I Fighter Command Explained

Unit Name:I Fighter Command
Dates:1941–1946
Branch:
Role:Air defense and training of fighter units
Battles:American Theater of World War II
Notable Commanders:John K. Cannon
Elwood R. Quesada
Identification Symbol Label:I Fighter Command emblem[1]

I Fighter Command was a United States Army Air Forces intermediate command responsible for command and control of the fighter operations within the First Air Force during World War II. It was initially established in June 1941 as the 1st Interceptor Command to provide air defense of the Northeastern United States. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the command's area of responsibility extended over the entire Atlantic coast and into Canada and Iceland. As the perceived threat of attack decreased, the command's responsibnility for training units and aircrews became its primary mission. The command continued its mission until March 1946, when it was inactivated.

History

Background

GHQ Air Force (GHQ AF) had been established with two major combat functions, to maintain a striking force against long range targets, and the air defense of the United States.[2] In the spring of 1941, the War Department established four strategic defense areas and GHQ, AF reorganized its Northeast Air District as 1st Air Force with responsibility for air defense planning and organization along the eastern seaboard.[3] Simultaneously, an Air Defense Command was established at Mitchel Field to plan the air defense of the United States and develop air defense doctrine.[4] [5]

1st Air Force activated 1st Interceptor Command at Mitchel Field on 5 June 1941, under the command of Brigadier General John C. McDonnell, drawing its personnel from Air Defense Command, which inactivated three days earlier.[6] The command's initial tactical components were the 6th and 7th Pursuit Wings[7] [8]

Air Defense

Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the command moved its headquarters to New York City. Here, as the importance of the North Atlantic supply line grew, it assumed responsibility for planning the air defense of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. It selected radar sites in cooperation with Canadian authorities and worked to standardize aircraft warning procedures there.[9] In June 1942, the command returned to Mitchel and would remain there until inactivated. The command dispatched the 33d Pursuit Squadron to provide air defense in Iceland in July.[10] The command organized Detachment A to manage the 33rd, along with antiaircraft artillery and signal warning units involved in the air defense of Iceland.[11]

The command was charged with control of "active agents" for air defense in its area of responsibility, which included interceptor aircraft, antiaircraft artillery and barrage balloons. Civilian organizations provided air raid warnings and enforced blackouts and came under the authority of the Office of Civilian Defense. Radar was initially not sufficiently developed to be included in air defense systems, There were only eight radars under construction to guard the Atlantic coast, but the command worked "feverishly" to create a ground observer corps and coastal radar net as elements of its Aircraft Warning Service.[12] However, it soon became apparent that having two commands responsible for air defense in the Eastern Theater of Operations was impractical, and in early 1942, the command took over responsibility for air defense of the East and part of the Gulf coast.[13] [14] [15]

Along the Atlantic coast, Eastern Defense Command established a "vital air defense zone", extending from the coast approximately 150miles inland and 200miles to sea, with long range bombers from 1st Bomber Command flying patrols over the ocean. However, 1st Bomber Command soon focused on antisubmarine warfare.[16] Regional air defense wings were established in August 1942 at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Norfolk.[17] [18] The command's mission of fighter control later expanded to providing emergency flight services to other aircraft and assisting in air sea rescue.[19]

Unit and crew training

In 1942, Air Force Combat Command had established an Operational Training Unit (OTU) system for 2nd and 3d Air Forces. The system was later extended to 1st Air Force. Although it was originally intended to confine the OTU system to 2d and 3rd Air Forces, too much of the AAF's aircrew and aircraft were assigned to 1st Air Force to permit the command to forego training responsibilities entirely. In May 1942, all pursuit groups assumed Operational Training Unit (OTU) responsibility.[20] The command also trained fighter units and personnel. By the end of 1942, the command's training consisted almost entirely of OTUs.[21] As units deployed overseas, the command's training mission shifted to training individuals in Replacement Training Units (RTU).

Inactivation

After the end of the war it was inactivated on 21 March 1946. After September 1947, all former Air Corps units were transferred to the United States Air Force, which disbanded the command in October 1948.

