USMC F/A-18 Markings???

[Anaconda]

I saw a bunch of USMC Hornets in Nashville this past weekend. Two-seat aircraft, they had the letters "AW" in parenthesis in their squadron identification. Can someone tell me what the "AW" means? Thanks!

 

[ILS8L]

Air Wing

 

[skiddriver]

AW = "all weather"

Squadron used to have A-6's. They now fly F-18D's (the two seaters you saw) which are used for TAC(A) - SAC(A) missions and have an expanded night fighting capability in addition to the normal F-18 missions.

 

[buster232]

Aw

AW = "And WSO" since that illustrious title is reserved for the family model (two seat) hornet squadrons. Although They have the exact same weather minimums/night capabilities etc as the the single seaters. It is a designator to distinguish D squadrons from C squadrons

 

[pony251]

Aw

Skid driver is correct. It is a holdover from the A-6 days. I personally like Buster's explanation. Nothing like having self loading luggage for your plane. I think the WSO mafia will put out a hit on us.

 

[Anaconda]

thanks guys! "air wing" - you've got to be kidding me...

 

[miles otoole]

I was thinking A$$ wipe