Fighter-Bomber Squadron 12 (VBF-12) WW2

VBF-12 was one of the Navy's new fighter-bomber squadrons of 1945. The VBF (Fighter-Bomber) designation was introduced on January 2, 1945, when the Navy split enlarged fighter complements into pure fighter (VF) and fighter-bomber (VBF) units. The kamikaze threat demanded more fighters on carriers, while the declining Japanese surface fleet reduced the need for dedicated dive bombers. VBF squadrons flew the Vought F4U Corsair, handling both air superiority and ground attack roles from the same aircraft.

Aboard USS Randolph

USS Randolph (CV-15) was an Essex-class carrier that survived a kamikaze strike while anchored at Ulithi Atoll on March 11, 1945,one of the few carriers hit while not at sea. A twin-engine Japanese bomber, part of Operation Tan, crashed into Randolph's aft flight deck, killing 25 and wounding 106. She was repaired in two weeks and returned to combat for the Okinawa campaign and final strikes against Japan.

VBF-12 served aboard USS Randolph (CV-15) as part of Carrier Air Group 12 in 1945, flying the Vought F4U Corsair during the Okinawa Campaign from April through June 1945, the last and bloodiest amphibious assault of the Pacific War, where the fleet absorbed nearly 1,900 kamikaze sorties. The Corsair's combination of speed, firepower, and 4,000-pound bomb capacity made VBF squadrons the most versatile combat units on any carrier flight deck.

The Vought F4U Corsair

The Vought F4U Corsair was the fastest carrier-based fighter of World War II. Its distinctive inverted gull wing,designed to accommodate the massive 13-foot, 4-inch propeller driven by a 2,250-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine,made it instantly recognizable. Capable of 417 mph, the Corsair was faster than any Japanese fighter it faced and could carry 4,000 pounds of ordnance, making it a devastating fighter-bomber.

The pilots of VBF-12 earned their place in history. Honor them with authentic Navy squadron gear.