diff --git a/code/ai/aigoals.cpp b/code/ai/aigoals.cpp
index 12209ef1ca8..75279a20ff0 100644
--- a/code/ai/aigoals.cpp
+++ b/code/ai/aigoals.cpp
@@ -207,10 +207,10 @@ void ai_maybe_add_form_goal(wing* wingp)
 				if (Netgame.type_flags & NG_TYPE_TEAM) {
 					const ship_registry_entry* ship_regp = ship_registry_get(Ships[wingp->ship_index[j]].ship_name);
 					wingnum = TVT_wings[ship_regp->p_objp->team];
-					ai_add_ship_goal_player(AIG_TYPE_PLAYER_SHIP, AI_GOAL_FORM_ON_WING, -1, Ships[Wings[wingnum].ship_index[Wings[wingnum].special_ship]].ship_name, aip);
+					ai_add_ship_goal_player(AIG_TYPE_PLAYER_SHIP, AI_GOAL_FORM_ON_WING, -1, Ships[Wings[wingnum].ship_index[0]].ship_name, aip);
 				} else {
 					wingnum = Starting_wings[0];
-					ai_add_ship_goal_player(AIG_TYPE_PLAYER_SHIP, AI_GOAL_FORM_ON_WING, -1, Ships[Wings[wingnum].ship_index[Wings[wingnum].special_ship]].ship_name, aip);
+					ai_add_ship_goal_player(AIG_TYPE_PLAYER_SHIP, AI_GOAL_FORM_ON_WING, -1, Ships[Wings[wingnum].ship_index[0]].ship_name, aip);
 				}
 			} else if (!(Game_mode & GM_MULTIPLAYER)) {
 				ai_add_ship_goal_player(AIG_TYPE_PLAYER_SHIP, AI_GOAL_FORM_ON_WING, -1, Player_ship->ship_name, aip);
@@ -522,7 +522,7 @@ void ai_goal_purge_invalid_goals( ai_goal *aigp, ai_goal *goal_list, ai_info *ai
 
 					// for wings we grab the ship type of the wing leader
 					if (ai_wingnum >= 0) {
-						ai_ship_type = Ship_info[Ships[Wings[ai_wingnum].ship_index[Wings[ai_wingnum].special_ship]].ship_info_index].class_type;
+						ai_ship_type = Ship_info[Ships[Wings[ai_wingnum].ship_index[0]].ship_info_index].class_type;
 					}
 					// otherwise we simply grab it from the ship itself
 					else {
diff --git a/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.cpp b/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.cpp
index 4e1c50da834..ef0ddd4108b 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.cpp
@@ -899,9 +899,9 @@ void hud_squadmsg_send_to_all_fighters( int command, int player_num )
 			continue;
 
 		// get the first ship on the wing list and look at its team and then its type
-		shipnum = Wings[i].ship_index[Wings[i].special_ship];
+		shipnum = Wings[i].ship_index[0];
 
-		// if special ship isn't valid then just move on
+		// if wing leader isn't valid then just move on
 		if (shipnum < 0)
 			continue;
 
@@ -2058,8 +2058,8 @@ void hud_squadmsg_wing_command()
 	default_orders.erase(CAPTURE_TARGET_ITEM); // we cannot capture any target with a wing.
 
 	Num_menu_items = 0;
-	shipnum = wingp->ship_index[wingp->special_ship];
-	Assertion(shipnum >= 0, "Special ship (%d) for wing '%s' has a negative ship_index (%d). This should not happen; get a coder!\n", wingp->special_ship, wingp->name, shipnum);
+	shipnum = wingp->ship_index[0];
+	Assertion(shipnum >= 0, "Wing leader for wing '%s' has a negative ship_index (%d). This should not happen; get a coder!\n", wingp->name, shipnum);
 	orders = Ships[shipnum].orders_accepted;		// get the orders that the wing leader will accept
 	
 	for ( size_t order_id : default_orders ) {
diff --git a/code/mission/missionhotkey.cpp b/code/mission/missionhotkey.cpp
index 4b73dbb0332..9402c073750 100644
--- a/code/mission/missionhotkey.cpp
+++ b/code/mission/missionhotkey.cpp
@@ -646,8 +646,8 @@ int hotkey_build_team_listing(int enemy_team_mask, int y, bool list_enemies)
 		char wing_name[NAME_LENGTH];
 
