VS-1D7

This type of squadron was also named "Naval District Inshore Patrol Squadron". VS-1D7 was therefore the first inshore patrol squadron assigned to the 7th Naval District.[1] The squadron was formed on 12 March 1942 with nine pilots, forty-nine men and five OS2N-1 Kingfisher seaplanes.[2] The squadron grew in size over time. In February 1943, it operated eight OS2U-3 at Banana River and two OS2N-1 at Naval Air Station Key West.[3]

As part of Gulf Sea Frontier Operation Plan 3-42 dated 15 March 1942, the squadron became task unit 26.2.9 and flew missions "to patrol shipping lanes" with a "be prepared to provide escort, search, tracking and striking groups."[4] During this operation, the higher headquarters was Fleet Air Wing 12 for administration and Gulf Sea Frontier for operations.[5] Weather permitting, the daily flying routine consisted of two patrols, one departing at dawn and one at dusk.[4] To support operations as needed, the squadron used advanced bases at Walker's Cay and Nassau, Bahamas.[5]

The inshore patrol squadrons were redesignated as scouting squadrons on 1 February 1943. Following the end of the war, VS-1D7 was reduced to reserve status and became VS-913. This squadron was reactivated in 1951 as Anti-Submarine Squadron 39 (VS-39) "Hoot Owls". It was disestablished on 1 October 1968.[6]