VPB-125 was a Patrol Bombing Squadron of the U.S. Navy. The squadron was established as Patrol Squadron 20 (VP-20) on 1 September 1938, redesignated Patrol Squadron 44 (VP-44) on 1 July 1940, redesignated Patrol Squadron 61 (VP-61) on 6 January 1941, redesignated Patrol Squadron 82 (VP-82) on 1 July 1941, redesignated Bombing Squadron 125 (VB-125) on 1 March 1943, redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 125 (VPB-125) on 1 October 1944 and disestablished on 8 June 1945.[1]
1 September 1938: VP-20 was established at NAS Seattle, Washington, flying the P2Y-3 seaplane, under operational control of PatWing-4.
January 1940: The squadron deployed a detachment to Sitka, Alaska, to test new wing deicers. During the testing, tender support was provided by USS Teal.
6 January 1941: The squadron was redesignated VP-61 and transferred to NAS Alameda, California, under operational control of PatWing-6.
1 June 1941: The squadron was transferred to NAS Norfolk, Virginia, the last plane arrived there on 11 June 1941.
15 August 1941: VP-82 was transferred to NAS Floyd Bennett Field, New York, under the operational control of PatWing-8. The squadron began a period of Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search tactics training. Crews were alternated for four days of indoctrination training aboard tender USS Pocomoke at Gardner, Long Island.
15 October – November 1941: the squadron was transferred to NAS Norfolk, under PatWing-5. By 28 October 1941, the squadron had received its full allotment of 15 aircraft and was relocated again, this time to NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island. This squadron probably set a record for patrol squadrons during the war in the greatest number of aircraft exchanges in a six-month period. An article in the squadron newsletter dated 2 August 1941 read, "It is believed that this squadron has the distinction of completing the greatest number of reassignments of aircraft in the shortest time. From the period 29 March to 26 July (less than four months) four complete new assignments of airplanes, including spare parts, have been accomplished. The models assigned included P2Y-3, PBY-3, PBY-4 and PBY-5. Up to date, no repeat on any one plane has resulted. It is felt that this record should stand for some time but any squadron desiring to become a competitor for the honor should do so with circumspect." Three months after the article was published the squadron transitioned to a fifth model, the PBO-1. From October through 11 November 1941, the squadron’s 40 pilots accompanied Army crews in Lockheed Hudson bombers flying from the factory at Burbank, California, to Norfolk. This training was for transition from the Navy’s PBY Catalina flying boats to the Hudson bomber, designated by the Navy as PBO-1s. Assignment of these aircraft, originally destined for the British and painted with British markings, was the beginning of what became an extensive use of landplanes by patrol squadrons during the war and, although it was not yet apparent, was the first move toward the eventual elimination of the flying boat from patrol aviation.
1 January – May 1942: Twelve aircraft of VP-82 were transferred to NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, to provide convoy coverage, harbor patrol and ASW sweeps. The squadron came under the operational control of PatWing-7 while at NAS Argentia and NAS Quonset Point. The crews were berthed during this period aboard USS Pocomoke. From January through May, the crews began shifting to other tenders, including USS George E. Badger and USS Barnegat. The berthing situation stabilized on 22 May 1942, when the crews were berthed ashore at the air station barracks.
28 January 1942: The squadron claimed a U-boat sunk off Cape Race, however postwar examination of enemy records do not indicate any losses during that period.
1 March 1942: A second U-boat was claimed sunk by Ensign Tepuni flying a PBO-1 Hudson, also near Cape Race. German Navy records indicate that this was U-656, with a crew of 45. U-656 was the first German submarine sinking attributed to U.S. forces in WWII.
15 March 1942: VP-82 claimed a heavy damage assessment on a German submarine off Cape Race. Postwar examination of German records indicate that U-503 was actually sunk by the squadron.
28 May 1942: A three-aircraft detachment returned to NAS Quonset Point. On 30 May a second three-aircraft detachment from NAS Argentia was sent to NAS Norfolk. A few PBY-5A Catalinas were added to the squadron’s complement at NAS Quonset Point for patrol duties.
