US Army Air Force

Carrier P-47

Carrier launching a P-47D S/N 42-23038 of the 73rd Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group, 7th Air Force, being flown by Lt. Eubanks Barnhill. The 7th Air Force was first constituted as the Hawaiian Air Force on October 19, 1940 and activated on November 1, 1940. It was re-designated 7th AF in February 1942. The 7th Air Force initially provided air defense for the Hawaiian Islands. During 1943, the 7th AF served in combat in the central and western Pacific. (rudeerude)