United States Army Air Forces in the Central Pacific Area

During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces engaged in combat against the Empire of Japan in the Central Pacific Area. As defined by the War Department, this consisted of most of the Pacific Ocean and its islands, excluding the Philippines, Australia, the Netherlands East Indies, the Territory of New Guinea (including the Bismarck Archipelago) the Solomon Islands and areas to the south and east of the Solomons.

The initial USAAF combat organization in the region was Seventh Air Force, which was originally formed in Hawaii as the Army Air defense command for the islands. After the Pearl Harbor Attack on 7 December 1941, Seventh Air Force retained the mission of its predecessor of the defense of the Hawaiian Islands and until the closing months of the war it maintained its headquarters at Hickam Field. The command however, deployed most of its combat units to the Central Pacific.

As the war progressed, some Seventh Air Force units moved into the South West Pacific theatre and coordinated their activities with Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force units in New Guinea, Netherlands East Indies and Philippines during 1944 and 1945.

In 1944, Twentieth Air Force was reassigned from the China Burma India Theater to bases in the Marianas chain of islands, consisting primarily of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. The Marianas airfields were considered as being ideal bases from which to launch B-29 Superfortress operations against Japan. The islands were about 1500 miles from Tokyo, a range which the B-29s could just about manage. Most important of all, they could be put on a direct supply line from western United States ports by ship.

In September 1945, just after the Surrender of Japan, a few advance elements of Eighth Air Force arrived on Tinian and Guam. Eighth Air Force was transferred from England to be a second strategic air force in the Pacific War, with a mission to carry out B-29 attacks on the Japanese Home Islands during the planned Invasion of Japan beginning in November 1945. These advance units were reassigned to other stations in December 1945.

Seventh Air Force operations focused on supporting Army and Naval forces in the tactical campaigns against Japanese forces in the Central Pacific, while Twentieth Air Force performed strategic bombing missions directly against the Japanese home islands.

Airfields and unit assignments

BAKER ISLAND

• Baker Island Airfield, Baker Island

45th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 1 September-27 November 1943

CAROLINE ISLANDS

• Angaur Airfield, Angaur, Palau Islands, Caroline Islands

Seventh Air Force

22d Bombardment Group, Heavy, 26 November 1944 – 20 January 1945

2d Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 28 November 1944 – 19 January 1945

19th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 2 December 1944 – 26 January 1945

33d Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 26 November 1944 – 20 January 1945

408th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 1 December 1944 – 13 January 1945

494th Bombardment Group, Heavy, 30 September 1944 – 23 June 1945

864th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 30 September 1944 – 23 June 1945

865th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 30 September 1944 – 23 June 1945

866th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 30 September 1944 – 23 June 1945

867th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 30 September 1944 – 23 June 1945

• Peleliu Airfield, Peleliu, Palau Islands, Caroline Islands

Seventh Air Force

28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Detachment, VII Fighter Command, 5 October 1944 – April 1945

GILBERT ISLANDS

• Abemama Airfield, Abamama Atoll, Gilbert Islands

Seventh Air Force

30th Bombardment Group, Heavy 4 January–19 March 1944

27th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, operated from Abemama 26 February-14 March 1944

392d Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 10 January-16 March 1944

9th Troop Carrier Squadron, Seventh Air Force, 27 March–3 August 1944

47th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 41st Bombardment Group (Medium), 22 December 1943 – 20 April 1944

48th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 41st Bombardment Group (Medium), 22 December 1943 – 23 April 1944

• Bonriki Airfield (Mullinix Field). Bonriki Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands

Seventh Air Force

Headquarters, VII Bomber Command, January–March 1944

11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 28 January–4 April 1944

26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 25 January-13 April 1944

98th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 20 January-2 April 1944

431st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 16 January-30 March 1944

41st Bombardment Group (Medium), 17 December 1943 – 23 April 1944

396th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 28 January-19 April 1944

820th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 24 December 1943 – 26 April 1944

• Makin Airfield, Butaritari Island, Makin Atoll, Gilbert Islands

Seventh Air Force

41st Bombardment Group (Medium), 24 April-13 October 1944

47th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 41st Bombardment Group (Medium), 21 April-4 November 1944

48th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 41st Bombardment Group (Medium), 24 April-13 October 1944 (operated from Saipan 23 July-21 August 1944)

396th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 41st Bombardment Group (Medium), 24 December 1943 – 19 April 1944

820th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 27 April-13 October 1944

38th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 30th Bombardment Group, Heavy,(operated from Makin Atoll 26 February-22 March 1944)

