VF-9
Fighting Squadron 9 or VF-9 was an aviation unit of the U.S. Navy, originally established on 1 March 1942, it was disestablished on 28 September 1945. Operational history. VF-9 established at NAS Norfolk on 1 March 1942 as part of the new Carrier Air Group 9 (CVG-9) which was to be deployed abord the new carrier . Originally equipped with the F2A-3 Buffalo, VF-9 began reequipping with the F4F-3 Wildcat in April 1942. In late August 1942 VF-9 was deployed aboard to support Operation Torch. By late November 1942 "Ranger" had returned to NAS Norfolk and VF-9 rejoined the rest  of CVG-9. VF-9 became the first Navy squadron to receive the F6F-3 Hellcat in February 1943. In April 1943 CVG-9 embarked on the "Essex" for deployment to the Pacific Fleet. By mid-June 1943 "Essex" had arrived at Naval Station Pearl Harbor and CVG-9 was based at Naval Air Station Barbers Point. In September "Essex" left Pearl Harbor with CVG-9 embarked. VF-9 scored over 250 kills in the Hellcat, making it the second most successful Hellcat squadron of the war.