The FIST of the FLEET — where it began during WWII.
In 1945 Carrier Air Group 17 consisted of VF-17, VBF-17, VB-17, and VT-17.
VT-17 (1943-45)
VA-6B (1946)
VA-65 (1948) Air Group II (2)
VA-25 (1959) Air Group VI (6)
VFA-25 (1983 and continuing)
VT-17 was a torpedo squadron of the United States Navy. It was established on 15 January 1941 at NAS Pensacola, Florida, and was disestablished on 15 December 1945 at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island. The squadron was nicknamed the "Torpedoes" and its insignia was a red and white torpedo on a blue background.
VT-17 was initially equipped with the TBD Devastator torpedo bomber, but transitioned to the TBM Avenger in 1943. The squadron saw action in the Pacific Theater of World War II, participating in the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. VT-17 was also involved in the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in April 1942.
The squadron earned two battle stars for its service in World War II. VT-17 was deactivated in December 1945 and was not reactivated.
AdministratorThe comprehensive story of Avenger aircraft is now at this post on the web site:
TBF/TBM Avenger (click to view)
There are videos all over the net of TBF/TBM aircraft. Here is a search link:
Here are some Avenger videos recommended to us recently.
“Restored WWII Grumman TBM Torpedo Bomber Startup and Wing Swing”
Donations appreciated.
Larry Cummings
October 22nd, 2019 at 18:59
My brother, Wayne E. Cummings, AO2, was killed May 23, 1944 in a crash during training exercises in San Francisco Bay. I am trying to find out any information about him…………..
Jackie Meyer Davidson
June 5th, 2022 at 22:25
My dad was Jack T Meyer. He flew with Harry Jones and Ray Canada off the Hornet. My dad was the gunner. My dad and Harry kept in touch until my dad’s passing in 1987 and Harry and my mom Louise continued to keep in touch until Harry’s passing. My dad was very proud to have flown with Harry. I think the 3 of them were a good team and were very brave men to have survived their battles. Especially the bombing of the Yamato. I know Dave, Harry’s son in law started this site and I appreciate this very much.