| Fighting Squadron 9 | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1 March 1942 – 28 September 1945 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Part of | Inactive |
| Aircraft | F2A-3 Buffalo F4F Wildcat F6F-3/5 Hellcat |
| Engagements | World War II |
Fighting Squadron 9 or VF-9 was an aviation unit of the U.S. Navy. Originally established on 1 March 1942, it was disestablished on 28 September 1945.1
History
VF-9 was established at NAS Norfolk on 1 March 1942 as part of the new Carrier Air Group 9 (CVG-9) which was to be deployed aboard the new carrier USS Essex.2 Originally equipped with the F2A-3 Buffalo, VF-9 began reequipping with the F4F-3 Wildcat in April 1942.2: 8
In late August 1942, VF-9 was deployed aboard USS Ranger to support Operation Torch.2: 10 By late November 1942, Ranger had returned to NAS Norfolk and VF-9 rejoined the rest of CVG-9.3 VF-9 became the first Navy squadron to receive the F6F-3 Hellcat in February 1943.2: 7
In April 1943, CVG-9 embarked on the Essex for deployment to the Pacific Fleet.4 By mid-June, 1943 Essex had arrived at Naval Station Pearl Harbor and CVG-9 was based at Naval Air Station Barbers Point.5 In September, Essex left Pearl Harbor with CVG-9 embarked.6
VF-9 scored over 250 kills in the Hellcat, making it the second most successful Hellcat squadron of the war.2: 7
Home port assignments
- NAS Norfolk
Aircraft assignment
Notable former members
See also
See also
References
References
- "Lineage for Fighter Squadrons" (PDF). Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
- Young, Edward. F6F Hellcat Aces of VF-9. Osprey Publishing. pp. 7–8.
- "Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 28 Nov 1942". Naval History and Heritage Command. Archived from the original on 10 September 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- "Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 3 Apr 1943". Naval History and Heritage Command. Archived from the original on 20 September 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- "Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 15 Jun 1943". Naval History and Heritage Command. Archived from the original on 27 September 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- "Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 7 Sep 1943". Naval History and Heritage Command. Archived from the original on 10 September 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2016.