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The B-26 Marauder in US Navy & Marine Corps
service
Deliveries to the US Navy
From September to December 1943, a total of 225 x B-26 Marauders were
scheduled for delivery to the US Navy for use as high speed target towing
and utility aircraft. These consisted of 200 x AT-23B-MO models, and an
additional 25 x converted from the B-26C-45-MO production run from the
line at the Glenn L Martin Omaha plant. In essence these aircraft were
stock trainer versions of the B-26, similar to those delivered to the
USAAF, and lacking any combat equipment or armored plating. In Navy use
these aircraft were designated JM-1’s. One of the B-26C-45-MO aircraft
(42-107636) allocated for the Navy was diverted to fulfill an order for
the Free French, and one of the AT-23B-MO aircraft (41-35622) crashed
before delivery.
The first JM-1, Navy Bu No 66595 (ex AT-23B, 41-35373) was delivered to
NAS Patuxent River, Maryland on 16th September 1943, where it was retained
for flight testing and radio trials. This aircraft was sold off post war
and was purchased by White Air Services of Charlotte, North Carolina,
where it remained on the civil aircraft register as NL1500M until 1949
when the registration was cancelled.
Early deliveries of JM-1 aircraft went to NAS Alemeda, California.
Subsequent deliveries went to NAS San Diego, California, NAS Quonset
Point, Rhode Island, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, and NAS Norfolk,
Virginia. The final deliveries going to NAS Litchfield Park, Arizona.
Chromate yellow painted JM-1, Bu No 66713 serving with VJ-4 at NAS
Norfolk, Virginia
From the middle of November 1944, and additional 47
aircraft were delivered to the US Navy. These consisted of 15 x
TB-26G-20-MA, and 32 x TB-26G-25-MA models from the line at the Glenn L
Martin Baltimore plant. In US Navy service these aircraft were designated
as JM-2’s. One aircraft, Navy Bu No 91979 crashed whilst on a flight test
before delivery.
JM-2’s were delivered to NAS San Diego, California, NAS Norfolk, Virginia,
and NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
The Units
JM-1 aircraft started equipping Navy utility squadrons from September
1943, and by June 1944, a total of thirteen squadrons were equipped with
the type. The utility squadrons used a mixed compliment of aircraft,
including PV’s, TBM’s, PBY’s, TBF’s, SNJ’s, J2F’s, SBD’s, and JM-1/2’s to
name but a few types.
VJ-1
The unit was commissioned at NAS San Diego, California on 5th October
1925. During 1938, the unit moved to NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 1943,
VJ-1 was split to form a new unit VJ-9. The commanding officer of VJ-1
during this period was Lt. R L Eldridge. On 15th June 1940, the unit moved
to NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii. On 11th November 1943 orders
were received to send ten crews to the USA to ferry JM-1 aircraft to Pearl
Harbour. The crews went to NAAS Vernalis, California in early January 1944
where they received and trained alongside VJ-10 in ten donor JM-1
aircraft. The navigators attended a brief navigation course at NAS Alemeda,
California. On 14th January 1944, five of the crews and aircraft returned
to their units, and on 20th January the remaining five aircraft were flown
to Suisun Field, Fairfield, California ready for ferrying to Pearl Harbour.
The aircraft departed Fairfield on 23rd January and made the 12 hour and
15 minutes flight to Pearl Harbour. Two aircraft were dispatched to
Johnson Island on 20th February to provide anti-aircraft towing services
for the island, returning to Pearl Harbour on 26th February. Detachment A
(VJ-1A) was set up at Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands on 31st March
1944 with four chrome yellow painted JM-1 aircraft (coded J2, J4, J5, and
J7), plus a couple of TBF’s, to provide target towing services for the
whole Marshall Island chain and for the fleet preparing for the invasion
of Guam. The unit departed Honolulu on the USS Prince George on 29th
March, for Majuro, via Apanama, Tarawa, and Makin. VJ-1A was relieved from
duty at Majuro Atoll by VJ-17 on 13th July and returned to rejoin the
parent squadron VJ-1 at NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbour. One JM-1 aircraft
was sent to Kwajalein Atoll on 6th April to provide towing services for
the USS Curtiss and shore installations on the Atoll. During April 1944,
ASD radar was installed in the first of JM-1’s, with the remaining 8
aircraft modified during May. Also in May, two of the units JM-1’s were
fitted with special equipment for radar countermeasures work. On 30th
June, Lt. Commander L H Miller took charge of VJ-1. On 30th July 1944,
VJ-1 is relieved of its duties at NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbour by
utility squadron VJ-7, and all JM-1 aircraft are transferred over to this
squadron. During August 1944, VJ-1 started the move to NAS Moffett Field,
California, relieving Utility Squadron VJ-18 of its duties at this field
on 1st October 1944, and took charge of all of VJ-18’s aircraft, including
9 x JM-1 aircraft. VJ-1A was then established at MCAS Santa Barbara
(Goleta), California, relieving VJ18A of its duties at this field from the
same date. On 22nd January 1945, Lt. Commander Joseph Garrett transferred
from VJ-10, became the new commanding officer of VJ-1. In January 1945 two
of VJ-1’s JM-1 aircraft were equipped with droppable bomb bay fuel tanks
for extended towing missions. In February 1945, AN/APS-3 radar equipment
was started to be fitted to the units JM-1’s, with five aircraft converted
by May 1945. Also during February 1945, the units JM-1 aircraft were
equipped for use in vertical photography. During May 1945, AN/APX-2 IFF
gear and AN/APR-2 homing receivers were installed in five of the units
JM-1 aircraft, and AN/ARN-8 marker beacons were received for installation
in the units JM-1’s. During June 1945, AN/APN-4 Loran equipment was
installed in three of the units JM-1’s, and AN/APN-1 altimeters were
received ready for installation. During August 1945, 2 x JM-1 aircraft
were equipped with Radio Countermeasures equipment. Also during August
1945, one of the units JM-1 aircraft was sent to VJ-2 at Shelton,
Washington for wave depth determination photography tests. Detachment A
(VJ-1A) at MCAS Santa Barbara (Goleta), California was officially
disbanded on 20th September 1945. By October 1945 the squadron is now
operating JM-2 aircraft. On 1st April 1946, the units JM-2 aircraft flew a
search mission for people washed out to sea off Big Island in Hawaii,
helping the coast guard to pick up numerous people from the water. In
November 1946 the unit was Re-designated VU-1. During April 1947 the last
of the JM-2 aircraft are phased out and replaced by Douglas JD-1 Invaders.
