VF-33 (1942–1945)
| Fighter Squadron 33 | |
|---|---|
| Active | 6 August 1942 - 19 November 1945 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | Fighter |
| Nickname(s) | Hellcats |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | F6F-3/-5 Hellcat |
Fighter Squadron 33, or VF-33, was an aviation unit of the United States Navy. Originally established as Escort-Scouting Squadron 16 or VGS-16 on 6 August 1942, it was redesignated as Composite Squadron 16 or VC-16 on 1 March 1943, redesignated as VF-33 on 15 August 1943, and disestablished on 19 November 1945. It was the first US Navy squadron to be designated as VF-33.[1]
Operational history
VF-33, equipped with F6F Hellcats, was first deployed to Munda where they supported the New Georgia Campaign.[2]
While deployed in the Solomons, VF-33 was credited with 60 Japanese aircraft shot down,[2]: 19 and produced three aces: Lt.(jg) Frank E. Schnieder with seven kills, Lt. C. K. Hildebrandt with five kills, and Lt.(jg) James J. Kinsella also with five kills, three with VF-33 and two with VF-72 in the F4F-4 Wildcat.[2]: 10
See also
- History of the United States Navy
- List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
References
- ^ "Fighter Squadron Lineage". Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
- ^ a b c Tillman, Barrett (1996). Hellcat Aces of World War 2. Osprey Publishing. p. 8. ISBN 1855325969.