Lineage

Activated on 5 June 1941

Redesignated 1st Fighter Command 15 May 1942

Redesignated I Fighter Command c. 18 September 1942

Inactivated on 21 March 1946

Disbanded on 8 October 1948

Assignments

Stations

Components

Wings
Groups
Squadrons
Aircraft warning units
Base units

Campaign

References

Notes

Explanatory notes

Citations

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. Approved 11 June 1943.
  2. Cate & Williams, p. 152
  3. Cate & Williams, p. 154
  4. Web site: Abstract, History Air Defense Command, Feb 1940-Jun 1941. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.
  5. This command is not related to Air Defense Command established in March 1946. It was constituted on 26 February 1940 and activated on 1 March 1940 and assigned to First Army until March 1941, when it was assigned to GHQ AF. Web site: Abstract, History Air Defense Command, Feb 1940-Jun 1941. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022. ;Web site: Abstract, History I Fighter Command, Jul 1940-Jan 1944. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.
  6. Web site: Abstract, History I Fighter Command, Jul 1940-Jan 1944. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.
  7. Web site: Factsheet 6 Air Division. Air Force Historical Research Agency. https://web.archive.org/web/20121030120133/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10056 . 4 October 2007. 30 October 2012. 5 March 2014.
  8. Web site: Factsheet 47 Air Division . 5 October 2007. Air Force Historical Research Agency . https://web.archive.org/web/20121017235335/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10100 . 17 October 2012 . 4 April 2014.
  9. Cate & Williams, p. 156
  10. Cate & Williams, p. 158
  11. Web site: Abstract, History Detachment A, I Fighter Command, Jan-Dec 1944. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.
  12. Goss, p. 290
  13. Goss, pp. 294-295
  14. The area included Florida to as far west as the Apalachicola River. Southern Defense Command and 3d Interceptor Command retained responsibility for the remainder of the Gulf coast.
  15. See map, Goss, p. 297.
  16. Goss, p. 296, map, p. 297
  17. Web site: Factsheet 323 Air Division . Air Force Historical Research Agency. https://web.archive.org/web/20121030120205/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10143 . 10 May 2007. 30 October 2012 . 22 March 2014.
  18. Goss, p. 296
  19. Web site: Abstract, History 164 AAF Base Unit, May-Aug 1945. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.
  20. White, p. 13
  21. White, p. 37
  22. Maurer indicates unit was constituted as the "I" Interceptor Command. However, the unit was constituted and activated with an arabic number in its name. The use of roman numerals to designate Army Air Forces combat commands did not begin until September 1942. Web site: Air Force Historical Research Agency Organizational Reconds: Types of USAF Organizations. 9 January 2008. Air Force History Index. 19 September 2016.
  23. Web site: Factsheet First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) (ACC). Kane. Robert B.. June 11, 2009. Air Force Historical Research Agency. December 9, 2021.
  24. Web site: Factsheet 64 Air Division (Defense) . 5 October 2007. Air Force Historical Research Agency . https://web.archive.org/web/20121014002920/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10113 . 14 October 2012 . 2 April 2014.
  25. Web site: Factsheet 301 Fighter Wing (AFRC) . Kane. Robert B.. September 23, 2010. Air Force Historical Research Agency . January 13, 2022.
  26. Web site: Factsheet 323 Air Division . Air Force Historical Research Agency. https://web.archive.org/web/20121030120205/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10143 . 10 May 2007. 30 October 2012 . 22 March 2014.
  27. Web site: Factsheet 8 Operations Group (PACAF). Robertson. Patsy. June 27, 2017. Air Force Historical Research Agency. December 27, 2021.
  28. Web site: Factsheet 31 Operations Group (USAFE). Robertson. Patsy. June 27, 2017. Air Force Historical Research Agency. December 27, 2021.