VJ-2
VJ-2 was one of the oldest fleet utility squadrons. During September 1943,
the unit moved from its base at Efate Island, British New Hebrides back to
North Island, San Diego California on mainland USA to rest and reform. On
1st November 1943, VJ-2 was officially reformed at NAAS Vernalis, San
Joaquin County, California, a sub-base of NAS Alemeda, California. During
this period, Lt. Commander William R Lipscomb was appointed as the new
commanding officer. Crews began training in JM-1 aircraft at NAS Alemeda,
California, and the unit received 6 x JM-1 tow target aircraft. During
November 1943, VJ-2 moved to NAAS Arcata, Humboldt County, California, a
sub-base of NAS Alemeda for continued training. On 6th February 1944, the
squadron moved to NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbour, Oahu, Hawaii. The
aircraft were preserved for shipment and loaded aboard the USS Nehenta Bay
and sailed for Pearl Harbour. Upon arrival the aircraft were transferred
by barge to Ford Island where they were de-preserved and prepared for
flight. A further 3 x JM-1 aircraft were assigned to VJ-2 on arrival at
Pearl Harbour as non-operational spares. Seven days after arriving at
Pearl Harbour, VJ-2 relieved VJ-10 of its duties at this location,
allowing VJ-10 to move south to its new base at Guadalcanal. During the
period of operations at Pearl Harbour, the unit worked alongside VJ-1,
which was also based at Pearl Harbour. These units provided AA towing for
incoming and outgoing ships of the fleet and their auxiliaries, radar
calibration and tracking for ships in the area, torpedo recovery and
submarine coverage, plus towing and fighter direction services for the
numerous land based training units, both day and night. During this period
the SQN was equipped with 9 x JM-1 aircraft. From 22nd March to 30th April
1944, 2 x JM-1’s were sent on temporary duty to Midway Island to provide
towing services for the Marine Corps AA batteries on the island. Utility
squadron VJ-12 arrived from the USA and relieved VJ-2 of its duties at
Pearl Harbour, allowing VJ-2 to move to Espiritu Santo Island. During
April 1944, VJ-2 moved to Pallikulo Airfield, Espiritu Santos Island,
British New Hebrides, where it relieved utility squadron VJ-9 of its
duties on 24th April 1944, and allowing that unit to return to the USA.
The units 9 x JM-1 aircraft were flown to Espiritu Santo, but the units
other aircraft types were left behind at Pearl. The JM-1’s were flown in
groups of four and five on 18th April to Hickam Field, Hawaii, then
Palmyra, Canton, Wallis (flight 1 only), then Nandi, Fiji, and on to
Espiritu, arriving on 22nd April (flight 2), and 23rd April (flight 1).
Flight 1 encountered a storm front during the flight from Canton to Nandi,
were forced to change course, and land at Wallis. On arrival at Espiritu,
VJ-2 acquired VJ-9’s aircraft to replace those left behind at Pearl
Harbour. During May 1944, 6 x JM-1’s from the squadron were sent for
temporary service with VJ-10 (2 at Guadalcanal on 8th May returning on
16th May, and 4 at Henderson Field, (2 sent on 17th May returning on 26th
May, and another 2 sent on 28th May), with aircraft rotated on a weekly
basis. One JM-1 aircraft was dispatched on temporary duty to Manus during
June. During July 1944, 2-3 JM-1’s were sent on detached duty to Pityilu
Island, in the Admiralty Island Chain to provide AA towing services for
the task forces and shore installations, plus some photographic flights,
pending the main body of VJ-2 moving to that location during early August
1944. Before the rest of the squadron arrived at Pityilu, 1 x JM-1 from
the detachment was sent to Humboldt Bay, Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea for
8-10 days before returning to Pityilu. By August 1944, all 9 of the
squadron’s aircraft were assembled at Pityilu. In September 1944, three
detachments were established, VJ-2 detachment A (VJ-2A) at Archer Field,
Brisbane, Australia, VJ-2 detachment B (VJ-2B) at Pallikulo Airfield,
Espiritu Santo, and VJ-2 detachment C (VJ-2C) at Turnbull Field, Milne
Bay, New Guinea. Detachment VJ-2C returned to Pityilu in October, pending
its move to Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea on 16th November 1944. Detachment
VJ-2B at Espiritu Santo closed in October 1944.
VJ-2A formally at Archer Field, moved to Santani Airfield, Hollandia, New
Guinea on 16th November 1944, including 1 x JM-1 aircraft. Detachment A
(VJ-2A) moved back to Pityilu on 4th December 1944, but a temporary
detachment was maintained at Hollandia till March 1945. On 1st March 1945,
detachment VJ-2A, including 4 x JM-1 aircraft, moved to Guinan Airfield,
Samur, Philippines to provide utility services for fleet units in the
Philippines area. In March 1945, two of the units JM-1’s + 4 x TBM-1C’s,
and a PBY were flown to Samur Island, Philippines via Hollandia, Owi, and
Peleliu to become detachment A1 (VJ-2-A1). The JM-1’s remained there for a
while to provide towing services for any ships in the area before
returning to rejoin the parent unit. This detachment was relieved by VJ-9
in May 1945. In May 1945, three new JM-2 aircraft were added to the
squadron, flown in by ferry pilots from VJ-9. On 1st June 1945, VJ-2 was
relieved of its duties by incoming utility squadron VJ-9, and VJ-2
prepared to return to the USA. VJ-2 relinquished all its aircraft and
equipment to VJ-9, and VJ-2 started the move back to the USA. The
personnel arrived at San Diego and San Francisco, California. After a
brief period of R&R the unit reported to NAS Shelton, Washington in July
1945. On 29th June 1945, a new commanding officer took charge of VJ-2, Lt.
Commander James T Morris. During the middle of June 1945, the flight crews
made familiarisation flights with VJ-10 crews. During July 1945,
detachment A (VJ-2A) was established at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington,
with 2 x JM-1 aircraft transferred to that location. On 20th July, VJ-2
relieved outgoing unit VJ-10 of all its duties at NAS Shelton and NAS
Whidbey Island, and took charge of all VJ-10’s aircraft, including 8 x
JM-1 aircraft. On 12th September 1945, VJ-2 moved to NAS Seattle,
Washington.
VJ-4
The unit was commissioned at NAS Norfolk, Virginia on 15th November 1940.
