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VF-8, USS Intrepid (CV-11), Summer 1943
Lt. J. E. Lochridge, VF-34, Nissan Island, 1944
Second unit marked as VF-8 was established
on June 1, 1943, under the command of LCdr.
William M. Collins Jr. and was dispatched for the
operational training aboard USS Intrepid which
was sailing in the Caribbean Sea at that time.
Tri-color camouflage, introduced as of January 5,
1943, for the application on the aircraft deployed
to Pacific, composed of Non-specular Sea
Blue, Semi-gloss Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue
and Non-specular White. Here, it was applied
slightly differently than on the other aircraft.
National markings featuring the red outline were
introduced as of June 28, 1943.
The very unusual marking consisting of a white
spine and part of the tail was typical for VF-34
Hellcats. Even more rare were pin-up girls on
U.S. Navy fighter aircraft. Registration number
was spray-painted on the engine cowling,
used obviously during the deliveries from the
manufacturer to the units.
KITS 11/2024
INFO Eduard
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November 2024