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Aviators and Collectors! Enjoy this beautifully embroidered VPB-34 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
VPB-34 was a Patrol Bombing Squadron of the U.S. Navy. The squadron was established as Patrol Squadron 34 (VP-34) on 16 April 1942, redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 34 (VPB-34) on 1 October 1944 and disestablished on 7 April 1945.[1]
16 April 1942: VP-34 was established at NAS Norfolk, Virginiua, under the operational control of FAW-5, as a seaplane squadron flying the PBY-5 Catalina. A shortage of aircraft prevented the squadron from receiving its full complement of Catalinas until early June 1942. In the interim VP-81 loaned the squadron one PBY-5 with which to practice. Several aircrews were sent to NAS Banana River, Florida and NAS Key West, Florida, for flight instruction with other squadrons.
25 July 1942: VP-34 was by this time fully equipped and manned. Orders were received for duty at NAS Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, with detachments at Kingston, Jamaica, and Trujillo, Honduras. During this period the squadron conducted Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, and provided convoy coverage patrols under the operational control of FAW-3.
10 October 1942: The squadron was transferred to NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, under the operational control of FAW-11. Detachments were maintained at Great Exuma Island, NAS San Juan, Antigua, NAS Trinidad, and Essequibo. Coverage for convoys and ASW patrols in the Caribbean were provided around the clock.
7 June 1943: VP-34 was relieved of duties in the Caribbean and relocated to NAS San Diego, California, under the operational control of FAW-14. Personnel were given home leave prior to the pending departure to the South Pacific. Upon return from leave, all hands began preparation for the trans
