UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910-1995

129

1943-Contin ued

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Essex and Independence class canjers, the fast canjer task forces were built around ships of these types 301754

30 August Second Strike on Marcus-Task Force 15

(Rear Admiral Charles A. Pownall), built around Essex,

the new Yorktown and Independence launched nine

strike groups in a day-long attack on Japanese installa-

tions on Marcus Island, the first strikes by Essex and

Independence Class carriers, and the first combat use

of the Grumman F6F Hellcat.

1 September Two light carriers of Task Group 11.2

(Rear Admiral Arthur W. Radford) and Navy patrol

bombers from Canton Island furnished day and night

air cover for naval units landing occupation forces on

Baker Island, east of the Gilberts.

15 September Fleet Air Wing 17, Commodore

Thomas S. Combs commanding, was established at

Grumman F6F

Hellcat laden

with rockets

and droppable

fuel tank tak-

ing off from

Hancock

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