About Virtual Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN
Founded in February of 2021, Virtual Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN was established to provide the DCS community with a military simulation group that operates with an exceptional level of realism. Our group is guided and informed by active-duty personnel from the U.S. Navy and various other NATO air forces, bringing invaluable real-world experience into our operations.
With a combined flight time of over 6,000 hours flying and fighting American fighters, CVW-17 benefits from the direct involvement of U.S. Navy fighter pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Weapons Systems Officers who fly with us regularly. These professionals contribute their expertise to ensure that our procedures and operations closely mirror those of actual naval aviation units. This unique blend of real-world experience is what makes Virtual CVW-17 stand out in the DCS community, offering an unparalleled level of authenticity and immersion in our military simulation operations.
Virtual CVW-17s Fleet Squadrons currently include VF-103, VFA-34, and VAW-125. Additionally, VFA-106 and VF-101 serve as the Wing's Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS), providing essential initial qualification in the F/A-18C Hornet and F-14B Tomcat, preparing pilots for their subsequent assignments to operational Fleet squadrons. Our official Wing operations calendar is based on the Fleet Readiness Training Program (FRTP) and include FRS, Basic, Integrated, and Advanced Phases of workups. Our operations cycle culminates in a combat deployment aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73) in the DCS world environment.
In addition to excellence in tactical execution, Virtual CVW-17 strives to foster a squadron culture that mirrors the unique blend of professionalism and camaraderie found in actual Navy squadrons. Naval Aviation is known for its dual emphasis on excellence in the cockpit and the spirited, sometimes irreverent, camaraderie in the ready room. The bonds forged during long deployments and time spent away from home create friendships that endure well beyond a pilot's time in the squadron. This is the environment we endeavor to replicate within Virtual CVW-17—a commitment to the squadron, the Wing, and the ethos that elevates us beyond a mere online group of simulator enthusiasts. We are a brotherhood of squadron mates, teammates, and friends who share a deep passion for the level of realism and immersion that DCS provides.
The members of Virtual CVW-17 come from a variety of backgrounds, united by a common passion for realistic naval aviation simulation. Our operations are enriched by the real-world military experiences of members who have served in various branches of NATO militaries and the U.S. Armed Forces, alongside those who have never served but bring valuable perspectives from civilian professions. From students and scientists to software developers, insurance adjusters, and airline pilots, our members are bound by a shared commitment to conducting DCS operations that reflect the real-world standards of Naval Aviation. By adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), we ensure a high level of immersion and operational consistency, fostering a cohesive team and enhancing our combat effectiveness.
Virtual CVW-17 is not for everyone. Our commitment to realistic operations, grounded in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures shaped by seasoned Naval Aviation professionals, may be perceived as rigid or demanding by some. If constructive feedback during debriefs and a focus on continuous improvement do not align with your expectations, CVW-17 might not be the right fit. For us, learning and refining our skills are integral to the enjoyment of DCS, and embracing areas for growth is part of the experience. While the DCS community offers a wide range of groups catering to various playstyles, those who seek our brand of authentic, open-world Naval Aviation military simulation will find few better options than Virtual CVW-17.
If you are interested in learning more about Virtual Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN, we invite you to explore our Frequently Asked Questions. You can also connect with us via Discord or email using the links at the top or bottom of the page. If you believe that CVW-17 aligns with your aspirations, we encourage you to submit an application through the "APPLY" button. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
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It was 2013 when the future CAG of Virtual CVW-17 discovered DCS and took his first steps in the world of simulation. Since then, his interest in aircraft systems, avionics, and military tactics has only grown. Looking to connect with like-minded people, in 2020 he started the small community that would grow to become Virtual Carrier Air Wing Seventeen in 2021.
With the help of others, the CAG was able to expand the scope of the Air Wing to the vibrant community it is today, and share his passion with dozens of people. Working as a nuclear reactor physicist and having lived in several EU countries to date, the commanding officer of vCVW-17 feels at home discussing about the technical aspects of military aviation with people from all over the world. When his free time is not spent on DCS and the Air Wing, he enjoys watching films, valiantly fighting against an ever increasing backlog of other games, and engaging in social activities.
Having flown the DCS F/A-18C since its release and regularly looking up available documentation on the real thing, he has amassed a great deal of knowledge in how to operate and employ the aircraft in the context of DCS. Alongside other members of vCVW-17, he strives to promote excellence and cooperation both on and off the virtual skies of DCS.
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Flying DCS since 2019, the Deputy Commander of Virtual CVW-17 joined shortly after its founding. From the beginning, he flew the venerable F-14B Tomcat and took on the responsibility of establishing CVW-17's Tomcat squadron, the VF-103 Jolly Rogers. Since then, he has overseen Virtual CVW-17's massive growth into the vibrant, authentic naval aviation community it is today.
Currently studying chemistry at university, the Deputy Commanding Officer takes great pride in applying a scientific approach to tactics development and mission planning. In his free time, he creates liveries for DCS, writes presentations for the Air Wing that no one reads, or heads out on his road bike for a trip.
Having flown the DCS F-14B Tomcat since it was launched, the Deputy Commander is uniquely familiar with its systems and is always on the lookout for new, non-classified information to expand his knowledge. He takes great pride in continuous learning and improving the experience Virtual CVW-17 offers.
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Having a family background in naval service and a lifelong interest in aircraft, the virtual wing's CAG LSO joined the DCS community in 2022. Quickly finding vCVW-17 in early 2023 and signing on as a Tomcat pilot, her attention to detail is nowadays focused on the safe recovery of our aircraft and the ever continuing development of our carrier procedures, in line with consultation from those who have been there and done it.
In the real world she studied robotics engineering and is currently working in IT, having worked in several differing professions over the years. DCS aside, her downtime can range from a mix of tinkering with projects, attending air shows, or playing the piano. Her long term goal is to be in a position to fly again in the real world.
With two years of flying the virtual Tomcat under her belt, the CAG LSO's primary goal is to have the wing recovering as smoothly and accurately as possible with continuous improvement and upskilling of our pilots and procedures. It is her hope to be able to instil confidence and safety in our pilots - and of course a dose of healthy competition.
