various aircraft platforms.
The command oversees the Blue Angels, officially known as the Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS).
Training locations span across Mississippi, Texas, and Florida.
Specialized tracks exist for pilots, Naval Flight Officers (NFO), and Aviation Personnel/Unmanned Aircraft System Operators (AVP/UASO).

Active Training Air Wings and Squadrons

The current operational structure of NATRACOM is distributed across several Naval Air Stations (NAS), each utilizing specific tail codes for aircraft identification.

Training Air Wing One (Tail Code "A")

Located at NAS Meridian, Mississippi, this wing focuses on advanced jet training using the T-45C Goshawk.

VT-7 Eagles: Advanced training.
VT-9 (2nd) Tigers: Advanced training.

Training Air Wing Two (Tail Code "B")

Based at NAS Kingsville, Texas, this wing also specializes in advanced T-45C Goshawk instruction.

VT-21 Redhawks: Advanced training.
VT-22 Golden Eagles: Advanced training.

Training Air Wing Four (Tail Code "G")

Operating out of NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, this wing provides a mix of primary and multi-engine advanced training.

VT-27 Boomers: Primary training in the T-6B Texan II.
VT-28 Rangers: Primary training in the T-6B Texan II.
VT-31 Wise Owls: Advanced training in the T-44C Pegasus.
VT-35 Stingrays: Advanced training in the T-44C Pegasus.

Training Air Wing Five (Tail Code "E")

Located at NAS Whiting Field, Florida, this wing is the hub for primary flight training and advanced rotary-wing (helicopter) instruction.

VT-2 Doerbirds: Primary training in the T-6B Texan II.
VT-3 Red Knights: Primary training in the T-6B Texan II.
VT-6 Shooters: Primary training in the T-6B Texan II.
HT-8 Eightballers: Advanced training in the TH-73A Thrasher.
HT-18 Vigilant Eagles: Advanced training in the TH-73A Thrasher.
HT-28 Hellions: Advanced training in the TH-73A Thrasher.

Training Air Wing Six (Tail Code "F")

Based at NAS Pensacola, Florida, this wing focuses on Naval Flight Officer (NFO) and Aviation Personnel/Unmanned Aircraft System Operator (AVP/UASO) training.

VT-4 Warbucks: Advanced NFO and AVP/UASO training using the Multi-Crew Simulator.
VT-10 Wildcats: Primary NFO training in the T-6A Texan II and primary AVP/UASO in the T-6A simulator.
VT-86 Sabrehawks: Advanced NFO training in the T-45C Goshawk.

Training Command Summary

Overview of Active CNATRA Training Wings
Air Wing	Tail Code	Location	Primary Aircraft
Wing One	A	NAS Meridian, MS	T-45C Goshawk
Wing Two	B	NAS Kingsville, TX	T-45C Goshawk
Wing Four	G	NAS Corpus Christi, TX	T-6B Texan II, T-44C Pegasus
Wing Five	E	NAS Whiting Field, FL	T-6B Texan II, TH-73A Thrasher
Wing Six	F	NAS Pensacola, FL	T-6A Texan II, T-45C Goshawk, Simulators

Historical Changes and Disestablishments

The structure of naval training has evolved over decades, leading to the disestablishment of several wings and squadrons to optimize resources.

Disestablished Air Wings

Training Air Wing Three (Tail Code "C"): Based at the former NAS Chase Field, Texas; disestablished August 31, 1992. This included the disestablishment of VT-24 Bobcats, VT-25 Cougars, and VT-26 Tigers.
Training Air Wing Seven: Based at the former NAS Saufely Field, Florida; disestablished December 1, 1976. This included VT-1 Eaglets and VT-5 Tigers.
Training Air Wing Eight: Based at the former NAS Glynco, Georgia; disestablished August 1974. VT-86 Sabrehawks were transferred to Training Air Wing Six.

Deactivated Squadrons

Several individual squadrons have also been phased out. These include the first iteration of VT-9 Tigers (disestablished July 1987), VT-23 Professionals (deactivated September 30, 1999), and VT-29, a land-based multi-engine aircraft navigator training squadron (disestablished December 31, 1976).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Blue Angels within CNATRA?

CNATRA oversees the Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS), better known as the Blue Angels, which serves as the public face of naval aviation excellence.

Which aircraft is used for primary flight training?

The T-6B Texan II is the primary aircraft used for initial flight training across several wings, including Wing Four and Wing Five.

What is the difference between VT and HT squadrons?

VT squadrons are general Training Squadrons focusing on various aircraft and roles, while HT squadrons specifically provide advanced helicopter training.

Where is advanced NFO training conducted?

Advanced Naval Flight Officer (NFO) training is conducted under Training Air Wing Six at NAS Pensacola, Florida, utilizing the T-45C Goshawk and Multi-Crew Simulators.

Which wings utilize the T-45C Goshawk?

The T-45C Goshawk is used for advanced training in Training Air Wing One, Training Air Wing Two, and for advanced NFO training in Training Air Wing Six.