VF-8 (1941–1942)

Fighting Squadron 8 or VF-8 was an aviation unit of the U.S. Navy. It was originally established 2 September 1941 and disestablished on 28 August 1942.^[1]

Fighting Squadron 8
Active	2 September 1941 – 28 August 1942
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Part of	Inactive
Aircraft	F4F Wildcat
Engagements	World War II

Operational history

VF-8 F4Fs prepare to launch from USS Hornet in 1942

VF-8 was deployed as part of Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8) aboard the USS Hornet. Initially equipped with the F4F-3 Wildcat, in February 1942 VF-8 reequipped with the F4F-4 at Naval Air Station Alameda while the Hornet embarked the 16 B-25B Mitchell medium bombers to be used in the Doolittle Raid.^[2]

During the Battle of Midway 10 VF-8 F4Fs were forced to ditch due to lack of fuel while searching for the Japanese fleet. Two of the pilots were lost at sea.^[3] Following the battle in June 1942 Hornet returned to Naval Station Pearl Harbor where VF-8 was disembarked and replaced by VF-72.^[4][5]

Home port assignments

• NAS Alameda
• Naval Station Pearl Harbor

Aircraft assignment

• F4F-3/4 Wildcat

See also

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