MARINE UTILITY SQUADRON TWO VJ-2
DETACHMENT "A" FOR "ABLE",
BASED AT ARCHERFIELD AIRFIELD, BRISBANE
DURING WWII
On 22 August 1944, the Aircraft Seventh Fleet Flag Utility Towing Units based at Archerfield Airfield, Brisbane were transferred to "Detachment "A" for "Able", of Marine Utility Squadron Two VJ-2. "Detachment "A" was previously based at Ault Field, Whidbey Island, Washington where it commenced operations on 20 July 1944. Detachment "A" was part of Marine Aircraft Group Twenty One, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force.
Marine Utility Squadron Two VJ-2 was headquartered at Pityilu Airfield in the Admiralty Islands in October 1944 with Detachment "A" for "Able" at Archerfield Airfield, Detachment "B" for "Baker", the Rear Echelon at Pallikulo Airfield, Espititu Santo and Detachment "C" for "Charlie" at Turnbull Field, Milne Bay, New Guinea.
In August 1944, Detachment "A" had the following aircraft:-
1 only TBF-1
2 only SBD-5
1 only J2F-5
They were providing utility services in the Brisbane area and also maintenance services for six Flag aircraft.
In October 1944 a summary of their flight operations was as follows:-
Anti-aircraft towing | 12 flights | 22.4 hours |
Familiarisation | 6 flights | 10.0 hours |
Test Flights | 4 flights | 4.8 hours |
Miscellaneous - Utility | 11 flights | 23.5 hours |
Administrative | 12 flights | 29.8 hours |
TOTAL | 45 flights | 90.5 hours |
US Navy 7th Command Fleet area at
Archerfield Airfield
where Detachment "A", Marine Utility Squadron Two was based
Plan showing a larger area
at Archerfield Airfield
(Click to enlarge)
During September 1944, Detachment "A" provided utility services in the Brisbane area and also provided maintenance services for six Flag planes.
In September 1944 one JM-1 type aircraft, Bureau Number 66607, of Marine Utility Squadron Two (Command) crashed on landing at Mackay Airfield in north Queensland as a result of a brake system failure and running out of runway. There was no injury to personnel and the aircraft was recommended to the Commander Aircraft Seventh Fleet (Logistics Section) for striking and salvage for parts. The engines were preserved and shipped to A.S.D. Espiritu Santo for overhaul.
During October 1944, Detachment "A" conducted routine flights consisting of tracking and tow flights carried out daily for the Wellington Point Gunnery School AATC (Navy). Other missions consisted of cross country flights to Mackay to transport personnel and parts to assist in salvage operations of JM-1 Bureau No. 6667 (see below). Other cross country flights were for transporting Captain Baker, USN to Rockhampton and return.
On 14 October 1944, Detachment "A" discontinued operations by order of Commander Service Force, Seventh Fleet. All Squadron gear and spare parts were crated in preparation for Movement Orders to Sentani Airfield, Hollandia, New Guinea.
Detachment A's aircraft in October 1944 were as follows:-
1 only J2F-5
1 only TBF-1
2 only SBD-5
The Command Group of VJ-2 based at Pityilu Airfield in the Admiralty Islands had the following aircraft in October 1944:-
9 only JM-1 (see photo below)
5 only TBF-1
1 only TBF-1C
6 only TBM-1C
2 only J2F-6
1 only PBY-5A
Photo:- Nick Shailer collection
Two JM-1 aircraft (B-26 Marauder
equivalents) possibly from the
Command
Group of Marine Utility Squadron Two VJ-2 based at Pityilu Airfield, which visited
Garbutt
Airfield in Townsville. They were painted a dull yellow colour.
Photo:- NARA via Mike Furline
The above aircraft appears to be
the same as the one on the right hand side in
the above photo at Townsville. This photo is the crash of JM-1 BuNo 66608
piloted by Lt. Roy L. Minnick at Sentani Airfield, New Guinea on 8 June
1945
Photo:- NARA via Mike Furline
Closeup of the nose art which
appears to be the same
as the JM-1 on the right of the above Townsville photo.
A typical JM-1 aircraft in its chrome yellow paint scheme
On 6 November 1944, J2F-5 Duck aircraft Bureau Number 00724 from Detachment "A" crashed on landing at Archerfield Airfield. The following day it was transferred to US Navy Recovery Unit, Navy Number 134, Brisbane for salvage.
Detachment "A" left Archerfield Airfield for a new location at Sentani Airfield, Hollandia, New Guinea on 16 November 1944.
REFERENCES
Utility Squadron Two War Diary
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I'd like to thank Mike Furline for his assistance with this web page.
Can anyone help me with more information?
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This page first produced 18 June 2014
This page last updated 04 April 2022