USN VP/VB/VPB Squadron Size - Aircraft of World War II

wdolson · 12-31-2007, 08:00 AM

I've been doing some research for a project, and I've run across something which I can't find any documentation for. USN land based, multi engine air units (PBYs, PB4Ys, PV-1s, etc.) expanded from 12 aircraft to 15 per squadron starting in 1943, according to the USN aircraft location records here: Air Records

This appears to primarily be a Pacific phenomenon and the growth process was spread out through most of 1943.

I have been unable to find anything that discusses this evolution. Does anybody here know anything more about it? Did the squadrons continue to have 12 active planes with a 3 plane ready reserve, or were they operating 15 planes on a daily basis (if 15 were operational of course)? Was this a policy of the Pacific Fleet, or was it just practice to give combat squadrons a few extra planes?

Thanks in advance for any information you can give me,
Bill

FLYBOYJ · 12-31-2007, 10:45 AM

Pretty cool information....

It would be my guess squadron size was dictated by who ever was running the airwing and also by how many aircraft was on hand. I would also guess that if the squadron had 15 aircraft, the goal was to have all 15 mission capable (MC).

Fast foward 55 years and I was in a VP Reserve Squadron. My squadron had 15 aircraft, then 12, then 10, then 7. We were required to maintain a 60% MC rate and a 20% FMC (Fully Mission Capable) rate if my memory serves me right. I do know after 9-11 there was a push to get every aircraft at least MC.

I think the MC/ FMC thinking of a Naval Air Wing commander probably did not change much in 55 years....

12-31-2007, 08:00 AM	#1
wdolson Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Near Portland, OR Posts: 5	USN VP/VB/VPB Squadron Size I've been doing some research for a project, and I've run across something which I can't find any documentation for. USN land based, multi engine air units (PBYs, PB4Ys, PV-1s, etc.) expanded from 12 aircraft to 15 per squadron starting in 1943, according to the USN aircraft location records here: Air Records This appears to primarily be a Pacific phenomenon and the growth process was spread out through most of 1943. I have been unable to find anything that discusses this evolution. Does anybody here know anything more about it? Did the squadrons continue to have 12 active planes with a 3 plane ready reserve, or were they operating 15 planes on a daily basis (if 15 were operational of course)? Was this a policy of the Pacific Fleet, or was it just practice to give combat squadrons a few extra planes? Thanks in advance for any information you can give me, Bill

12-31-2007, 10:45 AM	#2
FLYBOYJ IP/Mech THE GREAT GAZOO Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 16,050	Pretty cool information.... It would be my guess squadron size was dictated by who ever was running the airwing and also by how many aircraft was on hand. I would also guess that if the squadron had 15 aircraft, the goal was to have all 15 mission capable (MC). Fast foward 55 years and I was in a VP Reserve Squadron. My squadron had 15 aircraft, then 12, then 10, then 7. We were required to maintain a 60% MC rate and a 20% FMC (Fully Mission Capable) rate if my memory serves me right. I do know after 9-11 there was a push to get every aircraft at least MC. I think the MC/ FMC thinking of a Naval Air Wing commander probably did not change much in 55 years.... __________________ "IF ITS RED OR DUSTY, DON'T TOUCH IT"

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