VF-12

Fighter Squadron 12
VF-12 F6F-5 on USS Randolph in 1945
Active9 January 1943 – 17 September 1945
Country United States
Branch United States Navy
TypeFighter
Engagements
Insignia
Identification
symbol
Aircraft flown
FighterF6F-3/5 Hellcat

Fighter Squadron 12 or VF-12 was an aviation unit of the United States Navy. Originally established on 9 January 1943, it was disestablished on 17 September 1945. It was the first US Navy squadron to be designated as VF-12.[1]

Operational history

VF-12 F6F-3 launches from USS Saratoga in 1943

VF-12 equipped with F6F-3 Hellcats formed part of Carrier Air Group 12 (CAG-12) and was assigned to USS Saratoga, flying aboard on 1 August 1943. CAG-12 supported the Battle of the Treasury Islands from October-November before the Saratoga returned to Pearl Harbor on 30 November.

In January 1944 CAG-12 rejoined the Saratoga and supported the later phases of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign and then carried out attacks against Japanese forces in the Indian Ocean before returning to Pearl Harbor in June.

In January 1945 VF-12 was assigned to USS Randolph and supported the Invasion of Iwo Jima and raids on the Japanese home islands.

Notable former members

• Marvin Harper

See also

References

  1. ^ "Lineage for Fighter Squadrons" (PDF). Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 6 October 2016.