531st Fighter Bomber Squadron, Seventh Air Force, 18 December 1943 – 17 February 1944

531st Fighter Squadron, Seventh Air Force, 18 February–March 1944

• Hawkins Field (Tarawa), Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands

Seventh Air Force

Headquarters, VII Bomber Command, January 1944

11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 14–27 January 1944

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

HAWAII ISLAND

Seventh Air Force

• General Lyman Field, Hawaii, Hawaiian Islands

45th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 20 October-19 December 1942

46th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 16 December 1942 – 19 March 1943

72d Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 25 July-21 October 1943

86th Observation Squadron, 7th Air Force, June-17 August 1942

333d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, 6 April-27 July 1943

KAUAI ISLAND

Seventh Air Force

• Barking Sands Field, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands

494th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 15 June-29 September 1944

864th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 15 June-29 September 1944

865th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 15 June-29 September 1944

866th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 15 June-29 September 1944

867th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 15 June-29 September 1944

47th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 29 July-7 November 1942

78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 23 April-30 July 1943

392d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 20 October-9 November 1943

819th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 22 October-11 November 1943

MOLOKAI ISLAND

Seventh Air Force

• Homestead Field, Molokai, Hawaiian Islands

OAHU ISLAND

• Bellows Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

318th Fighter Group, 9 February 1943-Jun 1944

19th Fighter Squadron, 18 April-19 June 1944

44th Fighter Squadron, 15–23 October 1942

19th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 18th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), 20 February-14 May 1942

19th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group 15–21 May 1942 and 20 October 1942 – 8 February 1943

26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 8 April-10 May 1943

44th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 18th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), 7 November-11 December 1941

44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, 23 June-14 October 1942

45th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 14–31 August 1943 and 19 June 1944 – 5 February 1945

47th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter), 15th Pursuit Group (Fighter), 22 February-24 March 1942

47th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 8 June 1944 – 27 January 1945

58th Bombardment Squadron, (Light), Hawaiian Air Force, 18 March-29 April 1941 and 11–18 December 1941

72d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 11 December 1941 – 18 September 1942

73d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, 22 May-16 June 1942 and 8 November 1943 – 22 June 1944

78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 8 June 1944 – 24 January 1945

86th Observation Squadron, Hawaiian Air Force, 15 March 1941 – 2 February 1942

86th Observation Squadron, 7th Air Force, 3 February–June 1942

333d Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, 23 August-10 September 1942

333d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, 28 July 1943 – 5 July 1944

394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 30 May-23 July 1942 and 28 September-17 November 1942

531st Fighter Squadron, Seventh Air Force, March-20 April 1944

• Fort Kamehameha, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

Headquarters, VII Fighter Command, 18 January–March 1945

• Fort Shafter, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Headquarters Hawaiian Air Force, Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, 1 November 1940-4 February 1942

Headquarters 7th Air Force, Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, 5 February-17 September 1942

Headquarters Seventh Air Force, Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, 18 September 1942-15 August 1943; U.S. Army Forces in Central Pacific Area, c. 16 Aug 1943-31 July 1944; and Army Air Forces, Pacific Ocean Areas, 1 Aug 1944-18 December 1944

Headquarters, VII Interceptor Command, 2 February-14 May 1942

Headquarters, VII Fighter Command, 15 May 1942 – 19 October 1944

Headquarters, 7th Fighter Wing, 21 April 1944 – 17 November 1946

• Haleiwa Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

45th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter), 15th Pursuit Group (Fighter), 21–26 December 1941

47th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter), 15th Pursuit Group Fighter). 25 March-15 May 1942

47th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 15 May 1942 – 29 July 1943

72d Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 23 April-7 June 1943

78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 31 July 1943 – 5 January 1944

• Hickam Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Pacific Ocean Areas, 1 August 1944 – 31 January 1945

Headquarters, Hawaiian Air Force, 1 November 1940 – 2 February 1942

Headquarters, 7th Air Force, 3 February-17 September 1942

Headquarters, Seventh Air Force, 18 September 1942 – 12 December 1944

Headquarters, VII Bomber Command, 29 January 1942-November 1943

Headquarters, VII Fighter Command, 20 October 1944 – 17 January 1945

Headquarters, 18th Wing, 30 October 1937 – 18 October 1940

Headquarters, 18th Bombardment Wing, 19 October 1940 – 29 January 1942

5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 1 January 1939 – 30 November 1942

4th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy), 1 January 1939 – 21 April 1942

23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 1 January 1939 – 23 March 1942

31st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 8 February 1938 – 22 May 1942

72d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 4 January 1939 – 10 December 1941

