LIFE's look @ 1950's Hellcat Ops

[Mark Allen M]

.

Last edited by Mark Allen M on Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[ChrisDNT]

Any idea of the identity of the "Pacemakers" Hellcat ?

[Stoney]

The resevres must be out of money, only one gun in the wing

[Mark Allen M]

.

Last edited by Mark Allen M on Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[ChrisDNT]

Thanks a lot, Mark, this one could do a very nice model or profile

[Mark Allen M]

.

Last edited by Mark Allen M on Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[whistlingdeath77]

state side after ww2 during winter? Navy is wearing thier cracker jacks. Do I see a raf gentleman in there? My question is the reserve orange band. I know it denotes a reserve squadron but simply....why? Why was that even put on hellcats and corsairs?

[John Kerr]

My records show this aircraft as a F6F-5 being assinged to VF-781, with side number of L-69

[Old Shep]

Those Hellcats are operating out of NAS Los Alamitos, in CA. My dad was in VF-771 from 46-50 and we are just now going through his log book to see what he was doing in July 1950. He thinks (he can't see due to macular degeneration) that "the Pacemakers" a sister squadron. Apparently four reserve squadrons flew Hellcats out of Los Alamitos in those days. Dad's skipper was Wayne Morris, the movie actor, who was also in VF-15 with my dad at the end of the war.

Neat photos, Mark! Keep it up.

[The Inspector]

Photos are post war as the rag top is a '49 HUDSON straight 6 'COMMODORE', pretty rare when new, brings good money now

[Old Shep]

More information. VF-15 flew out of Los Alamitos until they were stood down in October 1945, then in early 1946 VF-63 was the squadron he flew in, followed by VF-51, then it was designated a Reserve Squadron VF-771. He is certain there were four fighter squadrons based at Los Alamitos during the time he flew in VF-771. If anybody (Mark?) has more pictures from that time period I would surely like to see them.