This channel is dedicated to these four WWII escort carriers and their squadrons:
CVE-106 USS Block Island - VMTB-233 and VMF-511
CVE-107 USS Gilbert Islands - VMTB-143 and VMF-512
CVE--109 USS Cape Gloucester - VMTB-132 and VMF-351
CVE-111 USS Vella Gulf - VMTB-234 and VMF-513
These were the first US Marine Corp escort Carriers carrying the Corsair in addition to the Hellcat and the Avenger.
Through researching the subject I came across over 100+ archive color films that the Marine Corp documented by having film crews embedded with the squadrons. Captured on colored film were the flight crew training of the new mission tactics, the daily life of men aboard the carrier, and mission specific operations.
My motivation for undertaking this project is my connection to my Father in Law who was a pilot assigned to VMTB-143 aboard CVE-107 USS Gilbert Islands.
#WW2FighterPilot #WW2Aircraft Carrier #WW2History #WW2FighterPilotTraining #WW2Color #WW2