8 June 1942: Three aircraft departed NAS Quonset Point for NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
9 June 1942: VP-82 was transferred from the operational control of PatWing-7 to PatWing-9. On the same day, the remaining aircraft at NAS Quonset Point were flown to NAS Jacksonville. Upon arrival on 11 June, the detachment began convoy coverage patrols with VP-94.
10 June 1942: The NAS Argentia detachment of six PBOs rejoined the squadron headquarters at NAS Quonset Point.
16 June 1942: The six-aircraft detachment at NAS Jacksonville completed its operations with VP-94. Three aircraft returned to NAS Norfolk for patrol duties, the other three returned to NAS Quonset Point.
23 July 1942: No. 53 Squadron RAF joined the Quonset Air Detachment. The British patrol squadron assisted VP-82 in convoy patrol, ASW sweeps and photo flights.
11 August 1942: A detachment of one officer and 76 enlisted personnel departed NAS Norfolk aboard SS Mermah for an advanced base at Trinidad. Five aircraft of No. 53 Squadron departed from MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, to join the detachment at Trinidad, followed by nine VP-82 aircraft from NAS Norfolk on 13 and 15 August. At Trinidad, the detachment came under the operational control of PatWing-11.
29 September 1942: The NAS Quonset Point squadron headquarters detachment began to transition from the PBO to the PV-1 Ventura twin-engine medium bomber, an improved successor to the PBO Hudson, with upgraded avionics and more powerful engines.
15 November 1942: The NAS Quonset Point headquarters detachment of VP-82, 12 aircraft, and a few RAF aircraft of No. 53 Squadron deployed to NAS Argentia. ASW patrols and convoy coverage began on 17 November.
27 April 1943: A squadron aircraft attacked U-174, on the surface near Cape Race. The U-boat heavily damaged the Ventura with its 20-mm anti-aircraft guns before sinking.
17 June 1943: VB-125 returned to NAS Quonset Point, from its deployment to NAS Argentia. It is believed the Trinidad detachment rejoined the parent organization during this period and was included in the reforming and retraining taking place.
4 July 1943: VB-125 transferred to NAS Boca Chica, Florida. The squadron provided ASW coverage and convoy patrols from Tampa, Banana River and Miami, Florida, Camagüey and Nassau.
1 October 1943: A three-aircraft detachment was sent to NAF San Julián, Cuba, for ASW patrols.
1 May 1944: VB-125 transferred from NAS Boca Chica, to NAF San Julián, Cuba, joining the detachment sent there previously. The squadron continued under the operational control of FAW-12.
11 February – March 1945: The squadron was relieved by VPB-145 and received orders to deploy to NAF Natal, Brazil, under the operational control of FAW-16. The squadron arrived at NAF Natal on the 18th, and began barrier sweeps on the 28th. During March, the squadron maintained detachments at Fortaleza, Fernando de Noronha and RAF Ascension Island. The detachments rejoined the squadron at NAF Natal at the end of March.
27 April – May 1945: VPB-125 began its relocation to NAS Elizabeth City, North Carolina, arriving on 30 April. The squadron came under the operational control of FAW9. During the month of May the squadron maintained a six-aircraft detachment at NAS Brunswick, Maine.
