USS Shipley Bay Air Squadron VC-97 "Fishhook"


	Squadron VC-97

			Squadron VC-97 was commissioned in Seattle Washington on March 8, 1944. Also know as the Fishhook Squadron, VC-97 was the only composite squadron to participate in air combat operations while attached to the USS Shipley Bay (CVE-85). The men of VC-97 flew aboard the USS Shipley Bay from the Makassar Strait (CVE-91) at Kerama Retto on 7 May 1945. Click [Here] to view actual flight operation video. Bilingual Memorial Monument



	Left to right; Robert Tuggle Jr., AOM 1/c (with his dog Snatch), LT.Vernon Tebo, Warren Loyd ARM 1/c Robert, Vernon and Warren were shot down over the island of Ishigaki. They were captured, tortured and executed. The Bilingual Memorial Monument on Ishigaki is dedicated to these men and tells the story of their sacrifice. Ensign Bernard M. MacDonald, USNR piloting his TBM Avenger over Okinawa in April 1945 while attached to the USS Makassar Strait (CVE-91). Composite Squadron VC-97 flies off for the last time at Guam, June 1945. The photo above was taken just after Squadron VC-97 streaked over the USS Shipley Bay's flight deck in a farewell salute. Photo from the Lt. Everett Clifford Ladd collection. "We are now done with Okinawa."




	Composite Squadron VC-97 tied down on the USS Shipley Bay's flight deck. Photo from the Lt. Everett Clifford Ladd collection.