Navy Retires C-2A Greyhound from Carrier Onboard Delivery Role

The U.S. Navy completed the final carrier landing and catapult launch of its C-2A Greyhound aircraft aboard the USS Nimitz on June 25, 2026. Greyhounds assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 performed the last arrested landing and catapult launch, after which the aircraft will no longer operate from carriers.

The Greyhound has provided carrier onboard delivery services since the late 1960s. Its role is now fully transferred to the CMV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, which reached initial operational capability in 2021.

A Navy official confirmed to TWZ that the Greyhounds will continue limited shore-based flights until later this year, when full retirement is expected barring major contingencies. The final carrier operations occurred during a multinational exercise tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Janes reported that Vice Admiral Doug Perry, commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk and U.S. 2nd Fleet, participated in the final flights. Reporters also flew aboard the Greyhounds during the last catapult launches from the Nimitz.

Background on the Aircraft The C-2A Greyhound is a derivative of the E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft. It replaced the piston-powered C-1 Trader and received airframe and avionics upgrades in the 1980s. The Navy procured 39 new C-2A aircraft between 1984 and 1990.

The CMV-22B offers greater range and the ability to land on unimproved surfaces and at night. It can also perform aerial refueling, capabilities the Greyhound lacks. However, the Osprey fleet faced a worldwide grounding after a 2023 crash and subsequent flight restrictions that limited its COD range.

" — Rear Adm. Douglas Verissimo, then commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic, 2025.