394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22 April-29 May 1942 and 24 July-27 September 1942

11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 1 February 1940 – 21 July 1942

26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 1 February 1940 – 19 December 1941

42d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 1 February 1940 – 4 June 1942

50th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy), 9 October 1939 – 21 April 1942

98th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 16 December 1941 – 10 August 1942

431st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22 April-23 July 1942 and 8 April-10 November 1943

30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 20 October-11 November 1943

41st Bombardment Group (Medium), 16 October-16 December 1943

47th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 26 October-21 December 1943

48th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 20 October-21 December 1943

396th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 20 October-23 December 1943

820th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 20 October-23 December 1943

307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 1 November 1942-February 1943

318th Fighter Group, 15 October 1942 – 8 February 1943

19th Transport Squadron, Hawaiian Air Force, 1 January 1941 – 2 February 1942

19th Transport Squadron, 7th Air Force, 3 February-28 May 1942

22d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy) (22 December 1941 – 18 January 1942) (air echelon only; ground echelon at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)

46th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter), 15th Pursuit Group (Fighter), 6 February-14 May 1942

46th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 15–21 May 1942

58th Bombardment Squadron (Light), Hawaiian Air Force, 30 April-10 December 1941

548th Night Fighter Squadron, VII Fighter Command, 16 September-15 October 1944

• John Rogers Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

6th Night Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 3 March-5 June 1944

6th Night Fighter Squadron, VII Fighter Command, 5 June-27 October 1944

19th Transport Squadron. 7th Air Force. 29 May-4 July 1942

19th Troop Carrier Squadron. 7th Air Force. 5 July-17 September 1942

19th Troop Carrier Squadron. Seventh Air Force. 19 September 1942 – 14 August 1944

19th Troop Carrier Squadron. VI Air Service Area Command. 15 August 1944 – 14 December 1945

22d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), (18 December 1941 – 18 January 1942) (air echelon; ground echelon at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)

• Kahuku Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

508th Fighter Group, 6 January-24 February 1945

466th Fighter Squadron, 6 January-24 February 1945

467th Fighter Squadron, 6 January-2 March 1945

468th Fighter Squadron, 6 January-2 March 1945

6th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, 30 August-16 November 1942

38th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 20 October-11 November 1943

42d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 19 Mary-22 June 1944

43d Reconnaissance Squadron (Long Range, Photographic), U.S. Army Strategic Air Forces, 15 July 1945-February 1946

86th Combat Mapping Squadron, Seventh Air Force (air echelon), October–November 1944

86th Combat Mapping Squadron, AAF, Pacific Ocean Areas, 24 November 1944 – 14 July 1945

372d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 2 November 1942 – 12 June 1942 (operated from Midway, 22–24 December 1942; and Funafuti, 18–23 April 1943)

• Kipapa Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

6th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, 17 November 1942 – 15 March 1943 (detachment operating from Guadalcanal 28 February-8 January 1943)

6th Night Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 16 March 1943 – 2 March 1944 (detachment operated from Guadalcanal 16 March-15 September 1943 and another from New Guinea 18 April-14 September 1943)

6th Night Fighter Squadron, VII Fighter Command, 28 October 1944 – 10 January 1945 (detachment operated from Kipapa 11 January-12 May 1945)

19th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, 30 May-3 September 1943

28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh Air Force, 16 January-8 October 1944 (detachments at Kwajalein, 30 January-24 September 1944; and Saipan, 11 July-8 October 1944)

31st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 23 May-8 September 1942

370th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy, 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 2 November 1942 – 17 March 1943 (operated from Midway, 22–24 December 1942 and Espiritu Santo, 6 February-17 March 1943)

392d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 18 March-22 May 1945

548th Night Fighter Squadron, VII Fighter Command, 16 October 1944 – 27 February 1945

549th Night Fighter Squadron, VII Fighter Command, 20 October 1944 – 19 February 1945

• Kualoa Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

19th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, 22 May-19 October 1942

19th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, 26 December 1943 – 17 April 1944

28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh Air Force 9 October-12 December 1944 and VI Air Service Area Command, 13 December 1944 – 7 May 1945, 9 October 1944 – 7 May 1945 (detachments at Saipan, 9 October 1944-May 1945; and Okinawa, 23 April-8 May 1945)

31st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 9 September-9 November 1942

41st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Fighter Wing, 18 April-31 May 1945

42d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 5 June-7 July 1942 and 8 April-8 November 1943

