501 Kōkūtai (501 Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
On July 1, 1943 the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) 501 Kōkūtai (501 Air Group) was established at Kisarazu Airfield in Japan as part of the 25th Koku Sentai, 11th Air Fleet. On August 5, 1943 assigned to the 26th Koku Sentai. On October 18, 1943 moves to Rabaul.

On February 15, 1944 the 501 Ku flew four sorties from Rabaul over western New Britain, two missions appear to have been reconassiance and only a single 250kg bomb was dropped with two losses at different times. D4Y1 Judy 3193 was abandoned at Hoskins Airfield and during May 1944 captured when U.S. Marines from 1st Marine Division occupied the area.

On January 10, 1944 disbanded due to losses. On January 26, 1944 the remaining elements begin a movement to Truk. By late February 1944 all remaining Japanese aircraft that were flyable were withdrawn to Truk. By February 19, 1944 elements from the 201 Kokutai, 501 Kokutai and 204 Kokutai were at Eten Airfield (Takeshima).

Tail Codes
01-???  three digits

References
Kodochosho, 501 Kōkūtai, February 15, 1944

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