VF-9

File:Ray Wagner Collection Photo (16062615836).jpg lands on {{USS|Ranger|CV-4|6}} in October 1942]]

File:F6F-3 of VF-9 takes off from USS Essex (CV-9) off Truk in February 1944.jpg prepare to launch from {{USS|Essex|CV-9|6}} in 1944]]

File:VF-9 scoreboard 1943-44.jpg

VF-9 was 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|6}}.{{cite book|last=Young|first=Edward|title=F6F Hellcat Aces of VF-9|publisher=Osprey Publishing|pages=7–8}} Originally equipped with the F2A-3 Buffalo, VF-9 began reequipping with the F4F-3 Wildcat in April 1942.{{rp|8}}

In late August 1942, VF-9 was deployed aboard {{USS|Ranger|CV-4|6}} to support Operation Torch.{{rp|10}} By late November 1942, Ranger had returned to NAS Norfolk and VF-9 rejoined the rest of CVG-9.{{cite web|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/location-of-us-naval-aircraft-world-war-ii/1942/28-nov-1942.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910061618/http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/location-of-us-naval-aircraft-world-war-ii/1942/28-nov-1942.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 September 2015|title=Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 28 Nov 1942|publisher=Naval History and Heritage Command|access-date=19 April 2016}} VF-9 became the first Navy squadron to receive the F6F-3 Hellcat in February 1943.{{rp|7}}

In April 1943, CVG-9 embarked on the Essex for deployment to the Pacific Fleet.{{cite web|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/location-of-us-naval-aircraft-world-war-ii/1943/3-apr-1943.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920030248/http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/location-of-us-naval-aircraft-world-war-ii/1943/3-apr-1943.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 September 2015|title=Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 3 Apr 1943|publisher=Naval History and Heritage Command|access-date=19 April 2016}} By mid-June, 1943 Essex had arrived at Naval Station Pearl Harbor and CVG-9 was based at Naval Air Station Barbers Point.{{cite web|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/location-of-us-naval-aircraft-world-war-ii/1943/15-jun-1943.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927184121/http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/location-of-us-naval-aircraft-world-war-ii/1943/15-jun-1943.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 September 2015|title=Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 15 Jun 1943|publisher=Naval History and Heritage Command|access-date=19 April 2016}} In September, Essex left Pearl Harbor with CVG-9 embarked.{{cite web|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/location-of-us-naval-aircraft-world-war-ii/1943/7-sep-1943.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910055846/http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/location-of-us-naval-aircraft-world-war-ii/1943/7-sep-1943.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 September 2015|title=Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft, World War II 7 Sep 1943|publisher=Naval History and Heritage Command|access-date=19 April 2016}}

VF-9 scored over 250 kills in the Hellcat, making it the second most successful Hellcat squadron of the war.{{rp|7}}

• NAS Norfolk

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

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

• List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
• History of the United States Navy

{{reflist}}

{{US Navy navbox}}

{{United States Navy Aircraft Squadrons}}

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Category:Fighter squadrons of the United States Navy