531st Fighter Squadron, Seventh Air Force, 21 April-14 June 1944

531st Fighter Squadron, 21st Fighter Group, 15 June 1944 – 7 October 1944

• Mokulkeia Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

508th Fighter Group, 25 February-15 September 1945

466th Fighter Squadron, 25 February-15 September 1945

467th Fighter Squadron, 3 March-15 September 1945

468th Fighter Squadron, 3 March-20 September 1945

23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 24 March-3 November 1942

27th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 20 October-9 November 1943

42d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 8–21 July 1942, 9 January-18 March 1944 and 23 June-21 September 1944

45th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, 27 December 1941 – 14 May 1942

45th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 15 May-19 October 1942 and 6 April-18 June 1944

46th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 22 May-15 December 1942

46th Fighter Squadron, 21st Fighter Group, 13 October 1944 – 25 March 1945

47th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 8 November 1943 – 7 June 1944

72d Fighter Squadron, 21st Fighter Group, 8 June 1944 – 25 March 1945

73d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, 5 May-7 November 1943 and 1 April-7 June 1944

424th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 2 November 1942 – 17 March 1942 (operated from Midway, 22–24 December 1942; Funafuti, 20 January-1 February 1943; and Funafuti, 20 January-1 February 1943)

531st Fighter Squadron, 21st Fighter Group, 8 October 1944 – 25 March 1945

• Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

19th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group 9 February-15 March 1943

19th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group 16 March-19 May 1943

• Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

44th Pursuit Squadron, 18th Pursuit Group, 27 December 1941 – 24 January 1942

73d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, 26 January-4 May 1943

78th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 18th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), 9 December 1941 – 14 May 1942

78th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, 15 May 1942 – 22 January 1943

• Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

163d Liaison Squadron, AAF, Pacific Ocean Areas, 20 January-6 April 1945

• Stanley Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

19th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, 4 September-25 December 1943

45th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 20 December 1942 – 13 August 1943

78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 6 January-31 March 1944

• Waiele Gulch Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

• Wheeler Field, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

Headquarters, 14th Pursuit Wing, 1 November 1940 – 23 January 1942

15th Pursuit Group (Fighter), 1 December 1940 – 14 May 1942

45th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter), 1 December 1940 – 20 December 1941

46th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter), 1 December 1940 – 5 February 1942

72d Pursuit Squadron (Fighter), 5 October 1941 – 14 May 1942

15th Fighter Group, 15 May 1942 – 2 June 1944

46th Fighter Squadron, 17 February-14 June 1944

72d Fighter Squadron, 15 May 1942-24 July 1943 and 21 October-17 December 1943

18th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), 21 January 1927 – 14 May 1942

6th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 11 January 1927 – 14 May 1942

19th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor_, 11 January 1927 – 19 February 1942

44th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 12–26 December 1941 and 25 January-14 May 1945

47th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 1 December 1940 – 21 February 1942

73d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 5 October 1941 – 14 May 1942

78th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 1 February 1940 – 8 December 1941

18th Fighter Group, 15 May 1942 – 10 March 1943

6th Fighter Squadron, 15 May-29 August 1942

44th Fighter Squadron, 15 May-22 June 1942

73d Fighter Squadron, 15–21 May 1942

21st Fighter Group, 21 April-12 October 1944

46th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 15 June-12 October 1944

30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), March-28 September 1945

27th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 23 May-24 September 1945

38th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 17 March-20 September 1945

392d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 23 May-28 September 1945

819th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 14 October 1944 – 4 January 1946

41st Bombardment Group (Medium), 14 October 1944 – 6 June 1945

47th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 5 November 1944 – 6 June 1945

48th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 14 October 1944 – 20 May 1945

396th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 14 October 1944 – 6 June 1945

820th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 14 October 1944 – 20 May 1945

26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 20 December 1941-19 July 1942 and 11 May-10 November 1943

58th Bombardment Squadron (Light), Hawaiian Air Force, 1 June-17 March 1941 and 19 December 1941 – 2 February 1942

58th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 7th Air Force, 3 February-17 September 1942

58th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), Seventh Air Force, 18 September 1942 – 18 June 1943

86th Observation Squadron, Hawaiian Air Force, 1 February-14 March 1941

86th Observation Squadron, 7th Air Force, 17 August-3 September 1942

86th Observation Squadron, Seventh Air Force, 8 September 1942 – 30 May 1943

86th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bomber), Seventh Air Force, 31 May-12 November 1943

86th Combat Mapping Squadron, Seventh Air Force, 13 November 1943 – 28 June 1944

86th Combat Mapping Squadron air echelon, Seventh Air Force, June–October 1944

371st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 2 November 1942 – 12 June 1943 (operated from Midway, 21–24 December 1942 and 6–12 February 1943; Canton, 6–12 February 1943 and Funafuti, 18–23 April 1943)