1 June 1945: The Brunswick detachment rejoined the squadron at NAS Elizabeth City in preparation for disestablishment.
^ abcdRoberts, Michael D. (2000). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons, Volume 2, Chapter 4 Patrol Bombing Squadron (VPB) Histories (VPB-121 to VPB-141). Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. pp. 546–52. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
January 01, 1970
patrol, bombing, squadron, navy, squadron, established, patrol, squadron, september, 1938, redesignated, patrol, squadron, july, 1940, redesignated, patrol, squadron, january, 1941, redesignated, patrol, squadron, july, 1941, redesignated, bombing, squadron, m. VPB 125 was a Patrol Bombing Squadron of the U S Navy The squadron was established as Patrol Squadron 20 VP 20 on 1 September 1938 redesignated Patrol Squadron 44 VP 44 on 1 July 1940 redesignated Patrol Squadron 61 VP 61 on 6 January 1941 redesignated Patrol Squadron 82 VP 82 on 1 July 1941 redesignated Bombing Squadron 125 VB 125 on 1 March 1943 redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 125 VPB 125 on 1 October 1944 and disestablished on 8 June 1945 1 Patrol Bombing Squadron 125VP 82 PBO 1 at NAS Argentia January 1942Active1 September 1938 8 June 1945CountryUnited States of AmericaBranchUnited States NavyTypesquadronRoleMaritime patrolEngagementsWorld War IIAircraft flownPatrolP2Y 3PBY 3 4 5APBO 1PV 1 Contents 1 Operational history 2 Aircraft assignments 3 Home port assignments 4 See also 5 ReferencesOperational history edit nbsp VPB 125 PV 1 1943 1 September 1938 VP 20 was established at NAS Seattle Washington flying the P2Y 3 seaplane under operational control of PatWing 4 January 1940 The squadron deployed a detachment to Sitka Alaska to test new wing deicers During the testing tender support was provided by USS Teal 6 January 1941 The squadron was redesignated VP 61 and transferred to NAS Alameda California under operational control of PatWing 6 1 June 1941 The squadron was transferred to NAS Norfolk Virginia the last plane arrived there on 11 June 1941 15 August 1941 VP 82 was transferred to NAS Floyd Bennett Field New York under the operational control of PatWing 8 The squadron began a period of Anti submarine warfare ASW and search tactics training Crews were alternated for four days of indoctrination training aboard tender USS Pocomoke at Gardner Long Island 15 October November 1941 the squadron was transferred to NAS Norfolk under PatWing 5 By 28 October 1941 the squadron had received its full allotment of 15 aircraft and was relocated again this time to NAS Quonset Point Rhode Island This squadron probably set a record for patrol squadrons during the war in the greatest number of aircraft exchanges in a six month period An article in the squadron newsletter dated 2 August 1941 read It is believed that this squadron has the distinction of completing the greatest number of reassignments of aircraft in the shortest time From the period 29 March to 26 July less than four months four complete new assignments of airplanes including spare parts have been accomplished The models assigned included P2Y 3 PBY 3 PBY 4 and PBY 5 Up to date no repeat on any one plane has resulted It is felt that this record should stand for some time but any squadron desiring to become a competitor for the honor should do so with circumspect Three months after the article was published the squadron transitioned to a fifth model the PBO 1 From October through 11 November 1941 the squadron s 40 pilots accompanied Army crews in Lockheed Hudson bombers flying from the factory at Burbank California to Norfolk This training was for transition from the Navy s PBY Catalina flying boats to the Hudson bomber designated by the Navy as PBO 1s Assignment of these aircraft originally destined for the British and painted with British markings was the beginning of what became an extensive use of landplanes by patrol squadrons during the war and although it was not yet apparent was the first move toward the eventual elimination of the flying boat from patrol aviation 1 January May 1942 Twelve aircraft of VP 82 were transferred to NAS Argentia Newfoundland to provide convoy coverage harbor patrol and ASW sweeps The squadron came under the operational control of PatWing 7 while at NAS Argentia and NAS Quonset Point The crews were berthed during this period aboard USS Pocomoke From January through May the crews began shifting to other tenders including USS George E Badger and USS Barnegat The berthing situation stabilized on 22 May 1942 when the crews were berthed ashore at the air station barracks 28 January 1942 The squadron claimed a U boat sunk off Cape Race however postwar examination of enemy records do not indicate any losses during that period 1 March 1942 A second U boat was claimed sunk by Ensign Tepuni flying a PBO 1 Hudson also near Cape Race German Navy records indicate that this was U 656 with a crew of 45 U 656 was the first German submarine sinking attributed to U S forces in WWII 15 March 1942 VP 82 claimed a heavy damage assessment on a German submarine off Cape Race Postwar