  29. Web site: Factsheet 33 Operations Group (ACC). Dollman. TSG David. October 18, 2016. Air Force Historical Research Agency. December 29, 2021.
  30. Web site: Factsheet 52 Operations Group (USAFE). Robertson. Patsy. May 7, 2013. Air Force Historical Research Agency. January 1, 2022.
  31. Web site: Factsheet 56 Operations Group (AETC). Dollman. TSG David. July 27, 2017. Air Force Historical Research Agency. January 1, 2022.
  32. Web site: Factsheet 57 Operations Group (ACC). Robertson. Patsy. July 29, 2009. Air Force Historical Research Agency. January 1, 2022.
  33. Web site: Factsheet 58 Operations Group (AETC). Dollman. TSG David. February 8, 2018. Air Force Historical Research Agency. January 6, 2022.
  34. Web site: Factsheet 53 Test and Evaluation Group (ACC). Stevens. Maj Sonia. July 11, 2017. Air Force Historical Research Agency. January 7, 2022.
  35. Web site: Factsheet 80 Flying Training Wing (AETC). Haulman. Daniel L.. July 22, 2019. Air Force Historical Research Agency. January 10, 2022.
  36. Web site: Factsheet 325 Operations Group (AETC). Bailey. Carl E.. July 1, 2017. Air Force Historical Research Agency. January 11, 2022.
  37. Web site: Factsheet 355 Wing (ACC). Musser. James M.. March 30, 2021. Air Force Historical Research Agency. January 13, 2022.
  38. Web site: Factsheet 366 Operations Group (ACC). Dollman. TSG David.. October 18, 2016. Air Force Historical Research Agency. January 13, 2022.
  39. Web site: Abstract, History 90 Fighter Control Squadron, Mar 1943-Apr 1944. Air Force History Index. February 17, 2022.
  40. Web site: Abstract, History 91 Fighter Control Squadron, Mar 1943-Apr 1944. Air Force History Index. February 17, 2022.
  41. Web site: Abstract, History 92 Fighter Control Squadron, Apr-Dec 1943. Air Force History Index. February 17, 2022.
  42. Web site: Abstract, History 93 Fighter Control Squadron, Mar 1943-Apr 1944. Air Force History Index. February 17, 2022.
    Web site: Abstract, History 93 Fighter Control Squadron, Mar Oct 1944. Air Force History Index. February 17, 2022.
  43. Web site: Abstract, History 94 Fighter Control Squadron, Apr-Dec 1943. Air Force History Index. February 17, 2022.
    Web site: Abstract, History 94 Fighter Control Squadron, Oct 1944-Jan 1945. Air Force History Index. February 17, 2022.
  44. Web site: Abstract, History 95 Fighter Control Squadron, Apr 1943-Aug 1945. Air Force History Index. February 17, 2022.
  45. Web site: Abstract, History 96 Fighter Control Squadron, May 1943-Sep 1944. Air Force History Index. February 17, 2022.
  46. Web site: Abstract, History 302 Fighter Control Squadron, Oct 1943-May 1944. Air Force History Index. February 17, 2022.
  47. Web site: Factsheet 623 Air Control Squadron (PACAF). Haulman. Daniel. November 2, 2016. Air Force Historical Research Agency. December 27, 2021.
  48. Web site: Factsheet 321 Special Tactics Squadron (AFSOC). Robertson. Patsy. May 28, 2010. Air Force Historical Research Agency. February 17, 2022.
  49. Web site: Factsheet 325 Air Control Squadron (AETC). Warnock. A. Timothy. December 2, 2005. Air Force Historical Research Agency. February 17, 2022.
  50. Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 493
  51. Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 559
  52. Web site: Abstract, Vol. 5, History Langley Field, Nov 41-Dec 1942 [sic]]. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.
  53. Web site: Abstract, History 160 AAF Base Unit, Nov 1945. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.
  54. Web site: Abstract, History Camp Springs AAB, Apr 1944. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.
  55. Web site: Abstract, History Bradley Field, Apr 1944. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.
  56. Web site: Abstract, History Bedford AAF, May-Jun 1944. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.
  57. Web site: Abstract, History 164 AAF Base Unit, Jun-Nov 1944. Air Force History Index. February 16, 2022.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "I Fighter Command".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.