JOHNSTON ATOLL

• Naval Air Station Johnston Island, Johnston Island

LINE ISLANDS

• Casady Field, Christmas Island

Seventh Air Force

12th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 50th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) attached to VII Interceptor Command, 10 February-14 May 1942

12th Fighter Squadron, 50th Fighter Group attached to VII Fighter Command, 15 May-17 August 1942

12th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 18 August-18 November 1942

MARIANA ISLANDS

GUAM ISLAND

• Agana Airfield, Guam, Marianas Islands

Seventh Air Force

11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 25 October 1944 – 1 July 1945

26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 21 October 1944 – 1 July 1945

42d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 22 September 1944 – 1 July 1945

98th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 21 October 1944 – 1 July 1945

431st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 21 October 1944 – 1 July 1945

21st Fighter Group, 17 April – 10 October 1946.

• Harmon Airfield, Guam, Marianas Islands

Twentieth Air Force

Headquarters, Twentieth Air Force, 16 July 1945 – 15 May 1949

Headquarters, XXI Bomber Command, 4 December 1944 – 16 July 1945

9th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 9 June 1947 – 20 October 1948

• North Field, Guam, Mariana Islands

Twentieth Air Force

Headquarters: 314th Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, 16 January 1945 – 14 June 1946

19th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 16 January 1945 – 4 July 1950

28th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 16 January 1945 – 27 June 1950

30th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 16 January 1945 – 27 June 1950

93d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 16 January 1945 – 27 June 1950

29th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 17 January 1945 – 19 May 1946

6th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 17 January 1945 – 20 May 1946

43d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 17 January 1945 – 20 May 1946

52d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 17 January 1945 – 20 May 1946

39th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 18 February–17 November 1945

60th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 18 February-16 November 1945

61st Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 18 February-16 November 1945

62d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 18 February-16 November 1945

330th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 18 February–15 November 1945

457th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 18 February-21 November 1945

458th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 18 February-21 November 1945

458th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 18 February-19 November 1945

• Northwest Field, Guam, Mariana Islands

Eighth Air Force

382d Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 8 September–16 December 1945

Note: Only ground echelons of the 420th, 464th and 872d Bombardment Squadrons, Very Heavy, arrived. The air echelons remained in the U.S. until inactivated.

Twentieth Air Force

Headquarters: 315th Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, 5 April 1945 – 29 May 1946

16th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 14 April 1945 – 15 April 1946

15th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 14 April 1945 – 15 April 1946

16th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 14 April 1945 – 15 April 1946

17th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 14 April 1945 – 15 April 1946

331st Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 12 May 1945 – 15 April 1946

355th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 12 May 1945 – 15 April 1946

356th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 12 May 1945 – 15 April 1946

357th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 12 May 1945 – 15 April 1946

501st Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 14 May 1945 – 10 June 1946

21st Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 14 May 1945 – 10 June 1946

41st Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 14 May 1945 – 10 June 1946

485th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 14 May 1945 – 10 June 1946

502d Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 12 May 1945 – 15 April 1946

402d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 12 May 1945 – 15 April 1946

411th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 12 May 1945 – 15 April 1946

430th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 12 May 1945 – 15 April 1946

41st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, AAF Pacific Ocean Areas, 13 June–15 July 1945

41st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, U.S. Army Forces, Middle Pacific (attached to Twentieth Air Force), 16 July-18 September 1945

• Orote Field, Guam, Mariana Islands

SAIPAN ISLAND

• East Field, Saipan, Mariana Islands

Seventh Air Force

Headquarters, Seventh Air Force, Army Air Forces, Pacific Ocean Areas, 13 December 1944 – 13 July 1945

Headquarters, VII Bomber Command, August–July 1944

21st Fighter Group, 4 December 1945 – 17 April 1946

30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 4 August 1944 – February 1945

318th Fighter Group, June 1944 – 30 April 1945

6th Night Fighter Squadron detachment, VII Fighter Command, 21 July 1944 – 1 May 1945

9th Troop Carrier Squadron, Seventh Air Force, 4 August 1944 – July 1946

28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron. Seventh Air Force, 11 July 1944 – May 1945

86th Combat Mapping Squadron ground echelon, Seventh Air Force, 8 July-23 October 1944

86th Combat Mapping Squadron ground echelon, AAF, Pacific Ocean Areas, 24 October-6 November 1944

548th Night Fighter Squadron detachment, VII Fighter Command, 17 February - 6 March 1945