The commanding officer was Commander Henry Titus Hodgskin, Jnr. From its
commissioning through to the first half of 1943, VJ-4 and its numerous
detachments were scattered up and down the shoreline from Newfoundland to
Brazil. On 11th November 1942, Commander Lloyd Withers Parish took charge
of VJ-4, replaced by Lt. Commander. Frank Kidder Upham on 24th September
1943. Once utility squadrons VJ-14 and VJ-15 were commissioned, the
detachments of VJ-4 were reduced, allowing VJ-4 to concentrate on a
smaller area of operations. The first JM-1 aircraft was delivered to VJ-4
at NAS Norfolk, Virginia on 19th October 1943. The unit received 9 more
JM-1 aircraft on 23rd October, and another 14 x JM-1’s on 3rd November
1943. During December 1943, VJ-4 established a detachment at NAS Atlantic
City, New Jersey, and during the same month the units JM-1 aircraft
experimented with oxygen equipment and high altitude towing operations. On
15th December 1943, another two JM-1 aircraft were received. In late 1943,
detachments were established at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and San Juan, Puerto
Rico. Another detachment was established at Trinidad, British West Indies
in early 1944. By the start of January 1944 the unit had 16 x JM-1
aircraft on strength, 13 of these were at NAS Norfolk, and 3 aircraft at
NAS Atlantic City. Another four JM-1 aircraft arrived on 18th January
1944. On 24th February 1944, Lt. Commander Edwin Totman Hughes assumed
command of VJ-4, replaced by Lt. Commander. Erwin George Schwab on 10th
March 1944. On 17th March 1944, another 3 x JM-1 aircraft were received.
During 1944, 2 x JM-1 aircraft operated with utility squadron VJ-16. Also
during 1944, test units were stationed temporarily at Camp Davis, North
Carolina, and Edgewood, Maryland, and 1 x JM-1 aircraft was allocated for
a secret project for several months during the year. In March 1944, 2 x
JM-1 aircraft were dispatched to Port Lyautey, Morocco. One of the
aircraft remained there, providing towing services for one PV squadron and
three PBY squadrons. The other aircraft moved to Agadir, Morocco,
providing towing services for a Ventura squadron and Free French units in
the area. These two aircraft returned to NAS Norfolk, Virginia on 10th
October 1944.
VJ-7
The unit was commissioned at NAS Alameda, California on 4th December 1942.
The first commanding officer was Lt. W R Lipscomb. The unit was formed to
provide fleet combat units on the US West coast with target towing for
aircraft and ships, make tracking and radar calibration flights, simulated
attacks on submarines & destroyers, provide photographic and mapping
services for the fleet, and provide AA gun crew training missions. The
squadron moved to NAS San Diego, California. In October 1943 a new
commanding officer took charge, Commander P K Will. The unit had 6 x
JM-1’s assigned to it in November 1943, reaching its full compliment of 9
x JM-1 aircraft by January 1944. During June 1944, pilots from VJ-9 were
trained and checked out in VJ-7 aircraft. In July 1944, the squadron moved
to NAS Pearl Harbour, Oahu, Hawaii, relieving resident unit VJ-1 of its
duties on 29th July, and taking over all of VJ-1’s aircraft and equipment.
Also in July, there was another change of command when Lt. Commander Henry
B Somerville took charge of VJ-7. From 11th to 18th August 44, two of the
units JM-1 aircraft were sent on temporary detachment to Johnston Island.
During October 1944 tests were conducted on an impeller driven dual pump
hydraulic tow reel system for JM-1 aircraft, cutting the time taken to
reel in 7,000 feet of tow cable from 15-20 minutes down to 4 minutes and
45 seconds. The test proved successful and all of VJ-7’s JM-1 aircraft are
due to be converted. During January 1945 the first LORAN navigation
equipment was installed in one of VJ-7’s JM-1 aircraft. During 1945,
search radar, LORAN equipment, VHF radios, radio altimeters, and IFF
equipment was installed in the units JM-1 aircraft. On 29th January 1945,
one JM-1 aircraft was loaned to VJ-14 for 10 days. Another JM-1 aircraft
(aircraft code J-2) was transferred on temporary duty to VJ-14 from 1st to
28th February 1945. During February, Lt. Commander Luke H Miller took
charge of VJ-7. In May 1945, VJ-7 received two new JM-2 aircraft replacing
two older JM-1’s that were put out of commission. The unit now had 8 x
JM-1’s and 2 x JM-2 aircraft on strength. An EE800 electric tow cable
rewind system was installed in one of the units JM-1 aircraft during June
1945, replacing the locally manufactured impeller driven system previously
fitted. From 1st July 1945, Marine utility squadron VMJ-3 and their JM-1
aircraft were attached to this unit for training in towing and other
utility missions.
VJ-9
The unit was commissioned on 16th April 1943. The commanding officer was
Commander Hal K Edwards. VJ-9 was based at Espiritu Santo Island, British
New Hebrides, with detachment at: VJ-9A at Havannah Harbour, Efate; VJ-9B
at Tontouta, New Caledonia: VJ-9C at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. During
March 1944, the detachment at Guadalcanal was relieved by utility squadron
VJ-10. Utility squadron VJ-2 relieved VJ-9 of its duties at Espiritu Santo
and its detachments on 28th April 1944, and took over all the aircraft and
equipment from VJ-9, except for the units PV-1 aircraft which were flown
to NAS Pearl Harbour for major overhaul. From 9th May 1944, VJ-9 moved
back to the USA to regroup and take R&R. The unit regrouped at NAS San
Diego, California in June 1944 and flight crews began training on the
JM-1, using resident units VJ-7’s aircraft. On 1st July 1944, VJ-9
officially relieved VJ-7 of its duties at NAS San Diego, and its
detachment at NAS Los Alamitos, California, and all of VJ-7’s aircraft and
equipment was transferred to VJ-9. By July 1944, the unit had 9 x JM-1
aircraft (inherited from VJ-7) on strength, and another 3 aircraft were
added to the inventory during the month completing the full compliment of
12 aircraft. The mission of VJ-9 at San Diego was to provide AA target
towing for ships operating in the San Diego area, and provide towing
missions for the gunnery training school at Pacific Beach. The primary
function of detachment A at Los Alamitos was to provide fighter director
training for the CIC School at San Clemente Island. During August 1944,
one of the units JM-1 aircraft was used to photograph the effect of wave
velocity experiments conducted in Salton Sea. In October 1944, 2 x JM-1
aircraft were serving with Det.A at NAS Los Alamitos, California, rising
to 3 x JM-1’s from November 44. On 17th November 1944, 1 x JM-1 was sent
on temporary loan to VJ-13 for training purposes, returning to VJ-9 in
January 1945. Experiments were conducted towing the Mk.1 wing glider with
a JM-1 aircraft during December 1944. The JM-1 was fitted with an electric
booster which was incorporated with the C-5 tow reel system to provide
sufficient power to reel in the glider. Test flights were made from Brown
Field, San Diego, California. A number of successful operational flights
were made towing for a Marine fighter squadron. Runs were also made over
the firing line at Pacific Beach, but the glider did not show up clearly
enough on this occasion. A new type of pilot’s shoulder harness was
developed by VJ-9 during December, allowing the pilot greater freedom of
movement. The harness was approved and will be fitted to all of VJ-9’s
JM-1 aircraft. During the last two weeks of December 1944, 1 x JM-1
aircraft was loaned to VJ-9 from VJ-13 to help meet the heavy towing
schedule. On 9th February 1945, one of the units JM-1 aircraft was
transferred over to VJ-1. On 18th February a replacement JM-1 was received
from the supply officer at NAS Alemeda to replace another JM-1 which was
written off and salvaged in a landing accident in January 1945. A new
commanding officer took charge of VJ-9 on 26th February, Lt. Commander
George N Whittler. On 13th March, another replacement JM-1 was received
from the supply officer at NAS San Diego, California to replace the
aircraft damaged in a landing accident in March. On 1st April, Detachment
A was transferred from NAS Los Alamitos to NAS Terminal Island, San Pedro,
California. VJ-9 flight crews ferried three new JM-2 aircraft to utility
squadron VJ-2 at Pityilu Island, Admiralty Islands. The aircraft had been
ferried to NAS Pearl Harbour, where the VJ-9 crews received the aircraft.