 		// the wing has to be valid
-		if (Wings[i].current_count && Wings[i].ship_index[Wings[i].special_ship] >= 0) {
-			ship *shipp = &Ships[Wings[i].ship_index[Wings[i].special_ship]];
+		if (Wings[i].current_count && Wings[i].ship_index[0] >= 0) {
+			ship *shipp = &Ships[Wings[i].ship_index[0]];
 
 			// check IFF override and team mask
 			if (Iff_info[shipp->team].hotkey_team == IFF_hotkey_team::Default) {
diff --git a/code/mission/missionparse.cpp b/code/mission/missionparse.cpp
index 78fd272b20a..428c01c2da5 100644
--- a/code/mission/missionparse.cpp
+++ b/code/mission/missionparse.cpp
@@ -4224,10 +4224,6 @@ int parse_wing_create_ships( wing *wingp, int num_to_create, bool force_create,
 			for (j = i; j < length - 1; j++)
 			{
 				wingp->ship_index[j] = wingp->ship_index[j+1];
-
-				// update "special" ship too
-				if (wingp->special_ship == j+1)
-					wingp->special_ship--;
 			}
 
 			// last value becomes -1
@@ -4278,12 +4274,9 @@ int parse_wing_create_ships( wing *wingp, int num_to_create, bool force_create,
 		// test code to check to be sure that all ships in the wing are ignoring the same types
 		// of orders from the leader
 		if ( Fred_running ) {
-			Assert( wingp->ship_index[wingp->special_ship] != -1 );
+			Assert( wingp->ship_index[0] != -1 );
 			const std::set<size_t>& orders = Ships[wingp->ship_index[0]].orders_accepted;
-			for (it = 0; it < wingp->current_count; it++ ) {
-				if (it == wingp->special_ship)
-					continue;
-
+			for (it = 1; it < wingp->current_count; it++ ) {
 				if ( orders != Ships[wingp->ship_index[it]].orders_accepted ) {
 					Warning(LOCATION, "ships in wing %s are ignoring different player orders.  Please find Mark A\nto talk to him about this.", wingp->name );
 					break;
@@ -4360,8 +4353,8 @@ void parse_wing(mission *pm)
 	required_string("$Wave Threshold:");
 	stuff_int(&wingp->threshold);
 
-	required_string("$Special Ship:");
-	stuff_int(&wingp->special_ship);
+	if (optional_string("$Special Ship:"))
+		stuff_int(&i);	// not used
 
 	// Use a custom formation if specified
 	if (optional_string("+Formation:")) {
@@ -7461,7 +7454,7 @@ bool mission_maybe_make_wing_arrive(int wingnum, bool force_arrival)
 		if(MULTI_TEAM)
 		{
 			// send a hostile wing arrived message
-			rship = wingp->ship_index[wingp->special_ship];
+			rship = wingp->ship_index[0];
 
 			int multi_team_filter = Ships[rship].team;
 
diff --git a/code/parse/sexp.cpp b/code/parse/sexp.cpp
index 5fdb6e6f7de..8b68454b288 100644
--- a/code/parse/sexp.cpp
+++ b/code/parse/sexp.cpp
@@ -6107,17 +6107,8 @@ object_ship_wing_point_team::object_ship_wing_point_team(wing* wp)
 	else
 		type = OSWPT_TYPE_WING_NOT_PRESENT;
 
-	// point to wing leader if he is valid
-	if ((wingp->special_ship >= 0) && (wingp->ship_index[wingp->special_ship] >= 0))
-	{
-		objp = &Objects[Ships[wingp->ship_index[wingp->special_ship]].objnum];
-	}
-	// boo... well, just point to ship at index 0
-	else
-	{
-		objp = &Objects[Ships[wingp->ship_index[0]].objnum];
-		Warning(LOCATION, "Substituting ship '%s' at index 0 for nonexistent wing leader at index %d!", Ships[objp->instance].ship_name, wingp->special_ship);
-	}
+	// point to wing leader
+	objp = &Objects[Ships[wingp->ship_index[0]].objnum];
 }
 
 void object_ship_wing_point_team::clear()
@@ -6234,17 +6225,8 @@ void eval_object_ship_wing_point_team(object_ship_wing_point_team *oswpt, int no
 		{
 			oswpt->type = OSWPT_TYPE_WING;
 
