It was first established at as an army co-operation unit, serving in this role between 1942 and 1943.

In January 1944, the squadron was reformed as a fighter unit at equipped with P-40 Kittyhawks.

[1] After being re-raised as a fighter unit in January 1944, the squadron was deployed to Kukum Field on Guadalcanal from April to May 1944 and then to Piva Airfield on Bougainville from May to June 1944.

[1]: 328  The squadron deployed to Green Island on 26 October 1944 assuming responsibility for local patrols and Dumbo escort.

[1]: 269  The squadron returned to Santo in January 1945, then deployed to Bougainville until April 1945 and Jacquinot Bay from May to August 1945.