Scouting Squadron 1-D7 (VS-1D7) was a United States Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron in World War II. It was stationed at Naval Air Station Banana River, Florida (United States).
| Scouting Squadron 1-D7 | |
|---|---|
_insignia,_circa_1942.png) Squadron Emblem | |
| Active | 12 March 1942 – 1 October 1968 |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Role | Anti-submarine warfare |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Banana River |
| Aircraft flown | Vought OS2U/OS2N Kingfisher |
| Engagements | Battle of the Atlantic |
World War II
editThis type of squadron was also named "Naval District Inshore Patrol Squadron". VS-1D7 was therefore the first inshore patrol squadron assigned to the 7th Naval District.[1] The squadron was formed on 12 March 1942 with nine pilots, forty-nine men and five OS2N-1 Kingfisher seaplanes.[2] The squadron grew in size over time. In February 1943, it operated eight OS2U-3 at Banana River and two OS2N-1 at Naval Air Station Key West.[3]
As part of Gulf Sea Frontier Operation Plan 3-42 dated 15 March 1942, the squadron became task unit 26.2.9 and flew missions "to patrol shipping lanes" with a "be prepared to provide escort, search, tracking and striking groups."[4] During this operation, the higher headquarters was Fleet Air Wing 12 for administration and Gulf Sea Frontier for operations.[5] Weather permitting, the daily flying routine consisted of two patrols, one departing at dawn and one at dusk.[4] To support operations as needed, the squadron used advanced bases at Walker's Cay and Nassau, Bahamas.[5]
Cold War
editThe inshore patrol squadrons were redesignated as scouting squadrons on 1 February 1943. Following the end of the war, VS-1D7 was reduced to reserve status and became VS-913. This squadron was reactivated in 1951 as Anti-Submarine Squadron 39 (VS-39) "Hoot Owls". It was disestablished on 1 October 1968.[6]
References
edit
- ^ U.S. Navy: Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, 15 April 1942
- ^ Commanding Officer. "War Diary of VS-1D7 for March and April, 1942", dated 27 June 1942, page 3 (accessed from Fold3 website).
- ^ U.S. Navy: Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, 24 February 1943
- ^ a b Commanding Officer. "War Diary of VS-1D7 for March and April, 1942", dated 27 June 1942, page 10 (accessed from Fold3 website).
- ^ a b Commanding Officer. "War Diary of VS-1D7 for November, 1942", dated 5 December 1942, page 3 (accessed from Fold3 website).
- ^ "VS-39: History". VPNAVY.com. 2005. Retrieved 31 October 2020.