VF-8 (1943–1945)

Fighter Squadron 8 or VF-8 was an aviation unit of the U.S. Navy, originally established on 1 June 1943, it was disestablished on 23 November 1945. It was the second US Navy squadron to be designated VF-8.[1]

Fighter Squadron 8
Active1 June 1943-23 November 1945
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Navy
Part ofInactive
Nickname(s)Hellcats
AircraftF6F-3/5 Hellcat
EngagementsWorld War II

Operational history
VF-8 F6F-3s in flight in 1943

VF-8 under the command of Lt Cdr William M. Collins Jr. was initially assigned to the USS Intrepid during that ship's shakedown cruise in the Caribbean.

In March 1944 the squadron was deployed as part of Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8) aboard the USS Bunker Hill until October 1944. During this deployment VF-8 pilot Lt. Edward L. Feightner scored 5 victories, bringing his total score to 9.

From November 1944 to the end of January 1945 CVG-8 was shore-based at NAS Alameda.[2] From February to mid-May CVG-8 was based at NAAS Watsonville.[3] From late May to early August 1945 CVG-8 was based at NAS Puunene Hawaii.[4] By September 1945 CVG-8 was based on Saipan.[5]

Home port assignments

The squadron was assigned to these home ports:

Aircraft assignment

See also

References
  1. "Lineage for Fighter Squadrons" (PDF). Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  2. "Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 30 Jan 1945". Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
  3. "Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 19 May 1945". Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
  4. "Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 26 May 1945". Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
  5. "Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 7 Sep 1945". Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
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