5th Kōkūtai (5th Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
The 5th Kōkūtai was formed from the Toko Kōkūtai (Toko Air Group) float fighter unit operating A6M2-N Rufes that arrived at Kiska Harbor on July 5, 1942. Designated the 5th Kokutai on August 5, 1942. Tail code R-xxx. (three digit tail number).

During late 1942, half of all A6M2-N Rufes produced by Nakajima (12 per month) were sent to the Aleutians to this unit. On September 25, 1942 Kimikawa Maru delived six replacement A6M2-N Rufes and two E13A Jakes to the unit.

On November 1, 1942 redesignated 452 Kokutai (452 Air Group).

References
Japanese Naval Air Force Fighter Units and their Aces 1932-1945 page 24-26
Arawasi "Nakajima A6M2-N "Rufe" pt. 6 Aleutians 452th Kokutai"
Thanks to Jim Lansdale and Jim Long for additional information

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