954 Kōkūtai (954 Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
On November 1, 1942 the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) renamed air groups with three digit identifiers. The 31st Kōkūtai was redesignated 954 Kōkūtai (954 Ku). Operated from Rabaul during the Guadalcanal campaign.

Afterwards, returned to the Philippines with their headquarters at Nichols Field. The 954 Ku operated the B5N Kates, D3A Vals and F1M2 Petes from many locations including Cañacao Seaplane Base (Cavite), San Fernando, Cebu, Tacloban Seaplane Base, Caldera Seaplane Base (Recodo), Bongao operating with 11th S.P.A.U. from Singapore–Indochina, Davao and Jolo.

On January 1, 1945 absorbed into 901 Kōkūtai (901 Air Group).

References
Documents in the Japanese Defense Archives cover operations until August 31, 1944
Thanks to Minoru Kamada and Jim Long for this information.

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