Fighter Squadron 9 (VF-9),Cat o' Nines

Fighter Squadron 9 (VF-9), the Cat o' Nines, holds a rare distinction in naval aviation history: it was one of the only Navy fighter squadrons to see combat in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters during World War II. Before deploying to the Pacific aboard Essex-class carriers, VF-9 supported Operation Torch,the Allied invasion of North Africa in November 1942,flying from USS Ranger (CV-4), one of the few American carriers to operate in the Atlantic.

Operation Torch: North Africa

In November 1942, VF-9 flew F4F Wildcats from USS Ranger during Operation Torch, providing air cover for the Allied landings at Casablanca, Morocco. The squadron engaged Vichy French aircraft defending the coastline,a surreal situation where American pilots fought the aircraft of a nominal ally under German control. After securing air superiority over the beachheads, VF-9 prepared for transfer to the Pacific, where the real carrier war was being fought.

Pacific Combat: Essex, Lexington & Yorktown

VF-9 deployed to the Pacific aboard USS Essex (CV-9), lead ship of the 24-strong Essex-class,the most important aircraft carrier class ever built. Flying F6F Hellcats, the Cat o' Nines struck targets across the Central Pacific, participating in raids against Marcus Island, Wake, and the Gilbert Islands. The squadron later served aboard USS Lexington (CV-16), the "Blue Ghost," and USS Yorktown (CV-10) during the Philippines Campaign and late-war operations.

The F6F Hellcat

In the Pacific, VF-9 flew the Grumman F6F Hellcat, which had replaced the Wildcat as the Navy's primary carrier fighter. The Hellcat's 2,000-hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine gave it a 62 mph speed advantage over the F4F, while its six .50-caliber guns, 2,000 pounds of ordnance capacity, and self-sealing fuel tanks made it the most complete carrier fighter of the war. The F6F compiled 5,223 aerial victories,more than any other Allied aircraft type in the Pacific.

From North Africa to the Pacific, VF-9 fought on two oceans. Wear the legacy,shop Cat o' Nines apparel and World War II veteran gifts.