938 Kōkūtai (938 Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
On March 1, 1943 the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) formed the 938 Kokutai (938 Air Group) at Shortland Harbor Seaplane Base with seaplanes from Kunikawa Maru and Kamikawa Maru. To support the air group, Kunikawa Maru operates as a seaplane tender and Kamikawa Maru serves as an aircraft transport.

On April 15, 1943, the 11 Dai 2 Kantai Dai 11 Koku Sentai (11th Carrier Squadron) was formed, comprised of aircraft from seaplane tenders Kamikawa Maru and Kunikawau Maru that comprised the R-Hōmen Kōkū Butai (R-Area Air Force), Southeast Area Fleet operating from Shortland Harbor Seaplane Base.

Afterwards, operated A6M2-N Rufe from Rabaul and Kavieng. Finally, the 938 Kokutai operated E13A Jakes.

Tail Codes
The group used different tail codes at various dates.
L-1 or L-2 tail code used until March 1943
P3- tail code used from March 1943–?
38- tail code used by the unit.

References
Combined Fleet - Kunikawa Maru Tabular Record of Movement

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