List of air groups of the Imperial Japanese Navy

Last updated

This article contains a list of air groups of Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. Literal translation of 海軍航空隊 (Kaigun Kōkūtai ) is "Naval Air Group", however, "Naval" is typically omitted in most of the established English-language sources (e.g., [1] [2] [3] [4] ). The list below follows the same convention.

Contents

Place name

Name Kanji FormedDissolved Tail code [Note 1] Note, fate
Amakusa Air Group 天草海軍航空隊1 April 1945postwarアマ (Ama)
Atsugi Air Group 厚木海軍航空隊1 April 194320 February 1944アツ (Atsu, April 1943)
R3 (July 1943)
Renamed 203rd Air Group on 20 February 1944.
Chichijima Air Group 父島海軍航空隊1 April 193915 December 1944チチ (Chichi, April 1939)
VIIB (October 1941)
V (1942)
Incorporated to the 903rd Air Group on 15 December 1944.
Chinkai Air Group 鎭海海軍航空隊1 October 193615 December 1944チ (Chi)Incorporated to the 951st Air Group on 15 December 1944.
Chitose Air Group 千歳海軍航空隊1 October 19391 November 1942チト (Chito, October 1939)
S (November 1940)
Renamed 703rd Air Group on 1 November 1942.
Fujisawa Air Group 藤澤海軍航空隊1 June 1944postwarフヂ (Fudi) [5]
Fukuoka Air Group 福岡海軍航空隊1 June 194410 July 1945フク (Fuku)
Fukuyama Air Group 福山海軍航空隊1 March 1945postwarフヤ (Fuya)
Genzan Air Group 元山海軍航空隊15 November 19401 November 1942ゲン (Gen, used in Japan homeland)
G (outside Japan homeland)
Renamed 755th Air Group on 1 November 1942.
Genzan Air Group (II) [Note 2] 元山海軍航空隊15 August 1944postwarケ (Ke, August 1944)
ゲン (Gen, 1945) [6]
Hakata Air Group 博多海軍航空隊15 November 1940postwarハタ (Hata)
Himeji Air Group 姫路海軍航空隊1 October 19435 May 1945ヒメ (Hime)
Hitoyoshi Air Group 人吉海軍航空隊1 February 194410 July 1945ヒト (Hito)
Hyakrihara Air Group 百里原海軍航空隊1 December 1939postwarリ (Ri)
Isahaya Air Group 諫早海軍航空隊15 March 1944postwarイサ (Isa)
Iwakuni Air Group 岩國海軍航空隊1 December 193915 August 1944イハ (Iha)
Iwakuni Air Group (II)岩國海軍航空隊1 March 1945postwarイハ (Iha)
Izumi Air Group 出水海軍航空隊15 April 194311 February 1945イツ (Itsu)Renamed 1st Izumi Air Group on 11 February 1945.
1st Izumi Air Group 第一出水海軍航空隊11 February 19451 March 1945イツ (Itsu)
1イツ (1Itsu, March 1945) [6]
Headquarters and airmen were moved to the Kōshū Air Group.
2nd Izumi Air Group 第二出水海軍航空隊11 February 194520 July 19452イツ (2Itsu)
Jinmachi Air Group 神町海軍航空隊15 December 1944postwarジン (Jin)
Kagoshima Air Group 鹿児島海軍航空隊1 April 194320 July 1945カコ (Kako)
Kaikō Air Group 海口海軍航空隊1 October 19431 May 1944カイ (Kai)
Kanoya Air Group 鹿屋海軍航空隊1 April 19361 October 1942カヤ (Kaya, April 1936)
Y (1938)
K (November 1940)
Renamed 751st Air Group on 1 October 1942.
Kanoya Air Group (II)鹿屋海軍航空隊1 October 194210 July 1944カヤ (Kaya)Renamed Toyohashi Air Group on 10 July 1944.
2nd Kanoya Air Group 第二鹿屋海軍航空隊1 February 194430 June 19452カヤ (2Kaya)
Kan'onji Air Group 観音寺海軍航空隊1 March 1944postwarカン (Kan)
Kashima Air Group 鹿島海軍航空隊15 December 1938postwarカシ (Kashi)
Kasumigaura Air Group 霞ヶ浦海軍航空隊1 November 1922postwarR (1922)
カ (Ka, July 1926)
Katori Air Group 香取海軍航空隊1 February 194430 June 1945カト (Kato)
Kisarazu Air Group 木更津海軍航空隊1 April 19361 November 1942キ (Ki, April 1936)
X (1938)
R (May 1942)
Renamed 707th Air Group on 1 November 1942.
Kitaura Air Group 北浦海軍航空隊1 April 19425 May 1945キタ (Kita)
Kobi Air Group 虎尾海軍航空隊15 May 194415 February 1945コビ (Kobi)
Kōchi Air Group 髙知海軍航空隊15 March 1944postwarカチ (Kachi)
Kofuji Air Group 小富士海軍航空隊1 October 1944postwar
Kokubu Air Group 國分海軍航空隊1 August 19441 March 1945コク (Koku)Renamed Kan'onji Air Group on 1 March 1945.
Komatsu Air Group 小松海軍航空隊1 September 194430 June 1945コマツ (Komatsu)
Komatsushima Air Group 小松島海軍航空隊1 October 194115 December 1944コマ (Koma)Incorporated to the 903rd Air Group on 15 December 1944.
Kōnoike Air Group 神ノ池海軍航空隊15 February 194415 December 1944コウ (Kou)
Kōriyama Air Group 郡山海軍航空隊1 February 194411 February 1945 [7] コリ (Kori)Renamed 1st Kōriyama Air Group on 15 March 1945.
1st Kōriyama Air Group 第一郡山海軍航空隊11 February 1945 [7] postwarコリ (Kori)
1コリ (1Kori, March 1945) [6]
2nd Kōriyama Air Group 第二郡山海軍航空隊15 March 1944postwar2コリ (2Kori)
Kōshū Air Group 光州海軍航空隊1 March 1945postwarコウ (Kou)
Kōyasan Air Group 髙野山海軍航空隊1 March 1945postwarコヤ (Koya)
Kōwa Air Group 河和海軍航空隊1 December 194311 February 1945 [7] カウ (Kau)Renamed 1st Kōwa Air Group on 1 March 1945.
1st Kōwa Air Group 第一河和海軍航空隊11 February 1945 [7] postwarカウ (Kau)
1カウ (1Kau, March 1945) [6]
2nd Kōwa Air Group 第二河和海軍航空隊1 April 1944postwar2カウ (2Kau)
Kurashiki Air Group 倉敷海軍航空隊1 November 1944postwarクラ (Kura)
Kure Air Group 吳海軍航空隊1 June 19315 May 1945ク (Ku)
Kushimoto Air Group 串本海軍航空隊1 December 194215 December 1944クシ (Kushi)Incorporated to the 903rd Air Group on 15 December 1944.
Kushira Air Group 串良海軍航空隊1 April 194410 July 1945クシラ (Kushira)
Maizuru Air Group 舞鶴海軍航空隊1 October 193515 December 1944マ (Ma)Incorporated to the 903rd Air Group on 15 December 1944.
Matsushima Air Group 松島海軍航空隊1 August 1944postwarマシ (Mashi)
Matsuyama Air Group 松山海軍航空隊1 October 194315 July 1945マツ (Matsu)
Mie Air Group 三重海軍航空隊1 August 1942postwarミエ (Mie)
Miho Air Group 美保海軍航空隊1 October 194330 June 1945ミホ (Miho)
