Welcome to the WWII Forums! Log in or Sign up to interact with the community.

How Many Missions Before Fighter Pilots Were Rotated Out

Discussion in 'Allied Aviation Of WWII' started by ColyH, Jan 20, 2023.

  1. ColyH

    ColyH Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2022
    Messages:
    43
    Likes Received:
    13
    I know that bomber pilots and their crew rotated out after 25 missions and then went up to 35 missions. How many missions did fighter pilots fly before they were rotated out?
     
    ColyH, Jan 20, 2023
    #1
  2. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2009
    Messages:
    9,130
    Likes Received:
    2,497
    In the SWPA mission totals only counted towards another bronze combat star to the Air Medal. After 25 missions they received the Air medal, (among other criteria) and after each successive 25 - the bronze star.
    One of my uncles served in Europe for about a year. His brother, was in the Pacific June 1943 until may 1946.
    Most returned home on a point system.
    There's a thread on here somewhere that gives a full explanation.
     
    Biak, Jan 20, 2023
    #2
    Half Track likes this.
  3. mcoffee

    mcoffee Son-of-a-Gun(ner)

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2009
    Messages:
    1,224
    Likes Received:
    435
    Fighter pilot tours were generally based on hours flown. In the 8th AF 200 hours completed a tour. In the Mediterranean 300 hours were required. 500-600 hours constituted a tour in the Pacific.
     
    mcoffee, Jan 24, 2023
    #3
    ColyH and Half Track like this.
  4. R Leonard

    R Leonard Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2003
    Messages:
    1,128
    Likes Received:
    780
    Location:
    The Old Dominion
    While there were certainly individuals who were transferred from this squadron to that squadron or activity, in general, as a function of operational tempos, USN fighter squadrons went out and came back as a unit. Tours could be anywhere from three to six months, though rarely longer and sometimes less.
     
    R Leonard, Jan 24, 2023
    #4
    Half Track likes this.
  5. ColyH

    ColyH Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2022
    Messages:
    43
    Likes Received:
    13
    Thanks for this information.
     
    ColyH, Jan 25, 2023
    #5

Share This Page