They took off from Barbers Point Airfield, Hawaii on 28th March 1945, and
made stopovers at Johnston Island, Majuro Atoll, Tarawa, Guadalcanal, and
Green Island Atoll. The aircraft had not been thoroughly checked over at
Ford Island, Pearl Harbour before departure, and minor hydraulic and radio
problems were encountered en route. The aircraft flew over Milli Atoll in
the Marshall Islands whilst American planes were carrying out a bombing
attack, and also flew over or around enemy controlled territory in the
North Solomons and New Ireland. The aircraft arrived at Pityilu and were
handed over to VJ-2 on 1st April. Another VJ-9 flight crew left San Diego,
California on 3rd April on temporary assignment to ferry another new JM-2
from Pearl Harbour to utility squadron VJ-13 at Guadalcanal. The crew
departed Ford Island, Pearl Harbour on 8th May, flying via Guam, and
arriving at Guadalcanal on 14th May. On 16th April 1945, VJ-12 relieved
VJ-9 of all duties at NAS San Diego and its detachment at NAS Terminal
Island, and all of VJ-9’s aircraft and equipment were transferred over to
VJ-12. Personnel that were to remain in the USA were transferred to VJ-12.
During April and May 1945, VJ-9 moved overseas to Pityilu Island,
Admiralty Islands to relieve resident unit VJ-2 of its duties. By the
middle of May, the main body of VJ-9 had arrived at Pityilu, and by 31st
May, all of VJ-2’s aircraft and equipment had been transferred to VJ-9
(including 5 x JM-1’s + 3 x JM-2’s). On 1st June 1945, VJ-9 officially
relieved VJ-2 of all its duties at Pityilu. The unit now established
detachments at Guiuan Field, Eastern Samur, Philippines (VJ-9A),
operational from June till 27th July 1945 when it closed. 3 x JM-2’s and 1
x JM-1 were transferred from the main base at Pityilu to Det.A at Guiuan
Field in June 1945. A temporary detachment was established at Clark Field,
Luzon (VJ-9A-1) from June, becoming permanent detachment VJ-9A in
September 1945. Another temporary detachment was established at Jinamoc
Island, near Tacloban, Leyte from June, becoming permanent detachment
VJ-9C in September, before closing in October 1945. A temporary detachment
was established at Pitoe Field, Morotai from June till 2nd July 1945.
Another temporary detachment was established at Sentani Airfield,
Hollandia from early June till 11th June 1945. On 30th June 1945 a JM-2
from utility squadron VJ-13 was transferred to VJ-9 for use with
detachment A at Guiuan Field, Samur to help cope with increased demands
for towing services. During July 1945, the squadron strength was 4 x
JM-1’s and 4 x JM-2’s. During July the whole of VJ-9 moved to Guiuan
Field. On 2nd July 1945 a JM-1 was transferred out of the squadron. On
27th July 1945 the rest of VJ-9 moved to join detachment A at Guiuan
Field, Samur, making this the new home base of VJ-9. In August 1945 the
squadron strength was 5 x JM-1’s and 4 x JM-2’s. On 17th August 1945
another JM-1 was received by the squadron.
VJ-10
The unit was commissioned on 16th April 1943 at NAS Ford Island, Pearl
Harbour, Hawaii, formed from a detachment of VJ-2. The commanding officer
was Lt. Commander Theodore R Cooley. On 14th November 1943 a detachment of
officers departed NAS Ford Island and sailed to the USA to receive
training on the JM-1 aircraft. Crews trained at NAS Vernalis, California.
The squadron received it’s compliment of 9 x JM-1 aircraft in early
January 1944. Two of the aircraft were flown out from mainland USA to
Hickham Field, Hawaii by air, and the other 7 aircraft were transferred by
sea to Hickham Field aboard the small escort carrier CVE-69, USS Kasaan
Bay, departing on 5th January 1944. These aircraft were re-assembled and
test flown at Hickam Field. The aircraft had been delivered new from the
factory in a stripped down condition. Bomb bay fuel tanks were fitted,
target towing equipment installed, along with navigation equipment and
emergency equipment. In addition, radio and radar equipment was installed.
VJ-10 were notified of a move to the South Pacific. The JM-1 flight crews
undertook intensive navigational training. All nine aircraft were then
flown to the squadrons new base at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, via
Palmyra Island, departing in three flights of three aircraft on 3rd, 6th,
and 14th March 1944, making the flight of over 3,000 miles. The first
group was led by the CO, Lt. Commander Cooley. By the 14th March all nine
of the aircraft had arrived at Henderson Field, and by the 20th, the
entire squadron had arrived and began full scale operations. On 25th July
1944, VJ-12 arrived at Henderson Field to relieve VJ-10, allowing it to
return to the USA. During early August 1944 VJ-12 and took over the
operations from VJ-10, and took charge of all of VJ-10’s aircraft. VJ-10
then moved back to the USA, reporting to NAS Shelton, Washington following
a brief period of R&R. On arrival at NAS Shelton, VJ-10 crews carried out
joint operations with the departing unit VJ-13, before taking over its
duties on 1st October 1944, and taking on charge of all VJ-13’s aircraft
and equipment, including 9 x JM-1’s. Detachment A was established at NAS
Ault Field, Whidbey Island, Washington (VJ-10A). A second detachment was
established at NAS Astoria, Oregon, but this detachment was disbanded
during December 1944. Whilst based at NAS Shelton, VJ-10 performed towing
services for the fleet gunnery school at Pacific Beach, Washington, as
well as photographic flights, radar tracking flights, some ship towing
exercises, and fighter director missions. On 15th January 1945, deputy CO,
Lt. Commander Joseph Garret was transferred from VJ-10 to take over
command of VJ-1. On 3rd April, detachment B was established at Moon Island
Airport, Hoquiem, Washington, but no JM-1 aircraft were based there.