549th Night Fighter Squadron air echelon, VII Fighter Command, 20 February – 20 March 1945

• Isley Field, Saipan, Mariana Islands

Twentieth Air Force

Headquarters, 73d Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, 24 August 1944-19-October 1945

497th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 17 September 1944 – 1 November 1945

869th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 17 September 1944 – 1 November 1945

870th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 17 September 1944 – 1 November 1945

871st Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 17 September 1944 – 1 November 1945

498th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 6 September 1944 – 2 November 1945

873d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 7 September 1944 – 2 November 1945

874th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 7 September 1944 – 1 November 1945

875th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 7 September 1944 – 2 November 1945

499th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 18 September 1944 – 9 November 1945

877th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 22 September 1944-November 1945

878th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 22 September 1944-November 1945

879th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 22 September 1944-November 1945

500th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 18 September 1944 – 21 October 1945

881st Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 19 September 1944 – 15 November 1945

882d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 19 September 1944 – 15 November 1945

883d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 19 September 1944 – 15 November 1945

• Kobler Field, Saipan, Mariana Islands

819th Bombardment Squadron

TINIAN ISLAND

• North Field, Tinian, Mariana Islands

Twentieth Air Force

Headquarters, 313th Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, 24 December 1944 – 14 March 1946

6th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 28 December 1944 – 27 January 1946

24th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 28 December 1945 – 12 March 1946

39th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 28 December 1945 – 12 March 1946

40th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 28 December 1945 – 12 March 1946

9th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 28 December 1944 – 14 April 1946

1st Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 28 December 1944 – 7 March 1946

5th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 28 December 1944 – 6 March 1946

99th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 28 December 1944 – 7 March 1946

504th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 23 December 1944 – 5 March 1946

398th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 23 December 1944 – 12 March 1946

421st Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 23 December 1944 – 12 March 1946

680th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, Second Air Force attached to 504th Bombardment Group, 15 June 1945 – 12 March 1946

505th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 19 December 1944 – 5 March 1946

482d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 24 December 1944 – 5 March 1946

483d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 24 December 1944 – 5 March 1946

484th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 24 December 1944 – 5 March 1946

509th Composite Group, 29 May–17 October 1945

320th Troop Carrier Squadron, 30 May-17 October 1945

393d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 30 May-17 October 1945

• West Field, Tinian, Mariana Islands

Twentieth Air Force

Headquarters, 58th Bombardment Wing, (Very Heavy), 29 March–15 November 1945

40th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 4 April–7 November 1945

25th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, April-7 November 1945

44th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, April-7 November 1945

45th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, April-7 November 1945

444th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 7 April–18 September 1945

676th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, April-27 October 1945

677th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, April-27 October 1945

678th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, April-27 October 1945

462d Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, 4 April–5 November 1945

768th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, April-15 November 1945

769th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, April-15 November 1945

770th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, April-15 November 1945

468th Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, 6 April–15 November 1945

792d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 7 May-15 November 1945

793d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 7 May-15 November 1945

794th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, 7 May-15 November 1945

MARSHALL ISLANDS

• Eniwetok Airfield (Stickell Field), Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands

Seventh Air Force

86th Combat Mapping Squadron detachment, Seventh Air Force, June–August 1944

• Kwajalein Airfield, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands

Seventh Air Force

Headquarters, VII Bomber Command, March–August 1944

11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 5 April-24 October 1944

26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 14 April-20 October 1944

98th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 3 April-20 October 1944

431st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 31 March-20 October 1944

30th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 20 March – 4 August 1944

28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron detachments, Seventh Air Force, 30 June – 24 September 1944

86th Combat Mapping Squadron detachment, Seventh Air Force, May–June 1944

MIDWAY ISLANDS

• Henderson Field, Midway Atoll, Hawaiian Islands

Seventh Air Force

18th Reconnaissance Squadron, 22nd Bombardment Group*, 3 June–6, 1942

31st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy)*, 3–6 June 1942

42d Bombardment Squadron, (Heavy) 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy)*, 3–6 June 1942

69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medium)* 3–6 June 1942

72d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy)*, 3–6 June 1942

73d Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, 17 June 1942 – 26 January 1943

78th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group 23 January-15 March 1943

78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group 16 March-22 April 1943

431st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy)*, 29 May – 6 June 1942

.* Detachments deployed for use in Battle of Midway

PHOENIX ISLANDS

• Topham Field, Canton Island

Seventh Air Force

26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), (air echelon operated from Canton Island 12 November-31 December 1943)

46th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, 27 March-17 December 1943

58th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), Seventh Air Force, 24 June-13 August 1943