-			// point to wing leader if he is valid
-			if ((wingp->special_ship >= 0) && (wingp->ship_index[wingp->special_ship] >= 0))
-			{
-				oswpt->objp = &Objects[Ships[wingp->ship_index[wingp->special_ship]].objnum];
-			}
-			// boo... well, just point to ship at index 0
-			else
-			{
-				oswpt->objp = &Objects[Ships[wingp->ship_index[0]].objnum];
-				Warning(LOCATION, "Substituting ship '%s' at index 0 for nonexistent wing leader at index %d!", Ships[oswpt->objp->instance].ship_name, wingp->special_ship);
-			}
+			// point to wing leader
+			oswpt->objp = &Objects[Ships[wingp->ship_index[0]].objnum];
 		}
 		// it's still a valid wing even if nobody is here
 		else
diff --git a/code/ship/ship.cpp b/code/ship/ship.cpp
index e524bef3d79..6e4eabf1690 100644
--- a/code/ship/ship.cpp
+++ b/code/ship/ship.cpp
@@ -6691,8 +6691,6 @@ void wing::clear()
 	total_departed = 0;
 	total_vanished = 0;
 
-	special_ship = 0;
-
 	arrival_location = ARRIVE_AT_LOCATION;
 	arrival_distance = 0;
 	arrival_anchor = -1;
@@ -8000,10 +7998,6 @@ void ship_wing_cleanup( int shipnum, wing *wingp )
 	Assert ( wingp->current_count >= 0 );
 	wingp->ship_index[wingp->current_count] = -1;
 
-	// adjust the special ship if necessary
-	if (wingp->special_ship > 0 && wingp->special_ship >= index)
-		wingp->special_ship--;
-
 	// if the current count is 0, check to see if the wing departed or was destroyed.
 	if (wingp->current_count == 0)
 	{
diff --git a/code/ship/ship.h b/code/ship/ship.h
index 08a7738d6c3..aa84afb4ca1 100644
--- a/code/ship/ship.h
+++ b/code/ship/ship.h
@@ -1516,8 +1516,6 @@ typedef struct wing {
 	int	total_departed;						// total number of ships departed in this wing (including all waves)
 	int total_vanished;						// total number of ships vanished in this wing (including all waves)
 