2nd Miho Air Group 第二美保海軍航空隊15 January 194411 February 19452ミホ (2Miho)Headquarters and airmen were moved to the Yamato Air Group.
Mihoro Air Group 美幌海軍航空隊1 October 19401 November 1942ミ (Mi, October 1940)
M (November 1940)
Renamed 701st Air Group on 1 November 1942.
Mineyama Air Group 峯山海軍航空隊1 March 1945postwarミネ (Mine)
Misawa Air Group 三澤海軍航空隊10 February 19421 November 1942ミサ (Misa, in Japan homelanmd)
H (outside Japan homeland)
Renamed 705th Air Group on 1 November 1942.
Misawa Air Group (II)三澤海軍航空隊1 September 194430 June 1945ミサ (Misa)
Miyazaki Air Group 宮崎海軍航空隊1 December 19431 August 1944ミヤ (Miya)
Nagoya Air Group 名古屋海軍航空隊1 April 1942postwarナコ (Nako)
Nara Air Group 奈良海軍航空隊1 March 1945postwarナラ (Nara)
Nishinomiya Air Group 西ノ宮海軍航空隊1 March 194530 June 1945ニシ (Nishi) [8]
Ōi Air Group 大井海軍航空隊1 April 1942postwarオヰ (Oi)
Oihama Air Group 追濱海軍航空隊1 November 194220 December 1944オヒ (Ohi)
Ōita Air Group 大分海軍航空隊15 December 193815 March 1944オタ (Ota)
Okazaki Air Group 岡崎海軍航空隊1 April 194411 February 1945オカ (Oka)Renamed 1st Okazaki Air Group.
1st Okazaki Air Group 第一岡崎海軍航空隊11 February 1945postwarオカ (Oka)
1オカ (1Oka, March 1945) [6]
2nd Okazaki Air Group 第二岡崎海軍航空隊15 August 1944postwarオカ (Oka)
2オカ (2Oka, March 1945) [6]
3rd Okazaki Air Group 第三岡崎海軍航空隊11 February 1945postwar3オカ (3Oka, March 1945) [6]
Okinawa Air Group 沖繩海軍航空隊15 April 194415 December 1944オキ (Oki)Incorporated to the 951st Air Group on 15 December 1944.
Ōminato Air Group 大湊海軍航空隊1 November 193315 December 1944オミ (Omi)Incorporated to the 903rd Air Group on 15 December 1944.
Ōmura Air Group 大村海軍航空隊1 December 19225 May 1945O (December 1922)
オ (O, July 1926)
Ōryū Air Group 黄流海軍航空隊1 April 19431 May 1944オウ (Ou)
Ōtsu Air Group 大津海軍航空隊1 April 1942postwarオツ (Otsu)
Pusan Air Group 釜山海軍航空隊11 February 1945postwarフサ (Fusa)
Saeki Air Group 佐伯海軍航空隊15 February 1934postwarサヘ (Sahe)
Sagamino Air Group 相模野海軍航空隊1 November 194211 February 1945サカ (Saka)Renamed 1st Sagamino Air Group on 11 February 1945.
1st Sagamino Air Group 第一相模野海軍航空隊11 February 1945postwarサカ (Saka)
1サカ (1Saka, March 1945) [6]
2nd Sagamino Air Group 第二相模野海軍航空隊1 October 1943postwar2サカ (2Saka)
Saijō Air Group 西條海軍航空隊1 March 1945postwarサイ (Sai)
San'a Air Group 三亞海軍航空隊1 October 19431 June 1944サン (San)
Sasebo Air Group 佐世保海軍航空隊1 December 192015 December 1944S (1922)
サ (Sa, July 1926)
Renamed 951st Air Group on 15 December 1944.
Seitō Air Group 靑島海軍航空隊15 January 1944postwarセイ (Sei)
Seto Air Group 瀨戸海軍航空隊1 November 194415 July 1945
Shanhai Air Group 上海海軍航空隊15 January 19441 February 1945シヤ (Shiya)
Shiga Air Group 滋賀海軍航空隊15 August 1944postwarシガ (Shiga)
Shimizu Air Group 清水海軍航空隊1 September 194430 June 1945シミ (Shimi)
Shinchiku Air Group 新竹海軍航空隊1 April 19421 January 1944シン (Shin)
Sukumo Air Group 宿毛海軍航空隊1 April 19431 January 1944スク (Suku)Renamed 453rd Air Group on 1 January 1944.
Sunosaki Air Group 洲ノ埼海軍航空隊1 June 1943postwarスサ (Susa)
Suzuka Air Group 鈴鹿海軍航空隊1 October 1938postwarス (Su)
Takao Air Group 髙雄海軍航空隊1 April 19381 October 1942タカ (Taka, April 1938)
T (November 1940)
Renamed 753rd Air Group on 1 October 1942.
Takao Air Group (II)髙雄海軍航空隊1 October 19421 December 1944タカ (Taka)
2nd Takao Air Group 第二髙雄海軍航空隊15 August 194415 February 19452タカ (2Taka)
Takarazuka Air Group 寳塚海軍航空隊1 March 194530 June 1945タカ (Taka)
Takuma Air Group 詫間海軍航空隊1 June 1943postwarタク (Taku, June 1943)
T (April 1945)
Tainan Air Group 臺南海軍航空隊1 October 19411 November 1942タイ (Tai, used in Japan homeland)
V (outside Japan homeland)
Renamed 251st Air Group on 1 November 1942.
Tainan Air Group (II)臺南海軍航空隊1 April 194315 December 1944タイ (Tai)
2nd Tainan Air Group 第二臺南海軍航空隊1 February 194415 February 19452タイ (2Tai)
Tarumi Air Group 垂水海軍航空隊1 February 1944postwarタル (Taru)
Tateyama Air Group 館山海軍航空隊1 June 193015 December 1944タ (Ta)Incorporated to the 903rd Air Group on 15 December 1944.
Tateyama Air Group (II)館山海軍航空隊15 May 1945postwarタ (Ta)
Taura Air Group 田浦海軍航空隊1 March 1945postwarタウラ (Taura)
Tokushima Air Group 徳島海軍航空隊1 April 1942postwarトク (Toku)
Tōkō Air Group 東港海軍航空隊15 November 19401 November 1942トコ (Toko, used in Japan homeland)
O (outside Japan homeland)
Renamed 851st Air Group on 1 November 1942.
Tōkyō Air Group 東京海軍航空隊1 March 1945postwarト (To)
Toyohashi Air Group 豊橋海軍航空隊1 April 194320 February 1944トヨ (Toyo, April 1943)
R2 (July 1943)
Renamed 701st Air Group on 20 February 1944.
Toyohashi Air Group (II)豊橋海軍航空隊10 July 1944postwarトヨ (Toyo)
Tsuiki Air Group 築城海軍航空隊1 October 194220 February 1944ツイ (Tsui)Renamed 553rd Air Group on 20 February 1944.
Tsuiki Air Group (II)築城海軍航空隊15 March 1944postwarツイ (Tsui)
Tsuchiura Air Group 土浦海軍航空隊15 November 1940postwarツチ (Tsuchi)
Tsukuba Air Group 筑波海軍航空隊15 December 1938postwarツ (Tsu)
Urado Air Group 浦戸海軍航空隊1 November 194415 July 1945ウラ (Ura)
Usa Air Group 宇佐海軍航空隊1 October 19395 May 1945ウサ (Usa)
Uwajima Air Group 宇和島海軍航空隊1 March 194515 July 1945ウワ (Uwa)
Yamato Air Group 大和海軍航空隊11 February 1945postwarヤマ (Yama)
Yatabe Air Group 谷田部海軍航空隊1 December 1939postwarヤ (Ya)
Yokohama Air Group 横濱海軍航空隊1 October 19361 November 1942ヨハ (Yoha, October 1936)
Y (November 1940)
Renamed 801st Air Group on 1 November 1942.
Yokosuka Air Group 横須賀海軍航空隊1 April 1916postwarY (1922)
ヨ (Yo, July 1926)