examination of German records indicate that U 503 was actually sunk by the squadron 28 May 1942 A three aircraft detachment returned to NAS Quonset Point On 30 May a second three aircraft detachment from NAS Argentia was sent to NAS Norfolk A few PBY 5A Catalinas were added to the squadron s complement at NAS Quonset Point for patrol duties 8 June 1942 Three aircraft departed NAS Quonset Point for NAS Jacksonville Florida 9 June 1942 VP 82 was transferred from the operational control of PatWing 7 to PatWing 9 On the same day the remaining aircraft at NAS Quonset Point were flown to NAS Jacksonville Upon arrival on 11 June the detachment began convoy coverage patrols with VP 94 10 June 1942 The NAS Argentia detachment of six PBOs rejoined the squadron headquarters at NAS Quonset Point 16 June 1942 The six aircraft detachment at NAS Jacksonville completed its operations with VP 94 Three aircraft returned to NAS Norfolk for patrol duties the other three returned to NAS Quonset Point 23 July 1942 No 53 Squadron RAF joined the Quonset Air Detachment The British patrol squadron assisted VP 82 in convoy patrol ASW sweeps and photo flights 11 August 1942 A detachment of one officer and 76 enlisted personnel departed NAS Norfolk aboard SS Mermah for an advanced base at Trinidad Five aircraft of No 53 Squadron departed from MCAS Cherry Point North Carolina to join the detachment at Trinidad followed by nine VP 82 aircraft from NAS Norfolk on 13 and 15 August At Trinidad the detachment came under the operational control of PatWing 11 29 September 1942 The NAS Quonset Point squadron headquarters detachment began to transition from the PBO to the PV 1 Ventura twin engine medium bomber an improved successor to the PBO Hudson with upgraded avionics and more powerful engines 15 November 1942 The NAS Quonset Point headquarters detachment of VP 82 12 aircraft and a few RAF aircraft of No 53 Squadron deployed to NAS Argentia ASW patrols and convoy coverage began on 17 November 27 April 1943 A squadron aircraft attacked U 174 on the surface near Cape Race The U boat heavily damaged the Ventura with its 20 mm anti aircraft guns before sinking 17 June 1943 VB 125 returned to NAS Quonset Point from its deployment to NAS Argentia It is believed the Trinidad detachment rejoined the parent organization during this period and was included in the reforming and retraining taking place 4 July 1943 VB 125 transferred to NAS Boca Chica Florida The squadron provided ASW coverage and convoy patrols from Tampa Banana River and Miami Florida Camaguey and Nassau 1 October 1943 A three aircraft detachment was sent to NAF San Julian Cuba for ASW patrols 1 May 1944 VB 125 transferred from NAS Boca Chica to NAF San Julian Cuba joining the detachment sent there previously The squadron continued under the operational control of FAW 12 11 February March 1945 The squadron was relieved by VPB 145 and received orders to deploy to NAF Natal Brazil under the operational control of FAW 16 The squadron arrived at NAF Natal on the 18th and began barrier sweeps on the 28th During March the squadron maintained detachments at Fortaleza Fernando de Noronha and RAF Ascension Island The detachments rejoined the squadron at NAF Natal at the end of March 27 April May 1945 VPB 125 began its relocation to NAS Elizabeth City North Carolina arriving on 30 April The squadron came under the operational control of FAW9 During the month of May the squadron maintained a six aircraft detachment at NAS Brunswick Maine 1 June 1945 The Brunswick detachment rejoined the squadron at NAS Elizabeth City in preparation for disestablishment 8 June 1945 VPB 125 was disestablished 1 Aircraft assignments editThe squadron was assigned the following aircraft effective on the dates shown 1 P2Y 3 September 1938 PBY 3 March 1941 PBY 4 April 1941 PBY 5 May 1941 PBO 1 November 1941 PBY 5A May 1942 PV 1 September 1942Home port assignments editThe squadron was assigned to these home ports effective on the dates shown 1 NAS Seattle Washington 1 September 1938 NAS Alameda California 6 January 1941 NAS Norfolk Virginia 1 June 1941 NAS Floyd Bennett Field New York 15 August 1941 NAS Norfolk 15 October 1941 NAS Quonset Point Rhode Island 28 October 1941 NAS Boca Chica Florida 4 July 1943 NAF San Julian Cuba 1 May 1944 NAF Natal Brazil 11 February 1945 NAS Elizabeth City North Carolina 30 April 1945See also editMaritime patrol aircraft List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons List of squadrons in the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons History of the United States NavyReferences editThis article incorporates text from the public domainDictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons a b c d Roberts Michael D 2000 Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 2 Chapter 4 Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB Histories VPB 121 to VPB 141 Washington D C Naval Historical Center Department of the Navy pp 546 52 Retrieved 20 June 2016 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title VPB 125 amp oldid 1209485588, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
