USN VP/VB/VPB Squadron Size

[wdolson]

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]

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....