333d Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, 11 September 1942 – 10 January 1943

333d Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, 11 January-5 April 1943

392d Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 30th Bombardment Group, Heavy 10 January-16 March 1944

531st Fighter-Bomber Squadron, Seventh Air Force, 14 August-17 December 1943

RYUKYU ISLANDS

• Hamasaki, Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands

Fifth Air Force

Headquarters Fifth Air Force, 4 August-24 September 1945

Headquarters V Bomber Command, August–October 1945

Headquarters V Fighter Command, August–October 1945

308th Bombardment Wing (Heavy), 16 June-27 September 1945

• Ie Shima Airstrip, Ie Shima Island, Ryukyu Islands

Fifth Air Force

3d Air Commando Group, August-26 October 1945

3d Fighter Squadron (Commando), 9 August-26 October 1945

4th Fighter Squadron (Commando), 9 August-26 October 1945

160th Liaison Squadron (Commando), 15 August-21 September 1945 (attached to 5th Air Liaison Group (Provisional)

318th Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando), 25 August-17 October 1945

8th Fighter Group, 6 August-21 November 1945

35th Fighter Squadron, 9 August-20 November 1945

36th Fighter Squadron, 6 August-23 November 1945

80th Fighter Squadron, 5 August-24 November 1945

43d Bombardment Group, Heavy, 26 July-9 December 1945

63d Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 25 July-9 December 1945

64th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 26 July-9 December 1945

65th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 24 July-9 December 1945

403d Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 22 July-9 December 1945

71st Reconnaissance Group, August-5 October 1945

17th Reconnaissance Squadron(Bombardment), 29 July-25 October 1945 (detachment at Lingayen, Luzon, Philippine Islands to September 1945)

82d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 28 July-6 October 1945

110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 28 July-5 October 1945

90th Bombardment Group, Heavy, 10 August–December 1945

319th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 12 August-22 November 1945

320th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 10 August-22 November 1945

321st Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 15 August-22 November 1945

400th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, 11 August-22 November 1945

345th Bombardment Group, Medium, 25 July-10 December 1945

498th Bombardment Squadron, Medium, 20 July-1 December 1945

499th Bombardment Squadron, Medium, 28 July-1 December 1945

500th Bombardment Squadron, Medium, 27 July-1 December 1945

501st Bombardment Squadron, Medium, 28 July-11 December 1945

348th Fighter Group, 9 July–October 1945

340th Fighter Squadron, 9 July-8 September 1945

341st Fighter Squadron, 12 July-8 September 1945

342d Fighter Squadron, 12 July-19 October 1945

460th Fighter Squadron, 12 July-23 November 1945

475th Fighter Group, 8 August-22 September 1945

431st Fighter Squadron, 8 August-4 October 1945

432d Fighter Squadron, 8 August-27 September 1945

433d Fighter Squadron, 8 August-27 September 1945

421st Night Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command, 24 July-24 November 1945

547th Night Fighter Squadron, V Fighter Command, 13 August -6 October 1945

Seventh Air Force

318th Fighter Group, 30 April-30 July 1945

19th Fighter Squadron, 30 April-30 July 1945

73d Fighter Squadron, 30 April-30 July 1945

333d Fighter Squadron, 30 April-30 July 1945

Eighth Air Force

301st Fighter Wing, 15 August-28 November 1945

318th Fighter Group, 15 August–November 1945

19th Fighter Squadron, 15 August–November 1945

73d Fighter Squadron, 15 August–November 1945

333d Fighter Squadron, 15 August–November 1945

413th Fighter Group, 15 August 1945 – 9 November 1945

1st Fighter Squadron, 15 August-16 November 1945

21st Fighter Squadron, 15 August-20 November 1945

34th Fighter Squadron, 15 August-16 November 1945

507th Fighter Group, 15 August 1945 – 28 January 1946

463d Fighter Squadron, 15 August 1945 – 28 January 1946

464th Fighter Squadron, 15 August 1945 – 28 January 1946

465th Fighter Squadron, 15 August 1945 – 28 January 1946

Twentieth Air Force

301st Fighter Wing, 19 May-14 August 1945 (attached to Army Air Forces, Pacific Ocean Area, 21 May 1945 and Seventh Air Force, 1 June-14 August 1945)

