Following its return from the first Aleutian deployment, VB-139 reformed at NAS Whidbey Island on 1 August 1944 under the operational control of Fleet Air Wing SIX (FAW-6). On 1 October 1944, the squadron was redesignated VPB-139 and re-equipped with the improved PV-2 Harpoon, marking a significant transition in both capability and operational doctrine.
Training during the winter of 1944–1945 emphasized the employment of advanced weapons and instrument flying. Particular attention was given to rocket-projectile firing and to mastering newly installed Ground-Controlled Approach (GCA) systems. The introduction of GCA at NAS Attu represented a major technological improvement, significantly reducing the risks associated with returning from long-range missions in persistent fog and low visibility conditions. Training and flight familiarization were completed by the end of February 1945. By 3/12/1945, the entire squadron, minus one PV-2, arrived at Attu to relieve VPB-136. Joined searches in conjunction with VPB-131 began as early as 3/14/45.
On 26 February 1945, VPB-139 deployed once more to the Aleutians, arriving at Casco Field, NAS Attu, on 16 March, where it relieved VPB-136 and came under the operational control of Fleet Air Wing FOUR (FAW-4). Initial duties consisted of routine search and patrol missions conducted in coordination with VPB-131.
Combat operations resumed in April 1945.
On 6 April, four VPB-139 Harpoons conducted rocket and strafing attacks against Kokutan Zaki in the Kurile Islands, marking the squadron’s transition to rocket-armed strike missions. However, this offensive phase proved short-lived. On 6 May, the Navy’s Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer) ordered the suspension of ground-attack operations following the discovery of structural weaknesses in the PV-2’s wings and stabilizers during high-G pullouts. As a result, VPB-139 and other Harpoon-equipped squadrons were largely restricted thereafter to patrol duties and limited anti-shipping strikes until modifications could be implemented.
Throughout May 1945, the squadron conducted extensive searches and photographic reconnaissance missions over Minami Zaki, Shimushu, and the Sea of Okhotsk. Enemy fighter opposition was infrequent, but anti-aircraft fire remained consistently present and often intense. On 10 May, a coordinated strike by eight aircraft against radar installations at Minami Zaki and Shimushu resulted in five aircraft sustaining damage from AA fire, though all returned safely without casualties.
In June, VPB-139 resumed more aggressive operations, conducting multiple strikes against Shimushu and shipping targets in the Kurile harbors. While Japanese fighter presence was occasionally encountered, few interceptions developed into sustained engagements.
On 24 July 1945, a detachment of six aircraft was deployed to NAF Amchitka, while the remainder of the squadron continued operations from Attu. Duties during this final phase increasingly consisted of routine patrols, reconnaissance flights, and logistical support missions, including mail transport between remote island outposts.
With the end of hostilities approaching, VPB-139 was relieved on 19 August 1945 by VPB-135 and returned to the United States, arriving at NAS Seattle on 23 August (less one aircraft delayed at NAS Kodiak). All aircraft were transferred to HEDRON-6, and personnel received demobilization or extension orders on 31 August. Squadron records arrived shortly thereafter, and VPB-139 was formally disestablished on 13 September 1945 at NAS Seattle.
For further details, please refer to the VB/VPB-139 Historical Survey
Second Tour – Operational Notes and Losses
Operations during the second Aleutian tour reflected both technological advancement and persistent environmental risk.
- On 26 March 1945, a PV-2 (BuNo 37065) crashed at NAF Shemya during landing in poor weather following an engine failure. Lt Dulin overshot the runway on an instrument approach through a severe snow squall. The aircraft was destroyed, but the entire crew survived with minor injuries.
- On 22 April 1945, a PV-2 (BuNo 37075) failed to return from a routine patrol mission after being recalled due to deteriorating weather conditions. No radio contact was established, and the aircraft and its crew were listed as missing in action:
Lt. William Duncan See (A1) 130238
Ens. Jack Holton Hawley (A1) 351041
Ens. Russel Fairfax Miller (A1) 407176
John Pickney Carr 8674060 ARM2c
Randolph Carlos Keister 8347435, AOM3c
Richard Donald Callecod, 6277418, AMM2
These incidents underscore that, despite improvements in navigation and landing systems such as GCA, weather and operational hazards remained a constant threat, even in the final months of the war.