-	int	special_ship;							// the leader of the wing.  An index into ship_index[].
-
 	int	arrival_location;						// arrival and departure information for wings -- similar to info for ships
 	int	arrival_distance;						// distance from some ship where this ship arrives
 	int	arrival_anchor;						// name of object this ship arrives near (or in front of)
diff --git a/fred2/dumpstats.cpp b/fred2/dumpstats.cpp
index 8604e9cc857..c1b0536878c 100644
--- a/fred2/dumpstats.cpp
+++ b/fred2/dumpstats.cpp
@@ -585,7 +585,7 @@ void DumpStats::get_species_ship_breakdown(CString &buffer)
 		buffer += "\tFighter wings:\r\n";
 		for (i=0; i<MAX_WINGS; i++) {
 			if (Wings[i].wave_count > 0) {
-				int wing_leader_shipnum = Wings[i].ship_index[Wings[i].special_ship];
+				int wing_leader_shipnum = Wings[i].ship_index[0];
 				if (Ship_info[Ships[wing_leader_shipnum].ship_info_index].species == species) {
 					if (Ship_info[Ships[wing_leader_shipnum].ship_info_index].flags[Ship::Info_Flags::Fighter]) {
 						temp.Format("\t\tWing: %s, count: %d, waves: %d, type: %s\r\n", Wings[i].name, Wings[i].wave_count, Wings[i].num_waves, Ship_info[Ships[wing_leader_shipnum].ship_info_index].name);
@@ -599,7 +599,7 @@ void DumpStats::get_species_ship_breakdown(CString &buffer)
 		buffer += "\tBomber wings:\r\n";
 		for (i=0; i<MAX_WINGS; i++) {
 			if (Wings[i].wave_count > 0) {
-				int wing_leader_shipnum = Wings[i].ship_index[Wings[i].special_ship];
+				int wing_leader_shipnum = Wings[i].ship_index[0];
 				if (Ship_info[Ships[wing_leader_shipnum].ship_info_index].species == species) {
 					if (Ship_info[Ships[wing_leader_shipnum].ship_info_index].flags[Ship::Info_Flags::Bomber]) {
 						temp.Format("\t\tWing: %s, count: %d, waves: %d, type: %s\r\n", Wings[i].name, Wings[i].wave_count, Wings[i].num_waves, Ship_info[Ships[wing_leader_shipnum].ship_info_index].name);
@@ -766,7 +766,7 @@ void DumpStats::get_default_ship_loadouts(CString &buffer)
 		buffer += "\tFighter wings:\r\n";
 		for (i=0; i<MAX_WINGS; i++) {
 			if (Wings[i].wave_count > 0) {
-				int wing_leader_shipnum = Wings[i].ship_index[Wings[i].special_ship];
+				int wing_leader_shipnum = Wings[i].ship_index[0];
 				if (Ship_info[Ships[wing_leader_shipnum].ship_info_index].species == species) {
 					if (Ship_info[Ships[wing_leader_shipnum].ship_info_index].flags[Ship::Info_Flags::Fighter]) {
 						temp.Format("\t\tWing: %s\r\n", Wings[i].name);
@@ -782,7 +782,7 @@ void DumpStats::get_default_ship_loadouts(CString &buffer)
 		buffer += "\tBomber wings:\r\n";
 		for (i=0; i<MAX_WINGS; i++) {
 			if (Wings[i].wave_count > 0) {
-				int wing_leader_shipnum = Wings[i].ship_index[Wings[i].special_ship];
+				int wing_leader_shipnum = Wings[i].ship_index[0];
 				if (Ship_info[Ships[wing_leader_shipnum].ship_info_index].species == species) {
 					if (Ship_info[Ships[wing_leader_shipnum].ship_info_index].flags[Ship::Info_Flags::Bomber]) {
 						temp.Format("\t\tWing: %s\r\n", Wings[i].name);
diff --git a/fred2/fred.rc b/fred2/fred.rc
index 370a63e9ce5..428666c26e3 100644
--- a/fred2/fred.rc
+++ b/fred2/fred.rc
@@ -1151,12 +1151,11 @@ BEGIN
     PUSHBUTTON      "Prev",IDC_PREV,240,7,24,14,0,WS_EX_STATICEDGE
     PUSHBUTTON      "Next",IDC_NEXT,267,7,24,14,0,WS_EX_STATICEDGE
     EDITTEXT        IDC_WING_NAME,65,7,73,14,ES_AUTOHSCROLL
-    COMBOBOX        IDC_WING_SPECIAL_SHIP,65,23,73,161,CBS_DROPDOWNLIST | WS_VSCROLL | WS_TABSTOP
-    EDITTEXT        IDC_WING_WAVES,65,37,61,14,ES_AUTOHSCROLL | ES_NUMBER
+    EDITTEXT        IDC_WING_WAVES,65,23,61,14,ES_AUTOHSCROLL | ES_NUMBER
     CONTROL         "Spin2",IDC_SPIN_WAVES,"msctls_updown32",UDS_SETBUDDYINT | UDS_ALIGNRIGHT | UDS_AUTOBUDDY | UDS_ARROWKEYS,127,37,11,15
-    EDITTEXT        IDC_WING_WAVE_THRESHOLD,65,53,61,15,ES_AUTOHSCROLL | ES_NUMBER
+    EDITTEXT        IDC_WING_WAVE_THRESHOLD,65,39,61,15,ES_AUTOHSCROLL | ES_NUMBER
     CONTROL         "Spin2",IDC_SPIN_WAVE_THRESHOLD,"msctls_updown32",UDS_SETBUDDYINT | UDS_ALIGNRIGHT | UDS_AUTOBUDDY | UDS_ARROWKEYS,127,53,11,15
-    COMBOBOX        IDC_HOTKEY,65,70,73,115,CBS_DROPDOWNLIST | WS_VSCROLL | WS_TABSTOP
+    COMBOBOX        IDC_HOTKEY,65,56,73,115,CBS_DROPDOWNLIST | WS_VSCROLL | WS_TABSTOP
     PUSHBUTTON      "Squad Logo",IDC_WING_SQUAD_LOGO_BUTTON,7,89,55,14
     EDITTEXT        IDC_WING_SQUAD_LOGO,65,90,80,14,ES_AUTOHSCROLL | ES_READONLY
     CONTROL         "Reinforcement Unit",IDC_REINFORCEMENT,"Button",BS_AUTOCHECKBOX | WS_TABSTOP,143,10,77,10
@@ -1191,9 +1190,8 @@ BEGIN
     CONTROL         "Hide Cues",IDC_HIDE_CUES,"Button",BS_AUTOCHECKBOX | BS_PUSHLIKE | WS_TABSTOP,241,71,49,12
     GROUPBOX        "Departure",IDC_STATIC,153,110,138,270
     RTEXT           "Wing Name",IDC_STATIC,19,10,42,8
-    RTEXT           "Wave Threshold",IDC_STATIC,7,56,54,8
-    RTEXT           "# of Waves",IDC_STATIC,16,40,45,8
-    RTEXT           "Leader",IDC_STATIC,38,25,23,8,NOT WS_GROUP
+    RTEXT           "Wave Threshold",IDC_STATIC,7,42,54,8
+    RTEXT           "# of Waves",IDC_STATIC,16,26,45,8
     LTEXT           "Location",IDC_STATIC,15,124,28,8
     LTEXT           "Cue:",IDC_STATIC,15,259,16,8
     GROUPBOX        "Arrival",IDC_CUE_FRAME,7,110,138,270
@@ -1202,7 +1200,7 @@ BEGIN
     LTEXT           "Delay",IDC_STATIC,160,140,19,8
     LTEXT           "Delay",IDC_STATIC,15,140,19,8
     LTEXT           "Seconds",IDC_STATIC,102,141,45,8
-    RTEXT           "Hotkey",IDC_STATIC,37,72,24,8
+    RTEXT           "Hotkey",IDC_STATIC,37,58,24,8
     GROUPBOX        "Delay Between Waves",IDC_STATIC,15,154,119,30
     LTEXT           "Min",IDC_STATIC,21,167,12,8
     LTEXT           "Max",IDC_STATIC,80,167,14,8
@@ -2823,8 +2821,6 @@ END
 
