Fighter Squadron 34 (VF-34) WW2

Fighter Squadron 34 (VF-34) flew the Grumman F6F Hellcat during the Philippines Campaign of 1944-1945, supporting General MacArthur's return to the islands while the fleet endured the first organized kamikaze attacks of the war. Serving aboard USS Essex (CV-9) as part of Carrier Air Group 34, VF-34 was one of the US Navy fighter squadrons that secured American control of the Pacific skies during World War II.

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.

VF-34 deployed aboard USS Essex from 1944-1945, flying combat sorties during Philippines and Okinawa Campaign. The squadron provided fighter cover for the fleet, escorted bomber strikes against Japanese targets, and conducted fighter sweeps to destroy enemy aircraft on the ground. Alongside squadrons like VF-15 Satan's Playmates, VF-34 was part of the carrier air power that won the Pacific War.

Aircraft: The Grumman F6F Hellcat

The Grumman F6F Hellcat compiled a 19:1 kill ratio against Japanese aircraft,the highest of any fighter in the Pacific Theater. Between its combat debut over Marcus Island on August 31, 1943, and VJ-Day, Hellcat pilots claimed 5,223 aerial victories, accounting for 56 percent of all Navy and Marine air-to-air kills. Armed with six .50-caliber Browning machine guns and capable of carrying 2,000 pounds of ordnance, the F6F was equally lethal in air combat and ground attack.

The pilots of VF-34 earned their place in history. Honor them with authentic Navy squadron gear.