Numbered name

NameKanjiFormedDissolvedTail codeNote, fate
1st Air Group [Note 3] 第一航空隊10 April 19411 November 1942ZRenamed 752nd Air Group on 1 November 1942.
2nd Air Group 第二航空隊31 May 19421 November 1942QRenamed 582nd Air Group on 1 November 1942.
3rd Air Group 第三航空隊1 April 19411 November 1942XRenamed 202nd Air Group on 1 November 1942.
4th Air Group 第四航空隊10 February 19421 November 1942FRenamed 702nd Air Group on 1 November 1942.
5th Air Group 第五航空隊5 August 19421 November 1942RRenamed 452nd Air Group on 1 November 1942.
6th Air Group 第六航空隊1 April 19421 November 1942URenamed 204th Air Group on 1 November 1942.
7th Air Group 第七航空隊15 November 194010 April 1941I-VIIRenamed 16th Air Group on 10 April 1941.
8th Air Group 第八航空隊15 November 194010 April 1941I-VIIIRenamed 18th Air Group on 10 April 1941.
11th Air Group 第十一航空隊24 September 193616 November 1936
12th Air Group 第十二航空隊11 July 193715 September 1941S (July 1937)
3 (autumn 1937)
13th Air Group 第十三航空隊11 July 193715 November 1940T (July 1937)
4 (autumn 1937)
14th Air Group 第十四航空隊1 April 193815 September 19419
14th Air Group (II)第十四航空隊1 April 19421 November 1942WRenamed 802nd Air Group on 1 November 1942.
15th Air Group 第十五航空隊25 June 19381 December 1938K (June 1938)
10 (Late 1938)
15th Air Group (II)第十五航空隊15 November 193915 November 1940
16th Air Group 第十六航空隊15 December 193815 November 1939Aircraft and airmen were moved to seaplane tender Kamikawa Maru on 15 November 1939.
16th Air Group (II)第十六航空隊10 April 19411 February 194216Renamed 3rd Base Force Attached Float Reconnaissance Unit on 1 February 1942.
17th Air Group 第十七航空隊1 October 19411 April 194217Renamed 4th Base Force Attached Float Reconnaissance Unit on 1 April 1942.
18th Air Group 第十八航空隊10 April 19411 December 194218Incorporated to the 902nd Air Group on 1 December 1942.
19th Air Group 第十九航空隊15 January 19411 November 194219Renamed 952nd Air Group on 1 November 1942.
21st Air Group 第二十一航空隊11 July 193720 October 1937Aircraft and airmen were moved to seaplane tender Kinugasa Maru on 20 October 1937.
21st Air Group (II)第二十一航空隊10 June 19421 November 194221Renamed 902nd Air Group on 1 November 1942.
22nd Air Group 第二十二航空隊11 July 19379 October 1937Aircraft and airmen were moved to seaplane tender Kinugasa Maru on 9 October 1937.
23rd Air Group 第二十三航空隊13 August 19372 October 1937Aircraft and airmen were moved to seaplane tender Notoro on 2 October 1937.
31st Air Group 第三十一航空隊1 February 19421 November 194231Renamed 954th Air Group on 1 November 1942.
32nd Air Group 第三十二航空隊1 February 194210 June 194232Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 21st Air Group on 1 June 1942.
33rd Air Group 第三十三航空隊1 February 19421 November 194233Renamed 932nd Air Group on 1 November 1942.
35th Air Group 第三十五航空隊1 February 19421 November 194235Renamed 956th Air Group on 1 November 1942.
36th Air Group 第三十六航空隊20 June 19421 November 194236Renamed 934th Air Group on 1 November 1942.
40th Air Group 第四十航空隊1 February 19421 November 194240Renamed 936th Air Group on 1 November 1942.
11th Air Group 第一一海軍航空隊1 May 19445 April 194511Aircraft were moved to the 31st Air Group, airmen were moved to the 381st Air Group.
12th Air Group 第一二海軍航空隊1 May 194415 May 194512Re-organized to the Inshi Air Group on 15 May 1945.
13th Air Group 第一三海軍航空隊1 May 194415 May 194513Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 381st Air Group and 936th Air Group.
31st Air Group 第三一海軍航空隊1 March 1944postwar31
32nd Air Group 第三二海軍航空隊1 March 194410 July 194432Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 31st Air Group on 10 July 1944.
121st Air Group 第一二一海軍航空隊1 October 194310 July 1944雉 (Kiji, October 1943)
21 or 121 (February 1944)
Also known as the Green Pheasant Corps (雉部隊, Kiji Butai).
131st Air Group 第一三一海軍航空隊10 July 1944postwar31 or 131Also known as the Mount Fuji Corps (芙蓉部隊, Fuyō Butai)(Fuyō is one of the elegant name of Mt.Fuji).
132nd Air Group 第一三二海軍航空隊5 February 1945postwar132
133rd Air Group 第一三三海軍航空隊5 February 19455 June 1945133
141st Air Group 第一四一海軍航空隊15 March 1944postwar曉 (Akatsuki, used in Japan homeland)
41 or 141 (outside Japan homeland)
Also known as the Dawn Corps (曉部隊, Akatsuki Butai).
151st Air Group 第一五一海軍航空隊15 April 194310 July 1944W4 (April 1943)
51 or 151 (1944)
153rd Air Group 第一五三海軍航空隊1 January 1944postwar53 or 153
171st Air Group 第一七一海軍航空隊1 May 1945postwar171
201st Air Group 第二〇一海軍航空隊1 December 1942postwarW1 (December 1942)
01 or 201 (1944)
202nd Air Group 第二〇二海軍航空隊1 November 194210 July 1944X (November 1942)
X2 (1943)
02 or 202 (March 1944)
203rd Air Group 第二〇三海軍航空隊20 February 1944postwar3 or 03
204th Air Group 第二〇四海軍航空隊1 November 19424 March 1944U (November 1942)
T2 (1943)
