AirSols


AirSols was a combined, joint command of Allied air units in the Solomon Islands campaign of World War II, from April 1943 to June 1944. It was subordinate to the Allied but U.S.-led Commander, South Pacific Area, itself part of Pacific Ocean Areas. AirSols superseded and absorbed the Cactus Air Force, which controlled Allied air units in the Solomons during 1942–43. AirSols was made up of United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Thirteenth Air Force, United States Army Air Forces forces.
The Allied fliers were opposed by the Japanese 11th Air Fleet and Fourth Air Army based at Rabaul in New Britain.
"Commander, Aircraft, Solomons" directed the combat operations of all land-based air forces in the Solomons during the major Allied offensive of 1943–44, Operation Cartwheel. Discussing the initial command structure of AirSols, Marine Corps historians Henry I. Shaw and Douglas T. Kane, wrote:
On 15 June 1944, AirSols was replaced by AirNorSols, which would have 40 squadrons. That same day, responsibility for Allied units west of 159° East Longitude and south of the Equator passed from POA to the South West Pacific Area. However, seven USAAF squadrons in AirNorSols were transferred, as part of the Thirteenth Air Force, to the U.S. Far East Air Forces and eight USN and RNZAF squadrons were moved to garrison duty in South Pacific.

Subordinate units

USN

Web

  • Account of U.S. Marine involvement in air war over Solomon Islands and Rabaul.
Category:Air units and formations of the United States Navy
Category:Allied air commands of World War II
Category:Military units and formations established in 1943
Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1944