Department's integrated tactical air assets program. CVW-9 is (as of March, 2007) currently deployed aboard the in the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility as part of Carrier Strike Group Three. CVW-9 deployed with USS John C. Stennis on a scheduled Western Pacific deployment on 13 January 2009. CVW-9 returned to the United States on 6 July 2009 after participating in operations in the Persian Gulf, exercises with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and annual exercises as Foal Eagle with the Republic of Korea and joint exercise Northern Edge 2009. Upon completion of this deployment, VFA-154, and VFA-146 were replaced by VFA-41, and VFA-14. CVW-9 deployed again with on a scheduled deployment on 29 July 2011 and returned to the United States on 27 February 2012 after participating in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Nine were the last aircraft to conduct combat missions over Iraq, ending Operation New Dawn. Following a 5-month down period, CVW-9 deployed again with on a scheduled deployment from August 2012 to April 2013 in support of 5th Fleet operations and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). (CVN-74) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 collectively earned the 2012 Ramage Award for carrier/air wing operational excellence 26 March 2012. The Navy-wide award, named for Rear Admiral James "Jig Dog" Ramage, a legendary World War II ace, recognizes the top aircraft carrier/air wing team for best performance as an integrated unit and excellence in Navy aircraft carrier operations. VAQ-136 joined CVW-9 on 1 June 2013 making them the first EA-18G Growler squadron in the airwing's history. After a short stay, VAQ-136 was replaced by CVW-9's previous Electronic Attack Squadron, VAQ-133, after successful completion of the transition from EA-6B to EA-18G aircraft. From January through August 2016 CVW-9 executed a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, strengthening partnerships with allies in the region and executing freedom of navigation missions in the South China Sea. In October 2018 CVW-9 began an around the world cruise on board (CVN-74) as part of Carrier Strike Group Three that would take them through operations in the Western Pacific, South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean. During this historic deployment CVW-9 squadrons conducted combat flights in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Resolute Support and Freedom Sentinel over Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Carrier Air Wing NINE squadrons returned to NAS Lemoore, North Island, Point Mugu, and Whidbey