The mission of Virtual Carrier Air Wing EIGHT is to provide its members with an organization committed to presenting an authentic representation of U.S. Navy Carrier Air Wing operations in training and combat environments.

A group of mature flight simulation and Naval Aviation enthusiasts who enjoy learning, flying, and fighting together in a manner that reflects the real-world operations of U.S. Navy carrier air wings. We enjoy learning how to execute operations in a manner that is reflective of real-world procedures and strive to improve our execution through thorough debriefs and training materials.

Our training and operational programs and standard operating procedures have been created by current and former U.S. Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers with thousands of hours operating aircraft in the carrier environment, all over the world. Their lived experiences combined with open-source documentation provide the foundation for all operations with Virtual CVW-8.

We have fun!

Ultimately, every member of Virtual CVW-8 flies here because they have fun doing it. There are many ways to enjoy DCS, and many groups that provide many different philosophies and brands of operations.

Virtual CVW-8 executes realistic operations based on the Fleet Readiness Training Program (FRTP) construct that provides a stepping-stone approach to learning how to fly and fight the F/A-18C in a realistic manner. We utilize an open-world, sandbox type of simulation construct rather than scripted missions. When you join Virtual CVW-8, you will get a sense of what it is like to operate within an actual Navy squadron. Whether working on BFM, SEAD, Case I or just enjoying an AIRNAV around the Marianas…Virtual CVW-8 provides an immersive experience for the simulation enthusiast.

At the completion of the FRTP, Virtual CVW-8 will deploy in support of global operations. Our next scheduled deployment will be in support of SIXTH Fleet combat objectives in the Syria area of operations. Deployments run for multiple months and are executed in a large scale, open world campaign with many objectives that will test the full multi-mission capability of the air wing.

But what about those times when pilots don’t feel like doing the fully mil-sim thing? What about flying other modules, goofing off, and just enjoying the variety that DCS has to offer? For those instances, Virtual CVW-8 offers the Factory Flying Club, a massive flight simulation playground with every module offered by DCS where our pilots can enjoy flying other modules, learn from one another, and just enjoy this fantastic hobby in a more laid-back manner.