 IDD_WING_EDITOR DLGINIT
 BEGIN
-    IDC_WING_SPECIAL_SHIP, 0x403, 6, 0
-0x6977, 0x676e, 0x0031, 
     IDC_HOTKEY, 0x403, 5, 0
 0x6f4e, 0x656e, "\000" 
     IDC_HOTKEY, 0x403, 11, 0
diff --git a/fred2/fredview.cpp b/fred2/fredview.cpp
index 4a3dedd5bfe..e5d3a6412f6 100644
--- a/fred2/fredview.cpp
+++ b/fred2/fredview.cpp
@@ -2830,10 +2830,6 @@ int CFREDView::global_error_check()
 				}
 			}
 
-			if ((Wings[i].special_ship < 0) || (Wings[i].special_ship >= Wings[i].wave_count)){
-				return internal_error("Special ship out of range for \"%s\"", Wings[i].name);
-			}
-
 			if (Wings[i].num_waves < 0){
 				return internal_error("Number of waves for \"%s\" is negative", Wings[i].name);
 			}
@@ -4384,8 +4380,7 @@ void CFREDView::OnMarkWing()
 		for (i=0; i<Wings[wing].wave_count; i++)
 			mark_object(wing_objects[wing][i]);
 
-		Assert(Wings[wing].special_ship >= 0 && Wings[wing].special_ship < Wings[wing].wave_count);
-		set_cur_object_index(wing_objects[wing][Wings[wing].special_ship]);
+		set_cur_object_index(wing_objects[wing][0]);
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/fred2/management.cpp b/fred2/management.cpp
index 22a8a96c3b7..45302fd11aa 100644
--- a/fred2/management.cpp
+++ b/fred2/management.cpp
@@ -1371,11 +1371,6 @@ int delete_ship_from_wing(int ship)
 			}
 
 			Assert(i != -1);  // Error, object should be in wing.
-			if (Wings[wing].special_ship == i){
-				Wings[wing].special_ship = 0;
-			} else if (Wings[wing].special_ship > i) {
-				Wings[wing].special_ship--;
-			}
 
 			if (i != end) {
 				wing_objects[wing][i] = wing_objects[wing][end];
diff --git a/fred2/missionsave.cpp b/fred2/missionsave.cpp
index e0c522d4587..35cb4bcdd92 100644
--- a/fred2/missionsave.cpp
+++ b/fred2/missionsave.cpp
@@ -4463,10 +4463,12 @@ int CFred_mission_save::save_wings()
 		parse_comments();
 		fout(" %d", Wings[i].threshold);
 