During late August and early September 1945, VJ-10 began the move to its
new base at Agana, Guam. The unit arrived on 4th September 1945, and on
9th September 1945 relieved outgoing unit VJ-17 of its duties at this
location, taking over all of that unit’s aircraft and equipment. On 8th
October the unit received 5 x JM-1 aircraft transferred from VJ-18 to
replace five battle worn aircraft. On 22nd October, the five battle worn
aircraft and crews departed Guam for the flight to Pearl Harbour via
Eniwetok, Wake Island, and Midway. On arrival the aircraft and crews,
comprising of 15 officers and ten enlisted men were transferred to VJ-14.
One of the aircraft experienced problems and was delayed whilst spare
parts were flown out to Guam. During October 1945 a new commanding officer
took charge of VJ-10, Lt. Commander J A Mohlman, who was transferred in
from VJ-13. On 8th November 1945, VJ-10 was decommissioned, and the
remaining personnel were absorbed into VJ-9 detachment A (VJ-9A).
VJ-12
The unit was commissioned on 1st November 1943 at NAS Whidbey Island,
Washington. The commanding officer was Lt. Commander Alfred Kauko Aho. On
forming at NAS Whidbey Island, two detachments were also formed.
Detachment A (VJ-12A) was based at NAS Astoria, Oregon, providing day and
night towing services for the AA training centre at Pacific Beach,
Washington, and towing services for air groups forming and training in and
around NAS Astoria. Detachment B (VJ-12B) was based at USCG Air Station
Fort Angeles, Washington, providing towing services to ships of the fleet
in and around Seattle, Washington. Also, if bad weather prevented
operations at NAS Shelton, the detachment would provide services to the AA
training centre at Pacific Beach. On 15th November 1943, VJ-12 transferred
to NAS Shelton, Washington. Detachment A returned to the home station at
Shelton, Washington on 27th November, and Detachment B returned to Shelton
on 14th February 1944. VJ-13 relieved VJ-12 of its duties at NAS Shelton
on 17th February, allowing VJ-12 to prepare for its overseas deployment.
On 5th March 1944, the commanding officer and other pilots left for NAS
Alameda, California to train and make preparations to ferry nine JM-1
aircraft to NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii. The training included
intensive navigational training. The nine aircraft assigned to VJ-12 were
fitted for trans-Pacific flight at the A&R shops at NAS Alameda, with the
first aircraft completed on 17th March 1944. On completion the aircraft
were then flown to NAS Vernalis, California for further training for
further training, including fuel consumption tests, and night navigation
flights lasting up to ten and eleven hours duration. Then on 24th March
1944 the aircraft were flown to Naval Auxiliary Air Station Crows Landing
to complete the training for the overseas flight. With training completed,
the aircraft and complete flight crews flew to Fairfield Army Air Field,
California on 31st March in preparation for the overseas flight. On 1st
April the nine aircraft departed Fairfield at 0000 hours, starting the 13
hour flight to NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii. Once the unit had
settled in at Pearl Harbour it undertook the following missions:
Photographic, radar tracking, submarine coverage, inter-island cargo and
personnel flights, provided the fleet and shore stations with day and
night towing services, and rescue missions. Detachment A (VJ-12A) was
established at Midway Island on 24th June 1944 with 2 x JM-1 aircraft,
returning to Ford Island about a week later on 8th July. Detachment A then
moved to Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 9th July 1944,
and on 24th July reported to the commanding officer of VJ-10. On 20th
July, detachment B (VJ-12B) was established at Guadalcanal. On 31st July
this detachment reported to the commanding officer of VJ-12 detachment A.
All of VJ-12’s remaining aircraft were transferred to VJ-14 on 25th July,
with that unit taking over the duties at Ford Island. On 28th July,
detachment C was established at Guadalcanal. On 1st August, detachment A
moved to Pallikulo Airfield, Espiritu Santo Island, relieving a detachment
of VJ-10 at that location. On 15th August, the main body of VJ-12 had
moved to Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, and took over all operations from
VJ-10. It also took charge of all of VJ-10’s aircraft and equipment.
Similar operations were provided to when the unit was at Pearl Harbour,
apart from submarine coverage. In addition the unit was tasked with
leading single engine aircraft on long over water flights from Guadalcanal
to Espiritu Santo Island in the New Hebrides, and back to Guadalcanal. On
18th February 1945, VJ-13 relieved VJ-12 of all duties at Henderson Field
and took charge of all of VJ-12’s aircraft the same day. At the end of
February VJ-12 returned to US West Coast, and after a period of R&R,
reported to NAS San Diego, California. The unit officially took over the
duties from VJ-9 at NAS San Diego on 17th April 1945, including the
detachment at NAS Terminal Island, San Pedro, California by VJ-12
detachment A (VJ-12A). All aircraft from VJ-9 (including 11 x JM-1’s) were
taken over by VJ-12 at this time. The detachment at NAS Terminal Island
provided aircraft services for CIC team training, and towing services for
surface craft at San Clemente Island and San Pedro.
