VF-15

The squadron was commissioned under the command of David McCampbell at the Naval Air Station at Atlantic City on 1 September 1943.

"[6] The carrier air group endured a large number of training accidents involving the newly introduced Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, which was underpowered, and suffered from inadequate stability and poor handling which made it difficult to fly.

Matters were not helped by Browning's leadership style and insistence that the pilots fly off using the aircraft manufacturers stated take-off distance for the Helldiver.

[6][4] The Hornet with the carrier air group back on board departed on 13 January for Pearl Harbor via the Panama Canal and San Diego.

[6] Upon the Hornet's arrival at Ford Island in Pearl Harbor on 4 March 1944 Browning declared that CAG-15 was unready for combat.

"[6] Delighted to be off the Hornet[6] VF-15 and the rest of CAG-15 were meanwhile disembarked and underwent six weeks’ intensive training (which proved beneficial) before reporting for duty on Essex on 29 April 1944,[7] upon the carriers return to the Pacific.

[3][11] Another was on 19 June when they destroyed 63 enemy aircraft,[10] however the triumph was diminished by the loss of Brewer and his wingman Thomas Tarr.

[13] On 22 June 29 aircrew were picked up from the water after they were forced to ditch in the sea running out of fuel on the return from a long range strike.

At the expense of VB-15 which had its allocation of Helldivers decreased by five aircraft, VF-15's complement of Hellcats was increased to 49[7] as the Essex commenced operations with TG 38.3 on 29 August against the Palau Islands.

While replenishing at Ulithi in the Caroline Islands it was necessary for the Essex to put out to sea to weather a typhoon on 2 October.

[3] TF 38 was actually the same formation as TF 58, the nomenclature being changed to reflect the rotation of command staffs employed by the Navy for efficiency in executing multiple operations; this rotation allowed constant front-line deployment of the ships and their crews while providing operational planning time at better-equipped, rear-area base facilities for the command structure not currently afloat.

TF 38 continuing the search for enemy fleet units until 30 October, when the Essex returned to Ulithi for replenishment.

Flight deck crewman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex prepare to remove Lieutenant J.J. Collins of VF-15 from his Hellcat, after he crash-landed on board. Collins was seriously wounded, and his plane badly damaged, by Japanese anti-aircraft fire during a raid on Wake Island on 23 May 1944. Note the firefighting team at right.
The USS Essex turns into the wind on 27 May 1944, just before the Marianas campaign. The light carrier behind (right of frame) is USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) and the carrier (top left of frame) is USS Wasp (CV-18). Curtiss SB2C Helldiver and Grumman TBF Avenger bombers of CAG-15 are visible on Essex` flight deck.