VH-5 (Rescue Squadron 5) was one of six dedicated Rescue Squadrons of the U.S. Navy during WWII. A more comprehensive write-up on the VH squadrons can be found in the history of Rescue Squadron 3 (VH-3), which was the US Navy's most active VH squadron. VH-5 rescued 8 air crewman, assisted in the rescue another 2 aviators, and assisted in the capture of 4 Japanese adrift on a raft. VH-5 was established in September 1944 and disestablished in June 1946. The squadron employed the Martin PBM Mariner during its operations.
Operational history September 1944: VH-5 was established at NAS Alameda, California. April 1945: VH-5 commences rescue operations headquartered out of Ebeye Island in the Kwajalein Atoll. Detachments are also stationed at Majuro and Enewetak Atoll. May 1945: VH-5 rescues 4 survivors from 2 downed SB2C and 1 downed F4U, assists in the rescue of another 2 survivors of a downed SB2C, and assists in the capture of 4 Japanese adrift on a raft. June 1945: VH-5 rescues 2 survivors from a downed SB2C from VMSB-331. July 1945: VH-5 rescues 2 survivors from an SB2C downed after a strike against Wotje Atoll. 19-28 August and 5 September 1945: VH-5 participates in the negotiations, formal surrender, and American occupation of Japanese-held Mili Atoll and Jaluit Atoll. June 1946: VH-5 was disestablished.
See also Dumbo (air-sea rescue) Seaplane tender Flying boat Air-sea rescue List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
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