JM-1, Bu No 66759 of VJ-12
VJ-13
The unit was commissioned on 3rd January 1944 at Navy Auxiliary Air
Station, Shelton, Washington. The commanding officer was Lt. Commander
Carl David Simonsen. On 17th February, VJ-13 relieved VJ-12 of its duties
at NAAS Shelton. Whilst based at Shelton, VJ-13 provided high and low
speed target services for ships, shore batteries, and gunnery schools. In
addition missions were flown for radar calibration, fighter director
training, tracking for gun pointers, aero calibration tracking, search
light tracking, photographic services, transportation, and rescue
missions. From April to July 1944, the unit had 6 x JM-1’s on strength + 3
x non-operating JM-1’s. During April 1944, 1 x JM-1 aircraft was equipped
for photographic mapping duties at San Diego, California, and was also
fitted with a solar navigation PDI, enabling the aircraft to fly perfectly
straight lines whilst on a photographic run. During the month this
aircraft was flown out of Boise, Idaho, performing photo mapping duties in
an area covering 3,500 square miles in Oregon and Nevada. During May 1944,
one JM-1 aircraft was located with Detachment A (VJ-13A) at NAS Ault
Field, Whidbey Island, Washington, increasing to two JM-1’s during June
44. In May, the squadron strength was six JM-1’s + three non-flying
spares. The unit conducted tracking and towing missions for forces in the
Puget Sound area. Also during May, 3 x JM-1 aircraft and flight crews were
received temporarily by the unit for the training and partial conversion
of aircraft for use with HEDRON FAW-4 in Alaska. The aircraft were
modified by VJ-13 and the A&R workshops, Seattle, Washington. During June
1944, the crew and aircraft departed North for Alaska. During August, the
JM-1 compliment had increased to 9 aircraft. Personnel from VJ-10 began
arriving on 15th September, and by 30th September 1944, VJ-10 took over
all operations at NAS Shelton from VJ-13. All of VJ-13’s aircraft were
handed over to VJ-10 on 1st October 1944. During October, November, and
December, the unit was on a stand-by status at NAAS Shelton, with no
aircraft assigned, pending reassignment. In November 1944, 3 x JM-1
aircraft were received on temporary loan (1 aircraft from VJ-1, VJ-9, and
VJ-10). During early January 1945, VJ-13 was in training at NAAS Shelton
ready for transportation overseas. At this time the unit had the 3 x
JM-1’s on temporary loan, but these returned to their units during the
month. On 16th January, the squadron personnel were embarked on the USS
Bottineau and departed for Treasure Island. On 19th January the ship
arrived at San Francisco. Lt. Commander assumed temporary command whilst
here, and the entire squadron then embarked on the USS Gosper before
heading for Treasure Island. A change of orders put the ship into Pearl
Harbour, Hawaii, and it arrived here on 28th January. Nine officers and
six enlisted men remained at Ford Island, Pearl Harbour to ferry three
JM-1 aircraft to Henderson Field. On 29th January the squadron transferred
to the USS Burleigh and sailed for Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon
Islands. On 14th February 1945, the squadron and its equipment were put
ashore by landing craft on Guadalcanal. On arriving at Henderson Field,
the unit relieved VJ-12 of its duties there on 18th February, and VJ-12
detachment A at Espiritu Santo. The last components of VJ-12 departed on
18th February. Whilst at Guadalcanal the squadron provided the following
services: AA towing (for ship and shore), AA tracking (for ship and
shore), night tracking and RCM practises, radar calibration, aerial
mapping duties, photographing landing operations, mail runs, night flare
rehearsals, transportation and ferrying duties, fighter directive practise,
radar countermeasures exercises both day and night, air sea rescue,
anti-submarine patrols, administration flights, and rehearsals for air
support strikes by landing forces. At this time the unit had eight JM-1
aircraft on strength, three of which were to be ferried to Guadalcanal via
Ford Island, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii. On 16th February, one of the three
aircraft to be ferried from Ford Island to Guadalcanal crashed into the
sea off Hawaii. The other two aircraft arrived at Henderson Field on 21st
February 1945. At Henderson Field, the unit provided AA towing and
tracking, radar calibration, and transportation services. On 18th March
1945, two JM-1 aircraft were sent to Noumea, New Caledonia for three
weeks, returning to Henderson Field on 21st April 1945. During February,
March, April, and May 1945 the unit had 8 x JM-1 aircraft on strength, but
by June this had risen back to nine aircraft. On 18th March 1945, two of
the squadrons JM-1 aircraft were sent to Noumea on detachment, to provide
AA towing services. These aircraft returned to Henderson Field on 21st
April. On 24th April, three JM-1’s were assigned on temporary duty with
VJ-17. On 1st June, VJ-13 was in the process of moving to Guiuan Field,
Eastern Samur, Philippine Islands. One JM-1 aircraft was already there,
and the ground echelon and the squadron equipment boarded two ships bound
for Samur. The rest of the aircraft were ready to depart by 3rd July, but
bad weather hampered their flights. Detachment A was at Guam working with
VJ-17. By the 21st June, the squadron and all its aircraft were together
at Guinan Field, Samur. Utility operations had already began on 15th June,
providing AA towing services for the Pacific fleet stationed in Leyte
Gulf, San Pedro Bay, and the vicinity. During the months of June thru to
October 1945, the unit had nine JM-1 aircraft on strength. In October, Lt.
Commander John D Goodsell became the commanding officer of VJ-13.
Following VJ day at the beginning of September 1945, the demand for towing
services virtually ceased, and only four towing missions were flown during
the month. On 29th September, four JM-1 aircraft were detached to CNAB,
Okinawa, Japan. These aircraft returned to Samur on 21st October, and the
squadron began winding down ready for its return to the USA for
disbandment. In early September 1945, VJ-13’s aircraft compliment and
equipment was handed over to VJ-9 which remained at Samur. On 6th November
1945 the squadron personnel boarded the USS Knox and headed for San Pedro,
California, transiting via the Northern Pacific route via the Aleutian
Island chain, arriving on 24th November. The personnel were then ferried
by buses to NAS San Diego, California from where they were either
discharged from service, or reassigned to other units. VJ-13 was finally
decommissioned in December 1945.
VJ-14
The unit was commissioned on 1st September 1943 at USCG station Mills
Field, South San Fransico, California, formed from a detachment of VJ-7.
The commanding officer was Lt. Clifford N Maker. The unit received six
JM-1 aircraft towards the end of September 1943, rising to a full
compliment of nine JM-1 aircraft by November 1943. VJ-14 transferred to
NAS Moffett Field, San Francisco, California on 18th December 1943, and
set-up a Detachment (VJ-14A) at MCAS Santa Barbara, California on 1st
April 1944. Newly established unit VJ-18 arrived at Moffett Field on 15th
June 1944, pending a move to Pearl Harbour by VJ-14. All of VJ-14’s
aircraft were transferred to VJ-18 on 30th June, and on 1st July the unit
was relieved of all duties at Moffett Field and Santa Barbara by VJ-18. On
21st July, VJ-14 moved to NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii,
relieving the resident unit VJ-12 of its duties on 25th July. All of
VJ-12’s aircraft, including eight JM-1 aircraft were taken over by VJ-14
on 29th July. Two JM-1 aircraft (Bu No’s. 66778 and 66674), three crews,
and equipment were sent on temporary duty to Midway Island on 17th
September 1944 for one week, returning to Ford Island on 24th September.
