Maquis SIM Project/Fighters/VP-24
Patrol Squadron (VP) 24
"Batmen"
History
MFI's Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR carries the name of a late twentieth century squadron established during the second world war.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
The first squadron insignia on record was designed for VP-HL-4 and was approved by CNO on 9 July 1947. The theme of the design was based on the Bat, or Special Weapons Ordnance Device (SWOD) Mark 9, a radio-controlled glide bomb assigned to the squadron in 1946. Although the weapon was redesignated ASMN-2 after the war, it was still affectionately called the Bat by the few squadrons carrying it. The design consisted of a yellow bat superimposed on a large red figure 4 on a circular field of blue. The bat, clutching a large bomb, and with lightning flashing from its eyes,
signified the mission of the squadron and the electronic nature of the device. In the upper left of the circular field of blue there was a silhouette of a PB4Y-2 Privateer, the aircraft assigned to the squadron. Colors: background, medium blue; bat, yellow; bat’s eyes and mouth, red; bomb, white; lightning bolts, white; aircraft silhouette, white; letters, red. The insignia remained in use from 1946 to 1948. The second squadron insignia was submitted when the mission of the squadron changed from Bat glide bombs to ASW, reconnaissance and antishipping in 1950. The squadron was so fond of the designation Batmen, that permission was requested to retain the symbolism in the new design. Upon approval by CNO on 23 January 1951, this insignia became unique as the only authorized naval squadron insignia displaying a member of the female sex. The Batgirl was depicted leaning against a heraldic shield superimposed over a naval officer’s sword. On the shield was a homing torpedo
suspended by parachute over a periscope emerging from the ocean depths. Colors: Batgirl, black
wings and outfit; skin, flesh color; shield, red border with white background; sea, blue; periscope, white; torpedo, black and white with red parachute; sword, red pommel and blade with gold tassel; VP-24 letters, black on white background in scroll at bottom of design. The insignia was used by VP-24 from 1951 until the squadron was disestablished in 1995.
MFI's VP-24 insignia is one which takes many elements of her 20th century namesake. Replacing the shield with one of Maquis origin, this remains very recognizable as that of the Batmen!
Aircraft
At the time of is disestablishment in the 20th century, VP-24 flew the P3-C.
