About this Unit
Patrol Bombing Squadron 212 (VPB-212) was a maritime patrol squadron of the United States Navy established during World War II. Commissioned on 15 March 1943, VPB-212 was equipped with PBM Mariner flying boats and tasked with anti-submarine warfare, convoy escort, and reconnaissance missions. The squadron operated primarily in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, conducting patrols from bases such as Naval Air Station Key West and Naval Air Station Coco Solo in the Panama Canal Zone. VPB-212 played a vital role in protecting Allied shipping lanes from German U-boats until it was disestablished on 18 June 1945 following the end of the European conflict.
Historical Facts
• Establishment: VPB-212 (Patrol Bombing Squadron 212) was established on 15 March 1943 during World War II as a maritime patrol squadron in the United States Navy.
• Aircraft Flown: The squadron was primarily equipped with the PBM Mariner, a twin-engine seaplane designed for long-range patrol and anti-submarine warfare missions.
• Primary Mission: VPB-212's main role was anti-submarine warfare (ASW), convoy escort, and maritime patrol, especially in the Atlantic and Caribbean theaters.
• Operational Area: The unit operated extensively in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and off the southeastern coast of the United States, areas with significant German U-boat activity.
• Key Bases: VPB-212 was stationed at several key locations during the war, including Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• U-boat Encounters: The squadron was credited with several attacks on German U-boats, contributing to the disruption of Axis submarine operations in vital shipping lanes.
• Rescue Operations: In addition to combat missions, VPB-212 participated in search and rescue operations, often saving downed airmen and shipwrecked sailors in perilous waters.
• Innovative Tactics: VPB-212 crews utilized new radar and sonar technology, as well as Leigh Lights, which enabled them to hunt submarines more effectively at night.
• Squadron Disestablishment: The squadron was disestablished on 27 June 1945, shortly after the end of hostilities in Europe, having fulfilled its mission to secure Allied shipping routes.
• Legacy: Although VPB-212 was active for just over two years, its contributions to anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol set important precedents for future Navy patrol squadrons.
