202 Kōkūtai (202 Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
On November 1, 1942 the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) renamed air groups with three digit identifiers. The 3rd Kōkūtai (3rd Ku) became the 202 Kōkūtai operating the Zero. Abbreviated as 202 Ku. In English, spelled 202 Kokutai.

During September 1943, elements of the 202 Kōkūtai operated from Doelah Airfield in the Kai Islands.

On September 21, 1943 took off from Doelah Airfield to intercept nine B-24s from 380th BG on a bombing mission against nearby Langgoer Airfield. Meanwhile, two Nicks from 5th Hiko Sentai (5th Flying Regiment) took off from Langgoer Airfield to intercept. In their first pass, the Zeros released four no. 3 aerial bombs but failed to inflict any damage then intercepted the formation. In a furious interception, the Zeros damaged several bombers and broke up the formation in air combat down to 1,500'. The Zeros damaged B-24D "She' Asta" 42-40512 pilot Cunningham and B-24D "Queer Deer" 42-40935 pilot Baker. Also damaged is B-24D "Nothing Sacred" 42-40509 pilot Parris was also damaged with an engine shot out, salvoed his bomb load and returning crashed in Australia. Also lost is B-24D "Little Joe" 42-40532 shot down by Ki-45 Nick from 5th Hiko Sentai.

Later, operated from Yap and Rabaul.

On July 10, 1944 disbanded.

References
The Best in the Southwest (1995) pages 98-102 (September 21, 1943)

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