Intrepid's Fighting Squadron 18: Flying High with Harris' Hellcats

USS Intrepid’s Fighting Squadron 18 (VF—18) was one of the U.S. Navy’s highest—scoring carrier units of World War II. Despite having only one combat veteran in its roster, its aviators—including Cecil “Speedball” Harris, the Navy’s second—ranking ace—were credited with shooting down more than 170 planes during their 81—day tour of duty, earning the squadron the nickname “Two—a—Day 18” in newspapers nationwide. How did a novice unit with a comparatively short time in theater accomplish such ...