204 (1944)
204th Air Group (II)第二〇四海軍航空隊5 February 1945postwar204
205th Air Group 第二〇五海軍航空隊5 February 1945postwar205
210th Air Group 第二一〇海軍航空隊15 September 1944postwar210 (1944)
210 with squadron code (1945)
221st Air Group 第二二一海軍航空隊15 January 1944postwar嵐 (Arashi, used in Japan homeland)
21 (July 1944 ?)
221 with squadron code (August 1944)
Also known as the Storm Corps (嵐部隊, Arashi Butai).
251st Air Group 第二五一海軍航空隊1 November 194210 July 1944U1 (November 1942)
51 (1944)
252nd Air Group 第二五二海軍航空隊20 September 1942postwarY2 (September 1942)
52 or 252 (1944)
253rd Air Group 第二五三海軍航空隊1 November 194210 July 1944U3 (November 1942)
Z1 (1943)
53 or 253 (1944)
254th Air Group 第二五四海軍航空隊1 October 19431 January 194554 (October 1943)
254 (July 1944)
Incorporated to the 901st Air Group on 1 January 1945.
256th Air Group 第二五六海軍航空隊1 February 194415 December 194456 (February 1944)
256 (July 1944)
Incorporated to the 951st Air Group on 15 December 1944.
261st Air Group 第二六一海軍航空隊1 October 194310 July 1944虎 (Tora, October 1943)
61 (February 1944)
Also known as the Tiger Corps (虎部隊, Tora Butai).
263rd Air Group 第二六三海軍航空隊1 October 194310 July 1944豹 (Hyō, December 1943)
63 (1944)
Also known as the Leopard Corps (豹部隊, Hyō Butai).
265th Air Group 第二六五海軍航空隊18 November 194310 July 1944雷 (Ikazuchi, November 1943)
65 (1944)
Also known as the Lightning Corps (雷部隊, Ikazuchi Butai).
281st Air Group 第二八一海軍航空隊1 March 194320 February 1944V1 (March 1943)
81 (1944)
Honorable death until 6 February 1944 during the Battle of Kwajalein in Ruot.
301st Air Group 第三〇一海軍航空隊5 November 194310 July 1944ヨC (YoC, November 1943)
01 (1944)
302nd Air Group 第三〇二海軍航空隊1 March 1944postwarヨD (YoD)Home-defense air group based at Atsugi.
312nd Air Group 第三一二海軍航空隊5 February 1945postwar312
321st Air Group 第三二一海軍航空隊1 October 194310 July 1944鵄 (Tobi, October 1943)
21 (1944)
Also known as the Black Kite Corps (鵄部隊, Tobi Butai).
322nd Air Group 第三二二海軍航空隊15 March 194410 July 1944電 (Inazuma, used in Japan homeland)
22 (outside Japan homeland)
Also known as the Thunder Corps (電部隊, Inazuma Butai).
331st Air Group 第三三一海軍航空隊1 July 194315 May 194531 (July 1943)
331 (July 1944)
332nd Air Group 第三三二海軍航空隊1 August 1945postwar32
341st Air Group 第三四一海軍航空隊15 November 1943postwar獅 (Shishi, November 1943)
341 with squadron code (1944)
Also known as the Lion Corps (獅部隊, Shishi Butai).
343rd Air Group 第三四三海軍航空隊1 January 194410 July 1944隼 (Hayabusa, used in Japan homeland)
43 (outside Japan homeland)
Also known as the Falcon Corps (隼部隊, Hayabusa Butai).
343rd Air Group (II)第三四三海軍航空隊25 December 1944postwar343 with squadron codeAlso known as the Sword Corps (剣部隊, Tsurugi Butai).
345th Air Group 第三四五海軍航空隊1 February 194410 July 1944光 (Hikari, in Japanhomeland)
45 (outside Japan homeland)
Also known as the Sunlight Corps (光部隊, Hikari Butai).
352nd Air Group 第三五二海軍航空隊1 August 1944postwar352Also known as the Kusanagi Corps (草薙部隊, Kusanagi Butai).
361st Air Group 第三六一海軍航空隊15 March 194410 July 1944晃 (Akira, used in Japan homeland)
361 (outside Japan homeland)
Also known as the Shining Light Corps (晃部隊, Akira Butai).
381st Air Group 第三八一海軍航空隊1 October 1943postwar81 or squadron code
452nd Air Group 第四五二海軍航空隊1 November 19421 January 1945R (November 1942)
M1 (1943)
VII (July 1943)
52 or 452 (Late 1943)
453rd Air Group 第四五三海軍航空隊1 January 194415 December 1944サA (SaA, January 1944)
KEC (February 1944)
Incorporated to the 951st Air Group on 15 December 1944.
501st Air Group 第五〇一海軍航空隊1 July 194310 July 194401
502nd Air Group 第五〇二海軍航空隊15 September 19431 October 194402
503rd Air Group 第五〇三海軍航空隊1 October 194310 July 1944ヨB (YoB, October 1943)
03 (February 1944)
squadron code (March 1944)
521st Air Group 第五二一海軍航空隊20 August 194310 July 1944鵬 (Ōtori, August 1943)
21 (1944)
Also known as the Phoenix Corps (鵬部隊, Ōtori Butai).
522nd Air Group 第五二二海軍航空隊1 March 194410 July 1944轟 (Todoroki, used in Japan homeland)
22 (outside Japan homeland)
Also known as the Roar Corps (轟部隊, Todoroki Butai).
523rd Air Group 第五二三海軍航空隊5 November 194310 July 1944鷹 (Taka, November 1943)
23 (1944)
Also known as the Hawk Corps (鷹部隊, Taka Butai).
524th Air Group 第五二四海軍航空隊15 March 194410 July 1944曙 (Akebono, used in Japan homeland)
24 (outside Japan homeland)
Also known as the Sunrise Corps (曙部隊, Akebono Butai).
531st Air Group 第五三一海軍航空隊1 July 194320 February 194431Honorable death on 5 February 1944 during the Battle of Kwajalein in Ruot.
541st Air Group 第五四一海軍航空隊15 March 194410 July 1944響 (Hibiki, used in Japan homeland)
41 (outside Japan homeland)
Also known as the Echo Corps (響部隊, Hibiki Butai).
551st Air Group 第五五一海軍航空隊1 September 194310 July 194451
552nd Air Group 第五五二海軍航空隊1 December 19424 March 1944W3 (December 1942)
Y3 (July 1943)
52 (1944)
553rd Air Group 第五五三海軍航空隊20 February 19441 October 194453
582nd Air Group 第五八二海軍航空隊1 November 19424 March 1944Q (November 1942)
T3 (June 1943)
82 (1944)
601st Air Group 第六〇一海軍航空隊15 February 1944postwar31x or 1x (February 1944)
601 (July 1944)
631st Air Group 第六三一海軍航空隊15 December 1944postwarK6
634th Air Group 第六三四海軍航空隊1 May 1944postwar634 or squadron code
652nd Air Group 第六五二海軍航空隊15 February 194410 July 194432x or 2x
653rd Air Group 第六五三海軍航空隊15 February 194415 November 194433x or 3x (February 1944)
653 (July 1944)
squadron code (temporary)
701st Air Group 第七〇一海軍航空隊1 November 194215 March 1943M
701st Air Group (II)第七〇一海軍航空隊20 February 1944postwarR2 (February 1944)
01 or 701 (November 1944)
702nd Air Group 第七〇二海軍航空隊1 November 194211 December 1943F (November 1942)
U2 (April 1943)
703rd Air Group 第七〇三海軍航空隊1 November 194215 March 1943S (November 1942)
U3 (June 1943)
705th Air Group 第七〇五海軍航空隊1 November 19421 October 1944H (November 1942)
T1 (June 1943)
705 (1944)
706th Air Group 第七〇六海軍航空隊5 March 1945postwar706
707th Air Group 第七〇七海軍航空隊1 November 19421 December 1942RAircraft and airmen were moved to the 705th Air Group on 1 December 1942.
721st Air Group 第七二一海軍航空隊1 October 1944postwarヨF (YoF) or 721 (October 1944)
721 with squadron code (1945)
神 (Jin, fighter squadron only)
Also known as the God Thunder Corps (神雷部隊, Jinrai Butai).
722nd Air Group 第七二二海軍航空隊15 February 1945postwar22 or 722Also known as the Tornado Corps (竜巻部隊, Tatsumaki Butai).
723rd Air Group 第七二三海軍航空隊10 June 1945postwar
724th Air Group 第七二四海軍航空隊1 July 1945postwar
725th Air Group 第七二五海軍航空隊1 July 1945postwar
732nd Air Group 第七三二海軍航空隊1 October 194310 July 194432
751st Air Group 第七五一海軍航空隊1 October 194210 July 1944K (October 1942)
Z2 (1943)
51 or 751 (1944)
752nd Air Group 第七五二海軍航空隊1 November 1942postwarZ (November 1942)
W2 (May 1943)
52 (1944)
752 (summer 1944)
753rd Air Group 第七五三海軍航空隊1 October 194210 July 1944T (October 1942)
X1 (July 1943)
53 (1944)
753 (July 1944)
755th Air Group 第七五五海軍航空隊1 November 194210 July 1944G (November 1942)
Y1 (July 1943)
55 (1944)
761st Air Group 第七六一海軍航空隊1 June 1943postwar龍 (Ryū, June 1943)
761 (1944)
Also known as the Dragon Corps (龍部隊, Ryū Butai).
762nd Air Group 第七六二海軍航空隊15 February 1944postwar輝 (Kagayaki, used in Japan homeland)
62 or 762 (outside Japan homeland)
762 with squadron code (Late 1944)
Also known as the Shine Corps (輝部隊, Kagayaki Butai).
763rd Air Group 第七六三海軍航空隊1 October 1944postwar763
765th Air Group 第七六五海軍航空隊5 February 1945postwar765
801st Air Group 第八〇一海軍航空隊1 November 1942postwarY (November 1942)
U3 (May 1943)
801 (1944)
802nd Air Group 第八〇二海軍航空隊1 November 19421 April 1944W (November 1942)
N1 (March 1943)
Y4 (Late 1943)
802 (1944)
Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 801st Air Group on 1 April 1944.
851st Air Group 第八五一海軍航空隊1 November 194220 September 1944O (November 1942)
51 or 851 (Late 1943)
901st Air Group 第九〇一海軍航空隊18 December 1943postwarKEA
902nd Air Group 第九〇二海軍航空隊1 November 19421 August 194402 (November 1942)
902 (1943 ?)
903rd Air Group 第九〇三海軍航空隊15 December 1944postwarヨG (YoG) or 903
931st Air Group 第九三一海軍航空隊1 February 1944postwarKEB
932nd Air Group 第九三二海軍航空隊1 November 19421 October 194432Re-organized to the Tōin Air Group on 1 October 1944.
933rd Air Group 第九三三海軍航空隊1 September 19441 January 1945933Incorporated to the 936th Air Group on 1 January 1945.
934th Air Group 第九三四海軍航空隊1 November 19421 October 1944934
936th Air Group 第九三六海軍航空隊1 November 1942postwar936
938th Air Group 第九三八海軍航空隊15 April 19431 December 194438
Sasebo Air Group 第九五一海軍航空隊15 December 1944postwarサ951 (Sa951) or 951
952nd Air Group 第九五二海軍航空隊1 November 19421 March 1944952
953rd Air Group 第九五三海軍航空隊1 June 19441 January 1945953Incorporated to the 901st Air Group on 1 January 1945.
954th Air Group 第九五四海軍航空隊1 November 19421 January 1945954Incorporated to the 901st Air Group on 1 January 1945.
955th Air Group 第九五五海軍航空隊1 August 1944postwar955
956th Air Group 第九五六海軍航空隊1 November 19421 December 194256Incorporated to the 582nd Air Group on 1 December 1942.
958th Air Group 第九五八海軍航空隊1 December 1942postwarP3 (December 1942)
58 (Late 1943)
1st Airlift Group
1001st Air Group
第一航空輸送隊
第一〇〇一海軍航空隊
1 May 1943
1 July 1943
postwarヨA (YoA, 1943)
01 (1944)
1021st Air Group 第一〇二一海軍航空隊1 January 194415 July 1945鳩 (Hato) or 21Also known as the Pigeon Corps (鳩部隊, Hato Butai).
Incorporated to the 1081st Air Group on 15 July 1945.
1022nd Air Group 第一〇二二海軍航空隊10 July 1944postwar虹 (Niji) or 22Also known as the Rainbow Corps (虹部隊, Niji Butai).
1023rd Air Group 第一〇二三海軍航空隊1 October 19445 March 194523
1081st Air Group 第一〇八一海軍航空隊1 April 1944postwarヨE (YoE) or 81

Regional name

NameKanjiFormedDissolvedTail codeNote, fate
Chōsen Air Group 朝鮮海軍航空隊10 June 1945postwar
Chūhi Air Group 中菲海軍航空隊15 November 1944postwar
Chūshi Air Group 中支海軍航空隊20 February 1945postwar中 (Chū)
Gōhoku Air Group 濠北海軍航空隊10 July 19445 May 1945
Higashikarorin Air Group 東カロリン海軍航空隊10 July 1944postwarHK
Hitō Air Group 菲島海軍航空隊10 July 194415 November 1944Divided the Hokuhi Air Group, Chūhi Air Group and Nanpi Air Group on 15 November 1944.
Hokuhi Air Group 北菲海軍航空隊15 November 1944postwar
Hokutai Air Group 北臺海軍航空隊15 June 1945postwar
Hokutō Air Group 北東海軍航空隊1 October 1944postwarH
Inshi Air Group 印支海軍航空隊15 May 1945postwar
Kantō Air Group 關東海軍航空隊10 July 1944postwar
Kinki Air Group 近畿海軍航空隊15 July 1945postwar
Kyūshū Air Group 九州海軍航空隊10 July 1944postwar
Marai Air Group 馬來海軍航空隊1 October 1944postwar
Mariana Air Group マリアナ海軍航空隊10 July 1944postwarHonorable death on 10 August 1944 during the Battle of Guam.
Naikai Air Group 内海海軍航空隊10 May 1945postwar
Nanpi Air Group 南菲海軍航空隊15 November 1944postwar
Nanpōshotō Air Group 南方諸島海軍航空隊10 July 194430 April 1945Honorable death on 17 March 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Nanseishotō Air Group 南西諸島海軍航空隊10 July 1944postwar
Nantai Air Group 南臺海軍航空隊15 June 1945postwar
Nishikarorin Air Group 西カロリン海軍航空隊10 July 1944postwar
Ōu Air Group 奧羽海軍航空隊20 June 1945postwar
Saikai Air Group 西海海軍航空隊20 March 1945postwarS
San'in Air Group 山陰海軍航空隊5 May 1945postwar
Taiwan Air Group 臺灣海軍航空隊10 July 194415 June 1945Divided the Hokutai Air Group and Nantai Air Group on 15 June 1945.
Tōin Air Group 東印海軍航空隊1 October 1944postwar
Tōkai Air Group 東海海軍航空隊20 June 1945postwar

Appendix

Carrier Aircraft Group

Until January 1944

  • Aircraft carrier
NameKanjiTail codeNote, fate
Akagi Aircraft Group 赤城飛行機隊ハ (Ha, 26 June 1926)
V (Early in 194131 March 1941)
AI (1 April 194113 July 1942)
Akagi sunk on 6 June 1942.
Hiryū Aircraft Group 飛龍飛行機隊ヘ (October 1939)
QII (15 November 1940)
VI (Early in 194131 March 1941)
BII (1 April 194113 July 1942)
Hiryū sunk on 6 June 1942.
Hiyō Aircraft Group 飛鷹飛行機隊DI (25 August 194231 October 1942)
A2-1 (1 November 1942spring 1943)
A2-2 or 2-2 (spring 194331 August 1943)
Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 26th Air Flotilla on 1 September 1943.
Hiyō Aircraft Group (II)飛鷹飛行機隊A2-2 (1 September 194314 February 1944)Aircraft and airmen were moved to 652nd Air Group on 15 February 1944.
Hōshō Aircraft Group 鳳翔飛行機隊A (January 1922June 1926)
ロ (Ro, 26 June 1926October 1936)
L (1937)
GII (15 November 1940)
CII (1 April 1941)
Dissolved on 20 June 1942.
Jun'yō Aircraft Group 隼鷹飛行機隊DII (20 May 194231 October 1942)
A2-2 (1 November 1942spring 1943)
A2-1 or 2-1 (spring 194331 August 1943)
Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 26th Air Flotilla on 1 September 1943.
Jun'yō Aircraft Group (II)隼鷹飛行機隊A2-1 (1 September 194314 February 1944)Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 652nd Air Group on 15 February 1944.
Kaga Aircraft Group 加賀飛行機隊ニ (Ni, 26 June 1926)
R (1937)
K (19371939)
P (15 November 1940)
VI (Early in 194131 March 1941)
AII (1 April 194113 July 1942)
Kaga sunk on 5 June 1942.
Kasuga Maru Aircraft Group
Taiyō Aircraft Group
春日丸飛行機隊
大鷹飛行機隊
DII (25 September 194131 March 1942)
CII (14 July 194231 October 1942)
A3-2 (1 November 194214 December 1943)
Taiyō moved to the General Escort Command on 15 December 1943.
Ryūhō Aircraft Group 龍鳳飛行機隊A2-3 (13 June 194331 August 1943)Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 26th Air Flotilla on 1 September 1943.
Ryūhō Aircraft Group (II)龍鳳飛行機隊A2-3 (1 September 194314 February 1944)Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 652nd Air Group on 15 February 1944.
Ryūjō Aircraft Group 龍驤飛行機隊ホ (Ho, April 1933)
R (1937)
V (1938)
GI (15 November 1940)
D (1 April 19417 August 1941)
DI (8 August 194113 July 1942)
DIII (14 July 1942August 1942)
Ryūjō sunk on 24 August 1942.
Shōhō Aircraft Group 祥鳳飛行機隊シホ (Shiho, 10 February 1942) [9]
DII (1 April 194220 May 1942)
Shōhō sunk on 7 May 1942.
Shōkaku Aircraft Group 翔鶴飛行機隊EI (25 September 194113 July 1942)
シカ (Shika, 10 February 1942) [9]
EI (14 July 194231 October 1942)
A1-2 (1 November 194214 February 1944)
Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 601st Air Group on 15 February 1944.
Sōryū Aircraft Group 蒼龍飛行機隊イ (I, September 1937)
W (19371939)
QI (15 November 1940)
VII (Early in 194131 March 1941)
BI (1 April 194113 July 1942)
Sōryū sunk on 5 June 1942.
Yawata Maru Aircraft Group
Un'yō Aircraft Group
八幡丸飛行機隊
雲鷹飛行機隊
CI (14 July 194231 October 1942)
A3-1 (1 November 194214 November 1943)
Un'yō moved to the General Escort Command on 15 December 1943.
Zuihō Aircraft Group 瑞鳳飛行機隊CI (1 April 194119 June 1942)
スホ (Suho, 10 February 1942) [9]
EIII (20 June 194231 October 1942)
A1-3 (1 November 194214 February 1944)
Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 653rd Air Group on 15 February 1944.
Zuikaku Aircraft Group 瑞鶴飛行機隊EII (25 September 194113 July 1942)
スカ (Suka, 10 February 1942) [9]
EII (14 July 194231 October 1942)
A1-1 (1 November 194214 February 1944)
Aircraft and airmen were moved to the 601st Air Group on 15 February 1944.
  • Seaplane tender
NameKanjiTail codeNote, fate
Wakamiya Aircraft Group 若宮飛行機隊D (1922)
イ (I, 26 June 1926)
Dissolved in 1926.
Notoro Aircraft Group 能登呂飛行機隊ト (To, 26 June 1926)
ノトロ (Notoro, c. 1931)
13 (summer 1938)
ZI (15 November 1940)
Dissolved on 1 July 1941.
Kamoi Aircraft Group 神威飛行機隊モ (Mo, 1933)
カモヰ (Kamoi, c. 1936)
5 (August 1937)
Kamoi undertook conversion to a flying boat tender in 1939.
Chitose Aircraft Group 千歳飛行機隊チセ (Chise, 1938)
FI (15 November 1940)
YI (1 April 1941)
Chitose undertook conversion to an aircraft carrier on 26 January 1943.
Chiyoda Aircraft Group 千代田飛行機隊チタ (Chita, 1938)
5 (1939)
Z (FebruaryNovember 1939)
V1 (14 July 1942)
Chiyoda undertook conversion to an aircraft carrier on 16 January 1943.
Mizuho Aircraft Group 瑞穂飛行機隊ミホ (Miho, February 1939)
2 1 (1939)
FII (15 November 1940)
YII (1 April 1941)
Mizuho had been sunk on 2 May 1942.
Nisshin Aircraft Group 日進飛行機隊V2 (14 July 1942)Nisshin sunk on 22 July 1943.
Kinugasa Maru Aircraft Group 衣笠丸飛行機隊15 (27 September 1937)Dissolved on 28 April 1938.
Kagu Maru Aircraft Group 香久丸飛行機隊? (25 August 193714 October 1938)Dissolved on 15 October 1938.
Kamikawa Maru Aircraft Group 神川丸飛行機隊ZII (15 November 1940)
ZI (September 1941)
Z (May 1942)
YII (14 July 1942)
L-1 (1943)
Incorporated to the 958th Air Group on 15 April 1943.
Kiyokawa Maru Aircraft Group 聖川丸飛行機隊R (1941)
RI (14 July 1942November 1942)
Renamed 958th Air Group on 1 December 1942.
Kimikawa Maru Aircraft Group 君川丸飛行機隊X (December 1941)
C21 (1943)
Dissolved on 1 October 1943.
Kunikawa Maru Aircraft Group 國川丸飛行機隊YII (November 1942)
L-2 (January 1943)
Incorporated to the 958th Air Group on 15 April 1943.
Sagara Maru Aircraft Group 相良丸飛行機隊O (1941March 1942)
UVI (July 1942)
Dissolved on 31 October 1942.
Sanuki Maru Aircraft Group 讃岐丸飛行機隊IIB (15 November 1940February 1942)
Q (14 July 1942November 1942)
Dissolved on 1 December 1942.
San'yō Maru Aircraft Group 山陽丸飛行機隊ZII (September 1941)
W (February 1942)
P (14 July 1942)
Dissolved on 1 October 1943.
Noshirogawa Maru Aircraft Group 能代川丸飛行機隊? (1 July 194131 August 1941)Dissolved on 1 September 1941.

After February 1944

Naval Air GroupNaval vesselTail code
601st Air Group
(for 1st Carrier Division)
Aircraft carrier Taihō 311 or 11 (7 March 194414 August 1944)
Aircraft carrier Zuikaku312 or 12 (15 February 194414 August 1944)
Aircraft carrier Shōkaku313 or 13 (15 February 194414 August 1944)
Aircraft carrier Unryū
Aircraft carrier Amagi
601 (15 August 1944;10 February 1945)
634th Air Group
(for 4th Carrier Division)
Battleship Hyūga
Battleship Ise
Aircraft carrier Jun'yō
Aircraft carrier Ryūhō
634 (1 May 194414 November 1944)
squadron code (August 1944, temporary)
652nd Air Group
(for 2nd Carrier Division)
Aircraft carrier Jun'yō321 or 21 (15 February 194410 July 1944)
Aircraft carrier Hiyō322 or 22 (15 February 194410 July 1944)
Aircraft carrier Ryūhō323 or 23 (15 February 194410 July 1944)
653rd Air Group
(for 3rd Carrier Division)
Aircraft carrier Chitose331 or 31 (15 February 194414 August 1944)
653 3 (15 August 194415 November 1944)
Aircraft carrier Chiyoda332 or 32 (15 February 194414 August 1944)
653 4 (15 August 194415 November 1944)
Aircraft carrier Zuihō333 or 33 (15 February 194414 August 1944)
653 2 (15 August 194415 November 1944)
Aircraft carrier Zuikaku653 1 (15 August 194415 November 1944)
931st Air Group
(for General Escort Command)
Aircraft carrier Taiyō
Aircraft carrier Un'yō
Aircraft carrier Kaiyō
Aircraft carrier Shin'yō
KEB (1 February 1944)

See also

Notes

  1. Wrote what it can be confirmed by official documents or photos. If it is Kanji or Katakana, add italics for read. If it had been used for all periods, do not write down the years and month.
  2. Imperial Japanese Navy has been revived the old name for some Naval Air Groups. And, there is no relation between the predecessor and the second generation. This article add (II) for them.
  3. One digit numbered name and two-digits numbered name does not have 海軍 (Kaigun, Naval) in their names.
  1. Hata, Izawa & Shores 2011.
  2. Lundstrom 2005a.
  3. Lundstrom 2005b.
  4. Tagaya 2001.
  5. 13 June 1944, Notice No. Military-50 Amendment 1936, Notice No. Military-45., Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of the Navy.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 March 1945, Notice No. Military-5 Amendment 1936, Notice No. Military-45., Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of the Navy.
  7. 1 2 3 4 11 February 1945, Notice No. 127 Naval Air group organizations amendment., Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of the Navy.
  8. 22 March 1945, Notice No. Military-11 Amendment 1936, Notice No. Military-45., Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of the Navy.
  9. 1 2 3 4 16 February 1942, Notice No. Military-12 Amendment 1936, Notice No. Military-45., Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of the Navy. (These are legal tail codes. However, they were not used.)

Bibliography