VF-2 (1927–1942)

Fighting Squadron 2 or VF-2 was an aviation unit of the United States Navy. Originally established as VF-2 on 1 January 1927, it was redesignated VF-2B on 1 July 1927, redesignated as VF-2S on 1 July 1932, redesignated as VF-2B in April 1933, redesignated as VF-2 on 1 July 1937, it was disestablished on 1 July 1942. It was the second US Navy squadron to be designated as VF-2.[1]

Fighting Squadron 2
Active1 January 1927 - 1 July 1942
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Navy
TypeFighter
Nickname(s)Flying Chiefs
EngagementsWorld War II
Aircraft flown
FighterF2A Buffalo
F4F Wildcat

Operational history
VF-2B Boeing F3Bs at NAS North Island c.1929

World War II
VF-2 F2A Buffalo in 1941

At the time of the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor, VF-2 was flying the F2A Buffalo, but soon transitioned to the F4F Wildcat.

The squadron's first combat occurred during the Battle of the Coral Sea, the world's first engagement between aircraft carriers. On 7 May 1942, VF-2 escorted strike aircraft against the Japanese aircraft carrier Shōhō. VF-2 claimed 6 confirmed aerial kills and 3 probable kills. The next day, Japanese carriers Shokaku and Zuikaku exchanged air strikes with the US force, and VF-2 lost 5 aircraft while claiming 11 kills. USS Lexington succumbed to torpedo damage and sank. Without an aircraft carrier, VF-2 was disestablished on 1 July 1942.

See also

References
  1. "Lineage for Fighter Squadrons" (PDF). Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 6 October 2016.

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