3rd Kōkūtai (3rd Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
The 3rd Kōkūtai (3rd Air Group) was part of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). Abbreviated 3rd Ku. At thr start of the Pacific War, operated the Type 0 Carrier Fighter / A6M2 Zero and Type 98 Reconnaissance Aircraft / C5M2 (Babs).

Wartime History
On December 26, 1941 six A6M2 Zeros from 3rd Ku strafe flyingboats being refueld and rearmed at Lake Tondano Seaplane Base. During the attack, they destroy five including: Do-24K X-11, Do-24K X-12, Do-24K X-25 of GVT 2 and Do-24K X-26 of GVT 5 plus S-43B Baby Clipper PK-AFT.

On March 3, 1942 nine A6M2 led by C5M2 Babs pilot Akira Hayashi took off from Koepang Airfield on Timor strike Broome. Over the target at 9:20am flying at an altitude of 500', three Zeros flew top cover while C5M2 Babs pilot Akira Hayashi with observer Shinobu Nagasawa flew reconnaissance and took a photograph during the raid. The six Zeros use their machine guns and cannons to strafe parked planes at Broome Airfield and flyingboats moored in Roebuck Bay. During the strike, A6M2 Zero pilot Kudo was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crash into the sea. Returning, another Zero ditched.

On November 1, 1942 the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) renamed air groups with three digit identifiers. The 3rd Kōkūtai became the 202 Kokutai (202 Air Group).

Tail Codes
X-??? (three digits, April 10, 1941–November 1, 1942)

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