VMF-911
Encyclopedia
Marine Fighter Squadron 911 (VMF-911) was an aircraft squadron of the United States Marine Corps
during World War II
. Known as the “Devilcats”, it served as a training squadron during the war, and was deactivated in early 1946.
, under Major James B. Moore. Initial training was on the F4U Corsair
but 911 transitioned to the F7F Tigercat
in February 1945, the second Marine Corps squadron to receive the twin-engine Grumman (after VMFN-531; see Location and Allowance of US Naval Aircraft, 13 February 1945). In mid-August 1945, led by Major Robert T. Kingsbury, 911 was sent to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
, California
from which it was to deploy to Okinawa, Japan
to support Operation Downfall
the planned invasion of Japan..
Following Japan's surrender, VMF-911 aviators, aircraft, and a small number of ground personnel deployed from Miramar to Okinawa. Upon arrival, the squadron’s assets and personnel were absorbed by VMF-312 and remained so until their return to the United States in February 1946. During its time overseas, VMF-312 adopted the Devilcat insignia and nickname. The squadron was disestablished on March 15, 1946.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Known as the “Devilcats”, it served as a training squadron during the war, and was deactivated in early 1946.
World War II
VMF-911 was formed on June 25, 1944, at Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield Kinston, North CarolinaNorth Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, under Major James B. Moore. Initial training was on the F4U Corsair
F4U Corsair
The Vought F4U Corsair was a carrier-capable fighter aircraft that saw service primarily in World War II and the Korean War. Demand for the aircraft soon overwhelmed Vought's manufacturing capability, resulting in production by Goodyear and Brewster: Goodyear-built Corsairs were designated FG and...
but 911 transitioned to the F7F Tigercat
F7F Tigercat
The Grumman F7F Tigercat was the first twin-engined fighter aircraft to enter service with the United States Navy. Designed for the new Midway-class aircraft carriers, the aircraft were too large to operate from earlier decks. Although delivered to United States Marine Corps combat units before...
in February 1945, the second Marine Corps squadron to receive the twin-engine Grumman (after VMFN-531; see Location and Allowance of US Naval Aircraft, 13 February 1945). In mid-August 1945, led by Major Robert T. Kingsbury, 911 was sent to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar , formerly Naval Air Station Miramar is a United States Marine Corps installation that is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation element of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
from which it was to deploy to Okinawa, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
to support Operation Downfall
Operation Downfall
Operation Downfall was the Allied plan for the invasion of Japan near the end of World War II. The operation was cancelled when Japan surrendered after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's declaration of war against Japan. The operation had two parts: Operation...
the planned invasion of Japan..
Following Japan's surrender, VMF-911 aviators, aircraft, and a small number of ground personnel deployed from Miramar to Okinawa. Upon arrival, the squadron’s assets and personnel were absorbed by VMF-312 and remained so until their return to the United States in February 1946. During its time overseas, VMF-312 adopted the Devilcat insignia and nickname. The squadron was disestablished on March 15, 1946.
See also
- United States Marine Corps AviationUnited States Marine Corps AviationUnited States Marine Corps Aviation is the air component of the United States Marine Corps. Marine aviation has a very different mission and operation than its ground counterpart, and thus, has many of its own histories, traditions, terms, and procedures....
- List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons
- List of inactive United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons