f1tifosi27 -> RE: VMO squadron ?? (1/25/2005 9:13:42 PM)
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In WITP, VMO-251 appears to operate as a regular fighter squadron. Historically, it was classified as a 'VMO' squadron, but was eventually reclassified as VMF-251 in January 1945. Here's some background information. Pardon the abbreviations, but I quoted this directly from the text. "VMF-251. Comm 1Dec41 at San Diego as VMO-251. Ordered to New Zealand in May42 but orders changed and Sq went to Espiritu. Mission changed from observation to fighter sq. Sq photographers flew regularly with Army B-17s from Tontouta and Espiritu until 30Oct42. VMO-251 operated field at Espiritu, maintained and serviced Army, Navy and Marine planes. Entire Sq moved to Guadalcanal 17Jan43 although many pilots had served at Henderson previously. By Jul43 Sq was in US but 29Feb44 departed West Coast and arrived at Espiritu 9May44. Moved to Green, then to Bougainville where from Jun to Dec44 participated in neutralization of Bismarks area. On 2Jan45 arrived at Samar. Redesig VMF-251 on 31Jan45. Operated in Phillipines until 12May45. Decomm 1Jun45 [list of CO's omitted]" from History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II by Robert Sherrod
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