Fighter-Bomber Squadron 3 (VBF-3) WW2

VBF-3 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 Essex

USS Essex (CV-9) was the lead ship of the 24-strong Essex-class,the most important aircraft carrier class ever built. Commissioned on December 31, 1942, Essex earned 13 battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation during the Pacific War. Her air groups, including the legendary VF-15 Satan's Playmates, compiled some of the highest aerial victory totals of any carrier in the fleet.

VBF-3 served aboard USS Essex (CV-9) as part of Carrier Air Group 83 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.

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