When Radar-Equipped Planes First Graced the Skies of US Navy Carriers in World War II

In late 1943, the USS Enterprise (CVN-6) returned from a refit and overhaul, marking a significant milestone in naval aviation history. This venerable carrier was reclassified as the first Night Carrier, designated CVN-6, and joined by the USS Saratoga.

Early Deployment and Early Successes

On October 16, 1942, the first USN shipboard deployment of radar-equipped aircraft took place aboard the USS Enterprise (CV 6). Torpedo Squadron 10 (VT-10) brought along Grumman TBF Avengers equipped with an ASB-1 airborne search radar. The first mission using this radar-equipped TBF occurred on October 26, 1942, during the Battle of Santa Cruz. However, the plane was lost in action during the battle, marking a significant early setback.

Innovative Night Operations

On November 26, 1943, during the Battle of Makin Atoll, the USS Enterprise initiated carrier-based night fighter operations against enemy bombers. This innovative approach was a product of the necessary shipborne organization and electronic devices available for defensive night operations in 1943. The aircraft were equipped with electronic identification friend or foe (IFF) systems and homing devices (YA-YB).

The Genesis of Night Operations

The core concept of a centralized information gathering and evaluation center (CIC) was standard on USN ships. Additionally, there were numerous radar systems in place. The idea of using radar-equipped fighters to intercept approaching enemy aircraft was well understood and professionally applied. However, the primary role of radar-equipped TBF Avengers was to carry out offensive night bombing missions against enemy shipping and ground installations.

The Breakthrough: Guiding Hellcats to Particular Targets

Captain Tom Hamilton (CV-6 Air Officer) and Lieutenant Commander Edward "Butch" O'Hara (CAG-6) conceived a radical idea: using a radar-equipped TBF to guide F6F Hellcat fighters onto lurking Japanese aircraft. On the evening of November 26, 1943, three aircraft left the deck of the USS Enterprise to attack a large formation of twin-engine Japanese torpedo bombers. A radar-equipped TBF and two Hellcats, piloted by "Butch" O'Hara, were vectored to the radar-detected position.

A Desperate Mission

Despite the TBF's radar technician successfully locking onto an enemy bomber and the TBF closing in on it, the trio faced a challenging situation. The FDO ( Fighter Director Officer) could see the aircraft on the radar screens, but the Americans could not locate the targets in the darkness. The FDO attempted to guide the fighters back to the TBF, but the situation took a dramatic turn.

Heroic Efforts and Sacrifice

As the TBF closed in on an enemy bomber, it engaged the target, and the Japanese bomber went down in flames. However, complications arose when the TBF approached another formation of bombers. During this engagement, O'Hara's plane was attacked by a Japanese bomber's nose gunner. Despite the intense fight and confusion, O'Hara was ultimately claimed by the enemy, tragically losing his life in the line of duty.

Legacy and Continued Innovation

O'Hara, a celebrated naval aviator, is credited as the first USN Ace of the Pacific War, receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Rabaul in 1942. His sacrifice during the night operation highlighted the risks and dangers of radar-assisted tactics in a new era of naval combat. Radar-equipped Corsairs (VFN-101) would join the Enterprise in February 1944, further enhancing the carrier's combat capabilities.

The USS Enterprise and Saratoga's pioneering efforts in adopting and deploying radar-equipped aircraft and systems set the stage for improved night operations. Their innovative use of radar-guided fighters marked a critical step in naval aviation history, influencing the development of modern air defense systems and setting the stage for subsequent advancements.