1941-Continued
"Special Project Dog" in Utility Squadron 5, to test and
operate radio-controlled offensive weapons and to
train personnel in their use. VJ-5 was also directed to
develop a radio-controlled fighter plane-"aerial ram"
or "aerial torpedo"-to be flown into enemy bomber
formations and exploded.
13 October
The Bureau of Aeronautics directed that
all fleet aircraft be painted non-specular light gray
except for surfaces seen above which were to be blue-
gray. In late December, this color scheme was extend-
ed to shore-based airplanes except trainers.
20 October
Hornet
was commissioned at Norfolk,
Va., Captain Marc A. Mitscher commanding.
21 October
In tests with MAD gear (Magnetic
Airborne Detector), a PBY from NAS Quonset Point,
R.I., located the submarine S-48. The tests were carried
out in cooperation with the National Defense Research
Committee.
29 October
Patrol Squadron 82 received the first of
a planned full complement of PBO-ls at NAS Norfolk,
Va. Assignment of these aircraft, actually destined for
the British and painted with British markings, was the
beginning of what became an extensive use of land
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UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION
1910-1995
109
planes by patrol squadrons during the war and,
although it was not yet apparent, was the first move
toward the eventual elimination of the flying boat
from patrol aviation.
1 November
By Executive Order, the president
directed that, until further orders the Coast Guard
operate as a part of the Navy subject to the orders of
the Secretary of the Navy.
18 November
Doctor 1. A. DuBridge of the
Radiation Laboratory reported that the initial design of
a 3-cm aircraft intercept radar was completed.
26 November
Kitty Hawk,
first of two aircraft fer-
ries, was commissioned, Commander C. E. Rogers
commanding.
1 December
Patrol Wing 9 began forming at
Quonset Point, R.I., with Lieutenant Commander
Thomas U. Sisson as prospective commanding officer.
7 December
Japanese carrier aircraft launched a
devastating attack on ships at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,
and on the military and air installations in the area.
The three aircraft carriers of the Pacific Fleet were not
present.
Saratoga,
just out of overhaul, was moored
at San Diego, Calif.
Lexington
was at sea about 425
miles southeast of Midway toward which she was
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