By October 1944, VJ-14 had ten JM-1 aircraft on strength. During February
1945, nine JM-1 aircraft were prepared by VJ-14 maintenance personnel for
ferrying to VJ-13 and VJ-18. Eight of the aircraft were dispatched without
incident, but the ninth aircraft (Bu No. 75206 for VJ-13) crashed. Up
until May 1945 the unit had nine JM-1 aircraft, but in June through to
September 1945, the inventory consisted of seven JM-1, and two JM-2
aircraft. In the autumn of 1945, VJ-14 removed all the JM-1 aircraft from
its inventory, and these were replaced with JD-1’s, a navy version of the
Douglas A-26 Invader.
VJ-15
The unit was commissioned on 23rd June 1943 at NAS Brunswick, Maine,
formed from a detachment of VJ-4. The unit was formed to provide
additional aircraft services to the Atlantic Fleet. The commanding officer
was Lt. Commander Charles William Fielder. The unit received its
compliment of nine JM-1 Target Towing Marauders on 23rd September 1943 at
NAS Brunswick, Maine. Another JM-1 was received on 14th January 1944. Lt.
Commander Fielder was transferred on 21st February 1944, and Lt. Edward
Clayton McCullen, Jnr became temporary acting CO until Lt. Commander
Orville Albert Olstad took charge from 15th March 1944. On 13th June 1944,
one JM-1 aircraft was transferred out of VJ-15. In January 1945 the unit
had detachments at NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with two JM-1 aircraft, and
at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, New York. There was also a detachment
at Kindley Field, Bermuda. On 16th April 1945, VJ-14 received five JM-1
aircraft which were transferred over from VJ-4. These five aircraft were
used to set up a detachment at Atlantic City.
VJ-16
The unit was commissioned on 1st December 1943 at NAS San Juan, Puerto
Rico to provide tow target and utility services for the Atlantic Fleet in
the Florida and Caribbean areas, previously served by VJ-4. The unit was
formed from a nucleus of personnel and aircraft from VJ-4, including ten
JM-1 aircraft. The training of pilots and maintenance of JM-1 aircraft
took place at NAS Miami, Florida using twenty four JM-1 aircraft from
NACTC. The commanding officer was Lt. Commander Vincent Courtland Wright.
The unit moved to USN/AAF Roosevelt Road, Puerto Rico on 28th April 1944,
then to NAS Miami, Florida on 10th May 1944. The unit moved to NAS
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on 1st April 1945. During April 1945, the unit
received two JM-2 aircraft. On 22nd September 1945, a new commanding
officer took charge, Lt. Commander William Dale Wilder.
VJ-17
The unit was commissioned on 15th March 1944 at NAS Alemeda, California by
the commander of Fleet Air Wing Eight (FAW-8). The unit was established to
provide services to the Central Pacific Fleet, towing sleeved targets,
providing tracking exercises, and photographic missions as requested by
the fleet, or other naval services in the region. The squadron moved out
to NAS Moffett Field, California for fitting out and training. The acting
commanding officer was Lt. Robert F Goodspeed, until Lt. Forrest A Todd
was formally assigned as the commanding officer the following day (16th
March 1944). Once training was completed, the unit and its compliment of
nine JM-1 aircraft fitted with long range ferry tanks departed NAS Moffett
Field on 1st July 1944 to a point of embarkation at Fairfield, California
for final preparations for the Trans-Atlantic flight. Also on 1st July, a
detachment (VJ-17 det.A) was established at Eniwetok Island, Marshall
Island Chain (VJ-17A), with one JM-1 and five TBF-1 aircraft arriving
later. This rose to five JM-1’s in August 1944. On 5th July, the aircraft
departed Fairfield, and made the 10.5 hour flight to NAS Ford Island,
Hawaii, the first leg of the flight. Here the aircraft were checked over,
the long range fuel tanks removed from the bomb bays, and certain towing
equipment installed by maintenance personnel from the resident unit,
VJ-12. Departing Ford Island on 8th July, the aircraft stopped off at NAS
Barbers Point to refuel before heading for Majuro Atoll via Johnston
Island. On arrival at Johnston Island the aircraft were delayed due to
unfavourable weather conditions, but departed on 10th July, arriving at
the units new home base, Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands on 11th July. On
arrival VJ-17 relieved the departing unit VJ-1 detachment A (VJ-1A) of its
duties at this station. On 12th July, Lt. Todd was transferred out, and
Lt. Harrison J Johnson assumed temporary command. Two JM-1 aircraft were
dispatched to Kwajalein Island on 19th July, returning to Majuro Atoll
three days later on 22nd July. Further pairs of JM-1’s were dispatched to
Kwajalein Island during July through to November 1944 when services were
required. On 28th September, a second detachment (VJ-17B) was established
at NAB Agana, Guam (det.B), with two JM-1 aircraft. From 16th October
1944, Lt. Commander John George Turk became the new commanding officer of
VJ-17. The squadron moved to NAB Agana Field, Guam on 27th December 1944,
from where it could provide services to Peleliu and Saipan, in addition to
fleet activities in this area. A third detachment was set up at Ulithi
Atoll, Western Carolines during December 1944 (VJ-17C). On 5th February
1945, five JM-1 aircraft were dispatched to Faslop, Ulithi Atoll to assist
the resident detachment of VJ-18B. On 25th April 1945, five JM-1 aircraft
from VJ-13 at Guadalcanal were detached on temporary duty with VJ-17 to
assist with towing services, returning on 13th June. During April, VJ-17
and Marine unit VMTD-2 performed joint towing operations in the area. In
May 1945, two JM-1 aircraft from VJ-17 were sent to VJ-13 detachment B for
temporary duty. On 1st July 1945, VJ-18 relieved VJ-18 of its duties at
Ulithi Atoll, and on 5th July the detachment (VJ-17A) was also relieved of
its duties at Eniwetok Island by VJ-18, who had moved in from Faslop,
Ulithi Atoll. VJ-17 detachment B (VJ-17B) moved over to replace VJ-18 at
Faslop, Ulithi Atoll. On 8th September, VJ-17 was relieved of its duties
at NAB Agana, Guam by utility squadron VJ-10, and on 9th September, VJ-10
also took over the duties from VJ-17B at Faslop, Ulithi Atoll. VJ-17 and
its detachments started the move back to mainland USA during September
1945. In October 1945, VJ-17 moved to NAS Moffett Field, California, and
relieved Utility Squadron VJ-1 of its duties at Moffett on 10th October
1945. The unit was formally decommissioned at NAS San Diego, California on
17th November 1945.