-		required_string_fred("$Special Ship:");
-		parse_comments();
-		fout(" %d\t\t;! %s", Wings[i].special_ship,
-			 Ships[Wings[i].ship_index[Wings[i].special_ship]].ship_name);
+		if (Mission_save_format == FSO_FORMAT_RETAIL) {
+			if (optional_string_fred("$Special Ship:")) {
+				parse_comments();
+				fout(" %d\t\t;! %s", 0, Ships[Wings[i].ship_index[0]].ship_name);
+			}
+		}
 
 		if (Mission_save_format != FSO_FORMAT_RETAIL) {
 			if (Wings[i].formation >= 0 && Wings[i].formation < (int)Wing_formations.size())
diff --git a/fred2/resource.h b/fred2/resource.h
index 051e44ce075..a4e8d95b4e6 100644
--- a/fred2/resource.h
+++ b/fred2/resource.h
@@ -161,7 +161,6 @@
 #define IDC_SHIP_WEAPON1                1019
 #define IDC_WEAPON_ENERGY_AMMO_USAGE    1019
 #define IDC_SHIP_WEAPON2                1020
-#define IDC_WING_SPECIAL_SHIP           1021
 #define IDC_MODEL_NAME                  1021
 #define IDC_WEAPON_LIGHT_CAST           1021
 #define IDC_AI_DETERMINATION            1022
diff --git a/fred2/wing.cpp b/fred2/wing.cpp
index 1462d9815c4..432e477ba32 100644
--- a/fred2/wing.cpp
+++ b/fred2/wing.cpp
@@ -246,8 +246,6 @@ int create_wing() {
 			Ships[ship].departure_cue = Locked_sexp_false;
 
 			wing_objects[wing][i] = OBJ_INDEX(ptr);
-			if (OBJ_INDEX(ptr) == leader)
-				Wings[wing].special_ship = i;
 		}
 
 		ptr = GET_NEXT(ptr);
@@ -275,7 +273,7 @@ int create_wing() {
 		"Error", MB_ICONEXCLAMATION);
 
 
-	leader_team = Ships[Wings[wing].ship_index[Wings[wing].special_ship]].team;
+	leader_team = Ships[Wings[wing].ship_index[0]].team;
 	for (i = 0; i < Wings[wing].wave_count; i++) {
 		if (Ships[Wings[wing].ship_index[i]].team != leader_team) {
 			Fred_main_wnd->MessageBox("Wing contains ships on different teams", "Warning");
@@ -366,8 +364,7 @@ void mark_wing(int wing)
 	int i;
 
 	unmark_all();
-	Assert(Wings[wing].special_ship >= 0 && Wings[wing].special_ship < Wings[wing].wave_count);
-	set_cur_object_index(wing_objects[wing][Wings[wing].special_ship]);
+	set_cur_object_index(wing_objects[wing][0]);
 	for (i=0; i<Wings[wing].wave_count; i++)
 		mark_object(wing_objects[wing][i]);
 }
@@ -395,8 +392,6 @@ void remove_ship_from_wing(int ship, int min) {
 					break;
 
 			Assert(i != -1);  // Error, object should be in wing.
-			if (Wings[wing].special_ship == i)
-				Wings[wing].special_ship = 0;
 
