"Ed Kettler" wrote in message
news:algth.2401$R65.25@trnddc01...
Looking for photos of F8F-1 Bearcats assigned to Pacific theater late
1945. My notes indicate that VF-17 and VF-18 were in squadron service in
the Pacific, but didn't get to see combat.

Many thanks!
Ed
From what I have read, VF-18 and VF-19 were the first two F8F squadrons.
VF-17 (The Jolly Rogers) flew F6F's until they moved over to F4U's. In 1946
they became VF-5B and went to the USS Midway.

VF-19 and VF-18 became operational May 21, 1945 with the F8F. VF-19 was at
sea on the USS Langley heading to the Pacific when WWII ended. The Langley
was turned and headed back to the states. VF-18 was still waiting to be sent
to the Pacific.