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

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

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. 1 2 Commanding Officer. "War Diary of VS-1D7 for March and April, 1942", dated 27 June 1942, page 10 (accessed from Fold3 website).
  5. 1 2 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 2020-10-31.
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