 			// if not last element, move last element to position to fill gap
 			if (i != end) {
diff --git a/fred2/wing_editor.cpp b/fred2/wing_editor.cpp
index 75592ddbf37..2c5d4b03eae 100644
--- a/fred2/wing_editor.cpp
+++ b/fred2/wing_editor.cpp
@@ -45,7 +45,6 @@ wing_editor::wing_editor(CWnd* pParent /*=NULL*/)
 	//{{AFX_DATA_INIT(wing_editor)
 	m_wing_name = _T("");
 	m_wing_squad_filename = _T("");
-	m_special_ship = -1;
 	m_waves = 0;
 	m_threshold = 0;
 	m_formation = 0;	// retail formation (no formation) is -1, but it's the 0-offset in the combo box
@@ -89,7 +88,6 @@ void wing_editor::DoDataExchange(CDataExchange* pDX)
 	DDX_Control(pDX, IDC_SPIN_WAVES, m_waves_spin);
 	DDX_Text(pDX, IDC_WING_NAME, m_wing_name);
 	DDX_Text(pDX, IDC_WING_SQUAD_LOGO, m_wing_squad_filename);
-	DDX_CBIndex(pDX, IDC_WING_SPECIAL_SHIP, m_special_ship);
 	DDX_CBIndex(pDX, IDC_WING_FORMATION, m_formation);
 	DDX_Text(pDX, IDC_WING_FORMATION_SCALE, m_formation_scale);
 	DDX_CBIndex(pDX, IDC_ARRIVAL_LOCATION, m_arrival_location);
@@ -282,7 +280,6 @@ void wing_editor::initialize_data_safe(int full_update)
 	m_ignore_count = 0;
 	if (cur_wing < 0) {
 		m_wing_squad_filename = _T("");
-		m_special_ship = -1;
 		m_formation = 0;
 		m_formation_scale = _T("1.0");
 		m_arrival_location = -1;
@@ -343,7 +340,6 @@ void wing_editor::initialize_data_safe(int full_update)
 				player_wing = 1;
 
 		m_wing_squad_filename = _T(Wings[cur_wing].wing_squad_filename);
-		m_special_ship = Wings[cur_wing].special_ship;
 		m_waves = Wings[cur_wing].num_waves;
 		m_threshold = Wings[cur_wing].threshold;
 		m_formation = Wings[cur_wing].formation + 1;
@@ -424,11 +420,6 @@ void wing_editor::initialize_data_safe(int full_update)
 		m_same_arrival_warp_when_docked = Wings[cur_wing].flags[Ship::Wing_Flags::Same_arrival_warp_when_docked] ? TRUE : FALSE;
 		m_same_departure_warp_when_docked = Wings[cur_wing].flags[Ship::Wing_Flags::Same_departure_warp_when_docked] ? TRUE : FALSE;
 
-		ptr = (CComboBox *) GetDlgItem(IDC_WING_SPECIAL_SHIP);
-		ptr->ResetContent();
-		for (i=0; i<Wings[cur_wing].wave_count; i++)
-			ptr->AddString(Ships[Wings[cur_wing].ship_index[i]].ship_name);
-
 		m_threshold_spin.SetRange(0, static_cast<short>(calc_max_wave_treshold()));
 		for (i=0; i<Num_reinforcements; i++)
 			if (!stricmp(Reinforcements[i].name, Wings[cur_wing].name))
@@ -445,7 +436,6 @@ void wing_editor::initialize_data_safe(int full_update)
 
 	GetDlgItem(IDC_WING_NAME)->EnableWindow(enable);
 	GetDlgItem(IDC_WING_SQUAD_LOGO_BUTTON)->EnableWindow(enable);
-	GetDlgItem(IDC_WING_SPECIAL_SHIP)->EnableWindow(enable);
 	GetDlgItem(IDC_WING_WAVES)->EnableWindow(player_enabled);
 	GetDlgItem(IDC_WING_WAVE_THRESHOLD)->EnableWindow(player_enabled);
 	GetDlgItem(IDC_DISBAND_WING)->EnableWindow(enable);
@@ -787,7 +777,6 @@ void wing_editor::update_data_safe()
 		}
 	}
 
-	MODIFY(Wings[cur_wing].special_ship, m_special_ship);
 	MODIFY(Wings[cur_wing].num_waves, m_waves);
 	MODIFY(Wings[cur_wing].threshold, m_threshold);
 	MODIFY(Wings[cur_wing].formation, m_formation - 1);
diff --git a/fred2/wing_editor.h b/fred2/wing_editor.h
index e84155ec8b9..1e0de5a2594 100644
--- a/fred2/wing_editor.h
+++ b/fred2/wing_editor.h
@@ -47,7 +47,6 @@ class wing_editor : public CDialog
 	CSpinButtonCtrl	m_threshold_spin;
 	CSpinButtonCtrl	m_waves_spin;
 	CString	m_wing_name;
-	int		m_special_ship;
 	int		m_waves;
 	int		m_threshold;
 	int		m_formation;
diff --git a/qtfred/src/mission/Editor.cpp b/qtfred/src/mission/Editor.cpp
index 527c120dddc..4e53f31d004 100644
--- a/qtfred/src/mission/Editor.cpp
+++ b/qtfred/src/mission/Editor.cpp
@@ -1342,11 +1342,6 @@ int Editor::delete_ship_from_wing(int ship) {
 			}
 
