VF-8 (1943-5)

Fighter Squadron 8 or VF-8 was an aviation unit of the U.S. Navy, originally established on 1 June 1943, it was disestablished on 23 November 1945. It was the second US Navy squadron to be designated VF-8.

Operational history
VF-8 under the command of Lt Cdr William M. Collins Jr. was initially assigned to the USS Intrepid (CV-11) during that ship's shakedown cruise in the Caribbean.

In March 1944 the squadron was deployed as part of Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8) aboard the USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) until October 1944. During this deployment VF-8 pilot Lt. Edward L. Feightner scored 5 victories bringing his total score to 9.

From November 1944 to the end of January 1945 CVG-8 was shore-based at NAS Alameda. From February to mid-May CVG-8 was based at NAAS Watsonville. From late May to early August 1945 CVG-8 was based at NAS Puunene Hawaii. By September 1945 CVG-8 was based on Saipan.

Home port assignments
The squadron was assigned to these home ports:
 * Naval Auxiliary Air Station Pungo
 * NAS Alameda
 * NAS Puunene

Aircraft Assignment

 * F6F-3/5 Hellcat