View Full Version : REQ: F8F Bearcat - VF-17, VF-18
Ed Kettler
January 23rd 07, 04:40 AM
Looking for photos of F8F-1 Bearcats assigned to Pacific theater late 1945.
My notes indicate that VF-17 and VF-18 were in squadron service in the
Pacific, but didn't get to see combat.
Many thanks!
Ed
Mike Henley
January 26th 07, 04:52 AM
"Ed Kettler" > wrote in message
news:algth.2401$R65.25@trnddc01...
> Looking for photos of F8F-1 Bearcats assigned to Pacific theater late
> 1945. My notes indicate that VF-17 and VF-18 were in squadron service in
> the Pacific, but didn't get to see combat.
>
> Many thanks!
> Ed
From what I have read, VF-18 and VF-19 were the first two F8F squadrons.
VF-17 (The Jolly Rogers) flew F6F's until they moved over to F4U's. In 1946
they became VF-5B and went to the USS Midway.
VF-19 and VF-18 became operational May 21, 1945 with the F8F. VF-19 was at
sea on the USS Langley heading to the Pacific when WWII ended. The Langley
was turned and headed back to the states. VF-18 was still waiting to be sent
to the Pacific.
Mike Henley
January 26th 07, 04:52 AM
"Ed Kettler" > wrote in message
news:algth.2401$R65.25@trnddc01...
> Looking for photos of F8F-1 Bearcats assigned to Pacific theater late
> 1945. My notes indicate that VF-17 and VF-18 were in squadron service in
> the Pacific, but didn't get to see combat.
>
> Many thanks!
> Ed
From what I have read, VF-18 and VF-19 were the first two F8F squadrons.
VF-17 (The Jolly Rogers) flew F6F's until they moved over to F4U's. In 1946
they became VF-5B and went to the USS Midway.
VF-19 and VF-18 became operational May 21, 1945 with the F8F. VF-19 was at
sea on the USS Langley heading to the Pacific when WWII ended. The Langley
was turned and headed back to the states. VF-18 was still waiting to be sent
to the Pacific.
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