 CVW-1 was originally the "Ranger Air Group", serving aboard USS "Ranger" during the early years of carrier aviation.The air group also operated aboard the other three carriers in commission at that time and beyond - USS "Langley", USS "Lexington", 

After the commencement of World War II, and until 1943, The air wing participated in the North African Campaign and operated in all parts of the Atlantic and Pacific.On 3 August 1943 the Ranger Air Group was redesignated Carrier Air Group FOUR (CVG-4).