Fighter group command officer (Vanguard)

The CAG, or Fighter Group Commander, refers to the commander of the fighter group aboard a Federation starship with a full complement of from eight (8) to twenty (20) fighter squadrons, as opposed to the Wing Commander who commands only one wing of four (4) fighter squadrons. The term traces its origins to 1938 when the first Carrier Air Group of the United States Navy was formed. Air Groups were redesignated as Carrier Air Wings, or CVWs in the 1970s, but the head of the air wing is still referred to as the CAG.

The CAG is the most senior commanding officer of the embarked squadrons and was expected to personally lead all major strike operations, coordinating the attacks of the carrier class's starfighters in combat. The CAG then became a department head of the ship reporting to the carrier's Commanding Officer. The CAG is coequal with the Executive Officer of the ship, with both officers reporting directly to the CO, who usually is the embarked Flag Officer-in-Command of the task force being led by the carrier. Half the time, the CAG serves as a "warfare commander" usually performing duties from aboard the starship, rather than flying his/her starfighter in space. Despite this reduction in flying time, the CAG is typically qualified to fly at least two types of starfighters in the Carrier Fighter Group inventory.

A CAG holds the rank of Captain.