VS-1D7

Scouting Squadron 1-D7 (VS-1D7) was a United States Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron in World War II. It was stationed at Naval Air Station Banana River, Florida (United States).

Scouting Squadron 1-D7
Squadron Emblem
Active	12 March 1942 – 1 October 1968
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Role	Anti-submarine warfare
Garrison/HQ	Naval Air Station Banana River
Aircraft flown	Vought OS2U/OS2N Kingfisher
Engagements	Battle of the Atlantic

World War II

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]

Cold War

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]