 			Assert(i != -1);  // Error, object should be in wing.
-			if (Wings[wing].special_ship == i) {
-				Wings[wing].special_ship = 0;
-			} else if (Wings[wing].special_ship > i) {
-				Wings[wing].special_ship--;
-			}
 
 			if (i != end) {
 				wing_objects[wing][i] = wing_objects[wing][end];
@@ -2165,10 +2160,6 @@ int Editor::global_error_check_impl() {
 				}
 			}
 
-			if ((Wings[i].special_ship < 0) || (Wings[i].special_ship >= Wings[i].wave_count)) {
-				return internal_error("Special ship out of range for \"%s\"", Wings[i].name);
-			}
-
 			if (Wings[i].num_waves < 0) {
 				return internal_error("Number of waves for \"%s\" is negative", Wings[i].name);
 			}
diff --git a/qtfred/src/mission/EditorWing.cpp b/qtfred/src/mission/EditorWing.cpp
index 1b08aaa1e79..ee3174a7a0c 100644
--- a/qtfred/src/mission/EditorWing.cpp
+++ b/qtfred/src/mission/EditorWing.cpp
@@ -268,9 +268,6 @@ int Editor::create_wing()
 			Ships[ship].departure_cue = Locked_sexp_false;
 
 			wing_objects[wing][i] = OBJ_INDEX(ptr);
-			if (OBJ_INDEX(ptr) == leader) {
-				Wings[wing].special_ship = i;
-			}
 		}
 
 		ptr = GET_NEXT(ptr);
@@ -304,7 +301,7 @@ int Editor::create_wing()
 			{DialogButton::Ok});
 	}
 
-	leader_team = Ships[Wings[wing].ship_index[Wings[wing].special_ship]].team;
+	leader_team = Ships[Wings[wing].ship_index[0]].team;
 	for (i = 0; i < Wings[wing].wave_count; i++) {
 		if (Ships[Wings[wing].ship_index[i]].team != leader_team) {
 			_lastActiveViewport->dialogProvider->showButtonDialog(DialogType::Warning,
@@ -345,9 +342,6 @@ void Editor::remove_ship_from_wing(int ship, int min)
 			}
 
 			Assert(i != -1); // Error, object should be in wing.
-			if (Wings[wing].special_ship == i) {
-				Wings[wing].special_ship = 0;
-			}
 
 			// if not last element, move last element to position to fill gap
 			if (i != end) {
@@ -390,8 +384,7 @@ void Editor::mark_wing(int wing)
 	int i;
 
 	unmark_all();
-	Assert(Wings[wing].special_ship >= 0 && Wings[wing].special_ship < Wings[wing].wave_count);
-	setupCurrentObjectIndices(wing_objects[wing][Wings[wing].special_ship]);
+	setupCurrentObjectIndices(wing_objects[wing][0]);
 	for (i = 0; i < Wings[wing].wave_count; i++) {
 		markObject(wing_objects[wing][i]);
 	}
diff --git a/qtfred/src/mission/missionsave.cpp b/qtfred/src/mission/missionsave.cpp
index 1e962a77600..edbbc8479e0 100644
--- a/qtfred/src/mission/missionsave.cpp
+++ b/qtfred/src/mission/missionsave.cpp
@@ -4435,9 +4435,12 @@ int CFred_mission_save::save_wings()
 		parse_comments();
 		fout(" %d", Wings[i].threshold);
 
-		required_string_fred("$Special Ship:");
-		parse_comments();
-		fout(" %d\t\t;! %s", Wings[i].special_ship, Ships[Wings[i].ship_index[Wings[i].special_ship]].ship_name);
+		if (save_format == MissionFormat::RETAIL) {
+			if (optional_string_fred("$Special Ship:")) {
+				parse_comments();
+				fout(" %d\t\t;! %s", 0, Ships[Wings[i].ship_index[0]].ship_name);
+			}
+		}
 
 		if (save_format != MissionFormat::RETAIL) {
 			if (Wings[i].formation >= 0 && Wings[i].formation < (int)Wing_formations.size())