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.
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 . Originally equipped with the F2A-3 Buffalo, VF-9 began reequipping with the F4F-3 Wildcat in April 1942.
In late August 1942, VF-9 was deployed aboard to support Operation Torch. By late November 1942, Ranger had returned to NAS Norfolk and VF-9 rejoined the rest of CVG-9. VF-9 became the first Navy squadron to receive the F6F-3 Hellcat in February 1943.
In April 1943, CVG-9 embarked on the Essex for deployment to the Pacific Fleet. By mid-June, 1943 Essex had arrived at Naval Station Pearl Harbor and CVG-9 was based at Naval Air Station Barbers Point. In September, Essex left Pearl Harbor with CVG-9 embarked.
VF-9 scored over 250 kills in the Hellcat, making it the second most successful Hellcat squadron of the war.
Home port assignments NAS Norfolk
Aircraft assignment F2A-3 Buffalo F4F-3 Wildcat F6F-3/5 Hellcat
Notable former members Herbert N. Houck Eugene A. Valencia, Jr. Thomas Mack Wilhoite Hamilton McWhorter III
See also List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons History of the United States Navy
References
External links