318th Fighter Group, 31 July 1945 – 14 August 1945

19th Fighter Squadron, 31 July 1945 – 14 August 1945

73d Fighter Squadron, 31 July 1945 – 14 August 1945

333d Fighter Squadron, 31 July 1945 – 14 August 1945

413th Fighter Group, 19 May-14 August 1945

1st Fighter Squadron, 19 May-14 August 1945

21st Fighter Squadron, 19 May-14 August 1945

34th Fighter Squadron, 19 May-14 August 1945

507th Fighter Group, 24 June-14 August 1945

463d Fighter Squadron, 24 June-14 August 1945

464th Fighter Squadron, 24 June-14 August 1945

465th Fighter Squadron, 24 June-14 August 1945

28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Seventh Air Force, (detachment operated from Ie Shima 14 May-21 June 1945)

• Kadena Field, Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands

Fifth Air Force

49th Fighter Group, 16 August-14 September 1945

7th Fighter Squadron, 17 August-14 September 1945

8th Fighter Squadron, 17 August-14 September 1945

9th Fighter Squadron, 16 August-14 September 1945

348th Fighter Group, 9 July–October 1945

340th Fighter Squadron, 9 July-8 September 1945

341st Fighter Squadron, 12 July-8 September 1945

342d Fighter Squadron, 12 July-19 October 1945

Headquarters, Eighth Air Force, U.S. Army Strategic Air Forces, 16 Jul 1945-7 June 1946

• Motobu Airfield, Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands

Fifth Air Force

58th Fighter Group, 10 July-25 October 1945

69th Fighter Squadron, 8 July-25 October 1945

310th Fighter Squadron, 9 July-25 October 1945

311th Fighter Squadron, 8 July-25 October 1945

• Yontan Field, Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands

Fifth Air Force

35th Fighter Group, 28 June–October 1945

39th Fighter Squadron, 30 June-10 October 1945

40th Fighter Squadron, 30 June-9 October 1945

41st Fighter Squadron, 30 June-9 October 1945

Seventh Air Force

Headquarters, Seventh Air Force, Far East Air Forces, 14 July-31 December 1945

Headquarters, VII Bomber Command, Jul 1945-March 1946

VOLCANO ISLANDS

• North Field, Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands

Known as Motoyama Number 3 by the Japanese. Construction began on North Field and it was designed to have a single runway 5,200-feet (1,280-meters) long for fighter aircraft. This field did not become operational before the end of the war.

• Central Field, Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands

Known as Motoyama Number 2 by the Japanese. This field was to be developed for staging B-29 Superfortresses en route from the Mariana Islands to Japan and had two B-29 Superfortress runways, a 5,200-foot (1,585-meter) fighter runways and a combat service center. The first B-29 runway was 9,800-feet (2,987-meters) long and was completed by 12 July; the second B-29 runway had been graded to 9,400-feet (2,865-meters) by V-J Day but was never surfaced. The old Japanese east-west runway became a 6,000-foot (1,829-meter) fueling strip.

Headquarters, VII Fighter Command, March-30 November 1945

21st Fighter Group, 21 March–15 July 1945

46th Fighter Squadron, 26 March-15 July 1945

72d Fighter Squadron, 26 March-15 July 1945

531st Fighter Squadron, 26 March-15 July 1945

41st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron detachment. U.S. Army Forces, Middle Pacific, 9 August – c. 15 September 1945

548th Night Fighter Squadron, AAF Pacific Ocean Area, 5 March – 8 June 1945

549th Night Fighter Squadron, VII Fighter Command, 14 March 1945 – 5 February 1946

• South Field, Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands (Japan)

Known as Motoyama Number 1 by the Japanese, the Japanese had built two runways, 5,025-feet (1,532-meters) and 3,965-feet (1,209-meters) long respectively. The Americans rebuilt this field to accommodate fighters and medium and heavy bombers. It became operational for fighters on 6 March 1945. By July, both runways were paved to 6,000-feet (1,829-meters) and had 7,940-feet (2,420-meters) of taxiways and 258 hardstands.

15th Fighter Group, VII Fighter Command, 6 March-15 July 1945; U.S. Army Strategic Air Forces, 16 July-4 August 1945; and VII Fighter Command, 5 August–25 November 1945

45th Fighter Squadron, 4 March - 24 November 1945

47th Fighter Squadron, 27 February-4 December 1945

78th Fighter Squadron, 2 March-24 November 1945

21st Fighter Group, 16 July – Dec 1945

46th Fighter Squadron, 16 July – Dec 1945

72d Fighter Squadron, 16 July – Dec 1945

531st Fighter Squadron, 16 July – Dec 1945

1,

See also

• United States Army Air Forces in the Pacific War (1941–1945)
  • USAAF in Australia
  • USAAF in the South Pacific
  • USAAF in the Southwest Pacific
  • USAAF in Okinawa

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Air Force Historical Research Agency.

• Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-89201-092-4.