VJ-18
The unit was commissioned on 15th June 1944 at NAS Moffett Field,
California. The unit was formed from a nucleus of VJ-9 personnel. The
commanding officer was Lt. Frank Merril Graham, promoted to Lt. Commander
on 17th November 1944. The unit trained with V-14, using their aircraft
for pilot training. On 1st July 1944, VJ-18 relieved VJ-14 of its duties
at NAS Moffett Field, took charge of all of VJ-14’s aircraft and
equipment, and became responsible for tow services in the San
Francisco-Santa Barbara area. Also, on 1st July, VJ-18 detachment A
(VJ-18A) was established at MCAS Santa Barbara, California, relieving
VJ-14A of its duties at this location. On 1st October 1944 arriving unit
VJ-1 relieved VJ-18 of all of its duties at NAS Moffett Field, and MCAS
Santa Barbara, taking over all of VJ-18’s aircraft and equipment. On 2nd
November, VJ-18 received orders to move overseas to Faslop Field, Ulithi
Atoll, Western Carolines. On 13th November, VJ-18 received the first of
its compliment of nine JM-1 aircraft from the A&R department at NAS
Moffett Field, and by 22nd November all nine aircraft had been received.
The nine aircraft were flown to NAS Alemeda, California on 10th January
1945 in preparation for overseas shipment. Due to a lack of long range
fuel tanks for the rear bomb bay, it was decided to ship the aircraft by
sea to NAS Pearl Harbour, Hawaii. On 7th February, the nine aircraft were
loaded aboard the USS Franklin and sailed for Pearl Harbour, arriving
there on 14th February. At Pearl Harbour the aircraft were unloaded and
prepared for flight with the assistance of VJ-7 and VJ-14 personnel. Once
assembled, the aircraft were flight tested and flown to Hickham Field,
Hawaii to take advantage of that field’s longer runway. During the early
hours of 17th February the aircraft departed Hickham Field for Ulithi
Atoll, via Johnston Island, Majuro Atoll, Eniwetok, and Guam. One aircraft
remained at Guam to act as a demonstrator for VJ-17 to show the bureau
updates to be made to their aircraft. On 22nd February 1945 the other
eight aircraft of VJ-18 arrived at Ulithi Atoll, with the remaining
aircraft from Guam arriving to join the rest of VJ-18’s aircraft at Ulithi
on 1st March 1945. Five days after arriving at Ulithi, two of the units
JM-1 aircraft moved to Peleliu in the Palau Island Group to provide
utility services to the shore batteries and screening vessels. Regular
pairs of aircraft were dispatched to Peleliu for weekly operations from
this field. On 10th June 1945, two JM-1 aircraft were dispatched to
Stickell Field, Eniwetok, Marshall Islands to assist VJ-17A. Two aircraft
were dispatched to Iwo Jima and Guam during April, May, and June 1945 to
service shore batteries and aircraft units in those locations. On 30th
June the squadron and eight of its JM-1 aircraft moved to Stickell Field,
Eniwetok, with the final JM-1 arriving from temporary duty at Guam on 14th
July. VJ-18 relieved VJ-17 of all of its duties at Eniwetok on 1st July.
During early October 1945, VJ-18 started the move back to NAS Moffett
Field on USA’s West coat. On 16th October, three JM-1’s departed Eniwetok
for Pearl Harbour to be delivered to the Pacific Utility Wing Service
Pool, and on 8th October, the other six JM-1’s were ferried to Guam and
handed over to VJ-10. On 10th November 1945, VJ-18 was decommissioned at
NAS Moffett Field, California.
Equipment fit
The aircraft were fitted out with Navy specific equipment, including VHF
radio sets, radio altimeters, and Navy designed towing equipment. As the
aircraft developed during its career with the Navy, the following
equipment was gradually fitted to the aircraft as it became available:
AN/APX-2 IFF gear
AN/APR-2 homing receivers
AN/ARN-8 marker beacons
AN/APN-4 Loran equipment
AN/APN-1 altimeters.
Droppable bomb bay fuel tanks for extended towing missions.
AN/APS-3 radar equipment
Radio Countermeasures equipment
Oxygen equipment for high altitude towing operations
Twin Electric tow reel winching system fitted to a JM-1 of VJ-15
The Use
The primary function of the JM-1 and JM-2 was to provide aerial target
towing missions for Navy ships, fighter units, and shore based naval
installations.
Other missions included: Anti Aircraft towing (for ship and shore), Anti
Aircraft tracking (for ship and shore), night tracking and Radar Counter
Measures exercises, simulated attacks on submarines & destroyers, radar
calibration flights, photographic and aerial mapping duties for the fleet,
photographing landing operations, mail runs, night flare rehearsals,
transportation and ferrying duties, fighter directive practice, air sea
rescue searches, anti-submarine patrols, administration flights, and
rehearsals for air support strikes by landing forces.
JM-1, Bu No 66609 of VJ-7 flying overhead an Iowa class battleship
Marine Corps Units
Four Marine Units also operated the JM-1/JM-2, these were:
VMJ-1
The unit was commissioned at Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii on 21st March
1945 as Marine Towing Detachment-1 (VMTD-1). Was re-designated VMJ-1 on
1st May 1945 and assigned to the 3rd Marine Air Wing for towing targets
for Marine AA batteries over the Hawaiian Islands. The squadron was
deactivated in October 1945 at Kauai.
VMJ-2
The unit was commissioned at MCAS Ewa, Hawaii on 10th October 1944 as
VMTD-2 to train in towing Aerial targets for Marine AA batteries. After
two months at Maui in Hawaii towing targets for the 5th Marine Division,
the unit and it’s six JM-1 aircraft moved to Agana, Guam on 24th November
1944. Here the unit carried out tow target flights and radar tracking
duties for Army AA units on Guam, Saipan, and Tinian. Was re-designated
VMJ-2 on 1st May 1945. After the war the squadron moved back to the West
Coast of the USA, and was deactivated on 6th March 1946.
VMJ-3
The unit was formed at MCAS, Ewa, Hawaii on 1st October 1944 as VMTD-3,
performing tow target and tracking duties for Marine AA batteries. The
unit was re-designated VMJ-3 on 1st May 1945 at Ewa. The unit was sent to
Midway Island in August 1945 to tow targets for Marine defence battalions.
At the end of the war the unit was sent back to MCAS Ewa, Hawaii and was
deactivated in October 1945.
AES-46
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 46 was commissioned in January 1943 at MCAS
Cherry Point, North Carolina, and quickly became the largest aviation
squadron in the Marine Corps. It was responsible for airfield support
operations, services for visiting aircraft, station communications, air
traffic control, VIP ferrying duties on the east coast of the USA, and
aircraft servicing and modifications. The unit was also used to ferry
Marine aircraft from the factories to Marine bases on the East coast. The
unit had between 12 and 14 different JM-1 aircraft on strength.
JM-1, Bu No 66749 of AES-46
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