VF-9

Fighting Squadron 9 or VF-9 was an aviation unit of the U.S. Navy, originally established on 1 March 1942, it was disestablished on 28 September 1945.

History
VF-9 established at NAS Norfolk on 1 March 1942 as part of the new Carrier Air Group 9 (CVG-9) which was to be deployed aboard the new carrier USS Essex (CV-9). Originally equipped with the F2A-3 Buffalo, VF-9 began reequipping with the F4F-3 Wildcat in April 1942.

In late August 1942 VF-9 was deployed aboard USS Ranger (CV-4) to support Operation Torch. By late November 1942 Ranger had returned to NAS Norfolk and VF-9 rejoined the rest of CVG-9. VF-9 became the first Navy squadron to receive the F6F-3 Hellcat in February 1943.

In April 1943 CVG-9 embarked on the Essex for deployment to the Pacific Fleet. By mid-June 1943 Essex had arrived at Naval Station Pearl Harbor and CVG-9 was based at Naval Air Station Barbers Point. In September Essex left Pearl Harbor with CVG-9 embarked.

VF-9 scored over 250 kills in the Hellcat, making it the second most successful Hellcat squadron of the war.

Home port assignments

 * NAS Norfolk

Aircraft assignment

 * F2A-3 Buffalo
 * F4F-3 Wildcat
 * F6F-3/5 Hellcat

Notable former members

 * Herbert N. Houck
 * Eugene A. Valencia, Jr.
 * Thomas Mack Wilhoite
 * Hamilton McWhorter III