Black Cat PBYs: Squadron History of VPB-54 (2024)

Squadron History: VPB-54

15 Nov 1942–12 Feb 1943: VP-54 was established at NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii, as aseaplane squadron flying the PBY-5A Catalina under the operational control of FAW-2.Formation and training of the squadron continued through 11 February 1943. Although 12aircraft was the normal complement for a squadron, 18 aircraft were on board by the end ofthe year. On 12 February 1943, VP-54 was ordered to convert to a night flying unit withtwo weeks training time prior to transfer to the combat zone.

1 Mar 1943: The first element of aircraft de-parted NAS Kaneohe for NOB EspirituSanto, with the last aircraft arriving in early April. During this period of operationsthe squadron came under the operational control of FAW-1. While en route, four aircraftwere caught at NAF Canton Island in a surprise night raid by Japanese Mitsubishi G4M1 NavyType 1 (Betty) attack bombers. All four Catalinas were destroyed.

11 Mar 1943: VP-54 began sending its aircraft to Henderson Field, Guadalcanal,relieving VP-12. Its duties were to conduct antishipping patrols in the Solomons area insupport of the forces occupying the island and Dumbo missions in support of downedaircrews. The initial landings on Guadalcanal had been made on 7 August 1942, encounteringstrong Japanese resistance. The island was not declared secure until 9 February 1943.Patrol tracks included Russell Island, the southwest coast of Santa Isobel and thenorthern tip of Malaita and Savo Island.

5 Aug 1943: During the Rendova and Munda Island campaigns in the Solomons, theJapanese attempted to remove as many of their ground forces as possible from isolatedgarrisons. VP-54 conducted numerous antishipping attacks on transports during this period.

7 Sep 1943: VP-54 was based at NAB Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, with sevenaircraft, NOB Espiritu Santo with one aircraft and Noumea with three aircraft.

7 Oct 1943: VP-54 provided support for the forces attacking Vella Lavella,Solomons.

1 Nov 1943: VP-54 was tasked with providing anti-submarine coverage, searchmissions and air coverage at the beginning of the Bougainville campaign. By the end of thecampaign the squadron’s tour of duty drew to a close. Since arriving in the combattheater the squadron had recovered 52 personnel from the water, including downed pilotsand survivors of ship sinkings.

20 Nov 1943: VP-54 was relieved and flew its aircraft to Sidney, Australia. Theaircraft remained at Sidney while the squadron personnel were returned to the U.S. aboardship. After a period of home leave, a cadre of personnel were given orders to report toNAS San Diego, Calif., for reforming the squadron.

6 Feb 1944: VP-54 was reformed at NAS San Diego, Calif., under the operationalcontrol of FAW-14, with new PBY-5A aircraft to replace the ones left in Australia. By Maythe squadron had fully integrated its new personnel and equipment and was ready forre-deployment.

20 May 1944: VP-54 departed NAS San Diego in elements of three aircraft, with thelast arriving at NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii, on 21 May 1944. The remainder of the squadron andits assets were sent to Hawaii aboard Breton (CVE 10). Upon arrival at NAS Kaneohethe squadron came under the operational control of FAW-2.

28 May 1944: A detachment of six aircraft and nine crews was deployed to MidwayIsland until 2 July 1944, conducting routine operational patrols. The remaining squadronassets at NAS Kaneohe continued to perform routine patrols in Hawaiian waters.

8 Jul 1944: VP-54 deployed to Guadalcanal in three-plane sections, leaving NASKaneohe every other day. The first section arrived at Espiritu Santo on 12 July,continuing on to Carney Field, Guadalcanal, to relieve VP-81. During this period thesquadron came under the operational control of FAW-1.

31 Jul 1944: VP-54 was relocated to Luganville Airfield, Espiritu Santo, relievingVP-12. A detachment of four PBY-5As was maintained at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, forduty with the 2nd Marine Air Wing through 10 September 1944. The squadron aircraft atLuganville conducted routine ASW patrols and Dumbo searches.

13 Sep 1944: VP-54 deployed 13 aircraft and 15 crews to Emirau. Two aircraft weresent to Funafuti. Both detachments returned to Espiritu Santo on 21 September 1944.

22 Sep 1944: Long-range navigation over large areas of the ocean was difficult forlarge aircraft with a full time navigator and extremely difficult for single-seatfighters. The Navy was frequently called upon by the Army Air Forces to provide seaplaneescorts for fighter groups making long transits between island bases. The presence ofamphibious Navy aircraft also ensured a quick rescue in the event of ditching. VP-54conducted such a mission on 22 September, escorting the Western Caroline Air Force fromEmirau to Peleliu Island, staging through Hollandia and Owi.

24 Sep 1944: A three-aircraft element was sent on a night search for enemy shippingin the passage north of Peleliu.

1 Oct 1944: VP-54 was redesignated VPB-54. On this date, the squadron provided anescort for Marine squadrons being transferred from Emirau to Palau.

4 Nov 1944: A detachment of six aircraft and crews remained at Peleliu Island,Palau, for Dumbo missions. The other seven squadron aircraft remained at Espiritu Santo.

10 Nov 1944: VPB-54 was relieved by RNZAF Squadron No. 5, but lacking furtherorders remained at Espiritu Santo until mid-December.

12–23 Dec 1944: The seven aircraft of the Espiritu Santo detachment of VPB-54were relocated to the island of Los Negros. On 23 December 1944, the detachment relievedVPB-34 for air-sea rescue and evacuation work. Tender support at Leyte Gulf was providedby Orca (AVP 49) under the operational control of FAW-10.

27 Dec 1944–10 Jan 1945: VPB-23 relieved the squadron’s Peleliudetachment, but its aircraft were too worn out to be able to rejoin the squadron at LeyteGulf. The six aircraft were first flown to Woendi for overhaul on 1 January 1945. The workwas completed a week later and the detachment flew into Leyte on 10 January 1945. Uponarrival the detachment was put aboard Tangier (AV 8), while the remaining fiveaircraft and eight crews of the former Leyte detachment departed aboard Orca (AVP49) for duty in Lingayen Gulf.

22 Jan 1945: The six aircraft and crews aboard Tangier (AV 8) were relocatedto San Carlos (AVP 51) and continued operations in the Leyte Gulf.

14 Feb 1945: The Lingayen Gulf detachment was relieved by VPB-17 and then returnedto Leyte Gulf to rejoin the rest of the squadron. Currituck (AV 7) provided thisgroup tender support.

17 Feb 1945: VPB-54’s tour of duty formally concluded with its relief at LeyteGulf by VPB-17. Three of the squadron aircraft were flown to Manus Island fortransportation to the U.S. The remaining crews departed from Samar Island via NATS,returning to the continental U.S. The support staff and ground crews boarded Wharton (AP7) for return to the States.

24 Feb–13 Mar 1945: The commanding officer and aircrew personnel reported toCOMFAIRALAMEDA and FAW-8 at NAS Alameda, Calif.. On 13 March 1945, prior to the arrival ofthe ground crews and support staff, all personnel were given reassignment orders sendingthem to other squadrons.

7 Apr 1945: VPB-54 was disestablished at NAS Alameda, Calif.

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