South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command
| South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command | |
|---|---|
SCAT insignia
|
|
| Active | August 1942 – February 1945 |
| Country | United States |
| Type | Transport |
| Role | Assault support |
| Part of | AirSols, ComAirSoPac, South Pacific Area |
| Nickname(s) | SCAT Flying Boxcars |
| Engagements |
World War II * Battle of Guadalcanal * Battle of New Georgia |
South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command (SCAT) was a joint command of US military logistics units in the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II. It contributed notably to the success of U.S. forces in the battles for Guadalcanal (1942–1943) and New Georgia (1943). It reported to AirSols, then to Commander, Air, South Pacific, part of the South Pacific Area.
The operations of SCAT started as a response to developments in Guadalcanal, with the initial deployment of Marine Aircraft Group 25 in August 1942, comprising the United States Marine Corps transport squadron VMJ-253. The composite transport group was then formally organized in November 1942. Other units in SCAT were VMR-152 and VMR-153; and the 13th Troop Carrier Squadron of the United States Army Air Forces. SCAT was dissolved in February 1945.
The nickname "Flying Boxcars" was widely used for the Douglas R4D aircraft flown by Marine Corps units in SCAT, predating its attachment to the post-war Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar aircraft.
VMJ-152 received a Presidential Unit Citation for executing the longest over-water flight in a two engine aircraft for their initial flight to Guadalcanal from Camp Kearney Mesa (now Miramar Naval Air Station)in 1942. They arrived in September, carrying General Geiger and his staff with them.
SCAT personnel who later became notable include:
...
Wikipedia