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VS-1D7

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Scouting Squadron 1-D7
Squadron Emblem
Active12 March 1942 – 1 October 1968
Country United States
BranchUnited States Navy
RoleAnti-submarine warfare
Garrison/HQNaval Air Station Banana River
Aircraft flownVought OS2U/OS2N Kingfisher
EngagementsBattle of the Atlantic

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).

World War II

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This 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

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The 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

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  1. ^ U.S. Navy: Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, 15 April 1942
  2. ^ Commanding Officer. "War Diary of VS-1D7 for March and April, 1942", dated 27 June 1942, page 3 (accessed from Fold3 website).
  3. ^ U.S. Navy: Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, 24 February 1943
  4. ^ a b Commanding Officer. "War Diary of VS-1D7 for March and April, 1942", dated 27 June 1942, page 10 (accessed from Fold3 website).
  5. ^ a b Commanding Officer. "War Diary of VS-1D7 for November, 1942", dated 5 December 1942, page 3 (accessed from Fold3 website).
  6. ^ "VS-39: History". VPNAVY.com. 2005. Retrieved 31 October 2020.