Weekend Warriors chronicles experiences of Naval Air Reservists called unexpectedly into active service. This account highlights the role of Naval Aviation during the initial stages of the Korean War. The author, a reservist at Naval Air Station Oakland CA, was among those ordered to report for active duty. The author recorded many of their experiences in a personal diary.
The book relates how the sudden mobilization altered the personal lives of recalled members of reserve fighter squadron VF-871. The squadron immediately began preparing to serve aboard aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CV 37).
The squadron was a key component of a replacement air group aboard the Princeton composed of “Regular” and “Reserve” squadrons. VF-871 pilots soon began flying varied combat missions over targets in Korea. Regrettably, three squadron pilots lost their lives flying missions during the deployment. A total of seven squadron F4U-4 Corsair aircraft were also lost in combat.
