Originally Posted by
SLXOwft
The CAG (officially Carrier Air Wing Commander) is a Captain (O-6), the current generation of NAS COs are Commanders (in the case of 617 could be a Wg Cdr or Cdr) not as in the past usually Lt Cdrs, then Cdr Hugh Drake RN of 892 was an exception. One reason I heard was that it was also necessary to outrank the COs of embarked USMC F-35B squadrons such as VMA-211 who are Lt Cols (O-5). The CAG on CSG21 Capt James Blackmore RN was prior to appointment and simultaneous promotion Wings on QNLZ as a Cdr. Pr00ne is correct in saying CAG is in charge all the air assets in the CSG.
Hugh still going, albeit somewhat frail nowadays.
A man of many stories and about to be the victim of circumstances re accommodation in the twilight of his years.
If you know Hugh, PM me and I can update.
TN.