VP/VPB-71 Black Cats Patch
Aviators and Collectors! Enjoy this beautifully embroidered VP/VPB-71 Black Cats Patch. You’ll love the quality of this patch and will be able to display it proudly.
- 3.5 inch
- Embroidered/ Sew On
- US Naval Aviator Owned Business
- Reproduction
The Consolidated Model 28, more commonly known as the PBY Catalina (US Navy designation), is a flying boat and amphibious aircraft that was produced in the 1930s and 1940s. In Canadian service it was known as the Canso. It was one of the most widely used seaplanes of World War II. Catalinas served with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and in the air forces and navies of many other nations. The last military PBYs served until the 1980s. As of 2021, 86 years after its first flight, the aircraft continues to fly as a waterbomber (or airtanker) in aerial firefighting operations in some parts of the world. None remain in military service.
VP-33 was a Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy. The squadron was established as Patrol Squadron 12-F (VP-12F) on 1 November 1935, redesignated Patrol Squadron 12 (VP-12) on 1 October 1937, redesignated Patrol Squadron 51 (VP-51) on 1 July 1939, redesignated Patrol Squadron 71 (VP-71) on 1 July 1941, redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 71 (VPB-71) on 1 October 1944, redesignated Patrol Squadron 71 (VP-71) on 15 May 1946, redesignated Amphibian Patrol Squadron 3 (VP-AM-3) on 15 November 1946, redesignated Patrol Squadron 33 (VP-33) on 1 September 1948 and disestablished on 15 December 1949. It was the third squadron to be designated VP-33; the first had been redesignated from VP-5 on 1 July 1939 and was in turn redesignated as VP-32 on 1 October 1941. The second VP-33 was redesignated VPB-33 on 1 October 1944.[1]
1 July 1941: Under a general reorganization of fleet patrol organizations, Patrol Wing Support Force was redesignated Patrol Wing 7 (PatWing-7) and VP-51 was redesignated VP-71. VP-71 remained under the operational control of PatWing-7.
6 August 1941: The VP-71 detachment of six aircraft at NAS Argentia, along with four aircraft from VP-52, were tasked with conducting aerial surveys of Greenland to determine whether Danish weather stations there were being used by the Germans for the provision of weather information to U-boat Wolfpacks. None were found to be in use by the enemy at that time.
17 December 1941: With the start of the war several squadrons were relocated to the West Coast. VP-71 was reassigned to NAS Alameda, California, where the squadron began training for an overseas deployment. The PBY-1 aircraft were turned in for newer PBY-5 models.
1 April 1942: VP-71 completed its trans-Pacific flight from San Diego to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Upon arrival the squadron was quickly detailed to search sectors with 700 miles (1,100 km) legs out from Oahu.
1 May 1942: VP-71 was transferred to Nouméa under the operational control of FAW-1, with tender support provided by USS Tangier. Anti-shipping and ASW patrols were conducted daily. On 26 June the squadron was shifted to USS Curtiss.
29 June 1942: VP-71 remained based at Nouméa, with one PBY at Efate and another at Auckland, New Zealand. On 20 July 1942, the squadron was relieved by VP-12 for return to Pearl Harbor.
1 September 1942: The squadron maintained ten aircraft at NAS Kaneohe Bay, with one at Pearl Harbor and one remaining with VP-12 at Nouméa.
6 February 1943: VP-71 deployed to New Georgia Island. Duties over the next month consisted primarily of routine patrol operations. On 29 March 1943, the squadron was relieved by VB-115 for return to NAS Kanoehe Bay.
10 April 1943: VP-71 Black Cats was split into two squadrons, with half of its assets going to form VB-104. The remaining part of VP-71 was quickly reformed with new personnel and new aircraft.
27 June 1943: VP-71, once again up to full strength, was redeployed to Vanikoro Island with tender support provided by USS M
