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WWII Composite Squadron question

Tue Mar 08, 2022 9:21 pm

The post asking for photos of the aircraft of VC-94 prompts a question.
On escort carriers the VC squadrons were equipped with 27 aircraft, a mix
if Wildcats and Avengers (Wiki gives a 12-15 ratio).

Obviously, the squadron leadership would have been checked out in both types, but what about the typical squadron pilots?
And I'll assume there was a difference between being just "checked out" in the type as opposed to being combat qualified.

Of course, flying a fighter and torpedo/dive bombing each require specialized training, but did the crews ever switch aircraft outside of an emergency?

Re: WWII Composite Squadron question

Wed Mar 09, 2022 2:46 am

In all of the VC squadron pilot rosters I have seen they mention either VF or VT pilot. I haven't seen any that VF/VT. So my best guess is that they were not qualified in both.

Mac

Re: WWII Composite Squadron question

Wed Mar 09, 2022 9:46 pm

Mac

It sounds like you've done original research, thanks for the knowledgeable reply.

As you say on your website, compared to other services or theaters, there isn't a lot of information on Navy Pacific units, so I thought it was a question worth asking.
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