VF-3

Fighter Squadron 3
Active	1935 - 1946
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Type	Fighter/Attack
Role	Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance
Part of	Carrier Air Wing Three Carrier Air Wing Six
Mascot	Felix the Cat
Engagements	World War II Battle of the Coral Sea Battle of Midway
Commanders
Notable commanders	John Thach
Aircraft flown
Fighter	F4F Wildcat F6F Hellcat

Main article: VFA-31

VF-3 or Fighter Squadron 3 was known as the Felix Cat Squadron, was a United States Navy strike fighter squadron now inactive.

History

A number of fighter squadrons have been designated VF-3, most before World War II. Officially, the U.S. Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. Often the new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadrons.

The first VF-3 was established on 1 July 1922 and was disestablished in May 1924.

The second VF-3 was established when VF-6B was redesignated VF-3 on 1 July 1937. VF-3 served aboard USS Saratoga and the USS Yorktown until the Battle of Midway. After Midway, the squadron served in several other posts, including the USS Enterprise until the end of the war. The commanding officer of the squadron during 1942 was then - Lieutenant Commander John Thach. After the battle of Midway, VF-3 and VF-6 swapped designations on 15 July 1943, resulting in a three year controversy as to which squadron owned the Felix name and emblem until VF-3 was re-designated VF-3A on 15 November 1946 and awarded the official approval to adopt Felix the Cat by the Chief of Naval Operations. VF-3A was then re-designated VF-31 on August 7, 1948.

See also

• History of the United States Navy
• List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
• List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

External links

• http://www.tomcattersassociation.org/VF-31/vf-31.htm
• http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1959/apr59.pdf