[rldunn]

Tainan Air Group became Air Group 251 shortly before it returned to Japan for reorganization in Nov 42. Many of its leading pilots had become casualties and others were transferred out. It was manned with newly trained pilots. Cdr. Kozono its former deputy became CO. Kozono spent a considerable amount of time trying to come up with an effective night fighter converting Type 2 land recon planes for that purpose.

When posted to the Southeast Area in May 1943 the 251 received some experienced pilots but only ten of its pilots had been in combat. They had received a new model Zero. Many of their fighters were Zero 22's equipped with the new long barrell 20mm cannon.

I do not have the detailed pilot experience data for mid-June 43 but a month later Air Group 251 had only 33 pilots. Six of these were classed A, meaning fit for all missions. None were classed B, fit for day missions. Twenty-seven were rated C indicating limited operational capability and needed more training.

Among the pilots intercepting on 6/16 were experienced pilots CPO Yoshio Ohki and PO 1/C Ichirobei Yamazaki.

RLD