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Patrol Squadron (VP) 11- World War II

Exhibits & Collections > History Up Close


The insignia of Patrol Squadron (VP) 11 featured Pegasus, the winged horse from Greek mythology, which represented strength and agility.  Tracing its origins to a torpedo and bombing plane squadron established in 1924, the wartime        VP-11 saw combat on the first day of the war when Japanese planes struck the squadron's base as Naval Air Station (NAS) Kaneohe, Hawaii, on 7 December 1941, damaging or destroying most of their PBY Catalina aircraft.  Subsequently, the squadron made numerous deployments to the South Pacific, receiving the Presidential Unit Citation.  This handpainted leather insignia was completed in Australia and dates from 1944.
Seaplanes A Patrol Squadron (VP) 11 crew poses on the nose of their PBY-5 Catalina during a South Pacific deployment operating from the seaplane tender Half Moon (AVP 26).  Note the aircraft's paint scheme marking it as one employed in "Black Cat" operations, nocturnal missions against Japanese shipping and shore installations.  Nose art painted on the fuselage reveals the aircraft's nickname "Black Magic." 
Operating in primitive island locations throughout the South Pacific, Patrol Squadron (VP) 11 and other units put the versatility of their PBY Catalina flying boats to good use.  Landing at places like the Sepic River in New Guinea, the crews delivered supplies to coastwatchers and their native allies and also took on supplies of their own.
Though their aircraft was not the fastest one in the sky and was ungainly in appearance, those who flew in the PBY loved its versatility.  Catalinas logged missions ranging from long-range patrol to night attack, antisubmarine warfare, and combat search and rescue.  Their wings were also a good place to take a nap, as evidenced by this Patrol Squadron (VP) 11 sailor at rest on his aircraft during a break between missions.

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