7th Air Force (7th AF)
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF)

Background
The Hawaiian Air Force was based in Hawaii as part of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). On February 5, 1942 redesignated 7th Air Force (7th AF) and operated in the Pacific Ocean Area (POA) during World War II.

On June 9, 1942 Brigadier General Howard C. Davidson, Commanding General VII Fighter Command, also becomes temporary Commanding General 7th Air Force. On June 20, 1942 Major General Willis H. Hale becomes Commanding General 7th Air Force, and Colonel Albert Hegenberger becomes temporary commanding officer of the VII Bomber Command. On June 25, 1942 Brigadier General William E. Lynd becomes Commanding General of VII Bomber Command.

On August 14, 1944 the 7th Air Force (7th AF) is reorganized as a "mobile tactical air force" retaining only units that will function in the combat area; VII Bomber Command includes the 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 30th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 494th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and 41st Bombardment Group (Medium). VII Fighter Command includes the 15th Fighter Group, 21st Fighter Group (in Hawaii) and 318th Fighter Group and 6th Night Fighter Squadron; the recently activated VII Air Service Area Command is composed of 4 service groups; and the 9th Troop Carrier and 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons assigned directly to Headquarters (HQ) Seventh Air Force.

Command
7th Bomber Command (VII Bomber Command)
7th Fighter Command (VII Fighter Command)

Bombardment Group (BG)
11th Bombardment Group (11th BG)
30th Bombardment Group (30th BG)

Fighter Group (FG)
15th Fighter Group (15th FG)
318th Fighter Group (318th FG)
506th Fighter Group (506th FG)

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Major General Clarence L. Tinker (–June 7, 1942) †
Brigadier General Howard C. Davidson (June 9, 1942–June 20, 1942)
Major General Willis H. Hale (June 20, 1942)

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