After an intensive training period, the air group embarked in USS Intrepid and participated in combat operations against the Japanese during World War II.

During the years from 1966 – 1977 the air wing completed seven Mediterranean deployments in USS Independence and participated in numerous North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) exercises.

In early 1978, Air Wing Seven embarked in USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for shakedown and weapons training in the Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico operating area.

[3] On 1 March 1978, Air Wing SEVEN became permanently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and deployed in January 1979 for IKE's maiden, Mediterranean voyage.

From April through December 1980, the air wing embarked for an Indian Ocean deployment in support of operations to rescue the hostages in Tehran, following in September and October by NATO exercises in the North Atlantic.

Mediterranean Deployment 2-90 became a Red Sea excursion as the IKE/CVW-7 Battle Group was the first on scene to deter Iraqi aggression in Operation Desert Shield.

The Commemoration activities were highlighted by port visits to England, Brest, France and President Bill Clinton's stay aboard the carrier.

In response to aggressive Iraqi troop movements south towards Kuwait, the George Washington Battle Group transited the Suez Canal at maximum speed.

Turnover with the IKE Battle Group took place north of the Suez Canal and USS George Washington/CVW-7 returned to a rainy Norfolk on 17 November 1994.

This Joint Task Group 98-2 deployment included over four months on station in the Northern Persian Gulf supporting Operation Southern Watch.

[6] In April and May 2008, CVW-7's strike fighter squadrons accompanied George Washington from Norfolk, Virginia, to San Diego, California, around Cape Horn.