title: VH-6 (Rescue Squadron)
text: # VH-6 (Rescue Squadron)
  
  VH-6 (Rescue Squadron 6) was one of six dedicated (VH) Rescue Squadrons of the U.S. Navy during WWII. A more comprehensive write-up on the VH squadrons can be found in the history of Rescue Squadron 3 (VH-3), which was the US Navy's most active VH squadron. In the final week of the war, VH-6 rescued 13 aviators off the coast of Japan. VH-6 was established in January 1945 and disestablished in February 1946. The squadron employed the Martin PBM Mariner during its operations.
  
  ## Operational history
  
  * January 1945: VH-6 was established at NAS San Diego, California..
  * 27 July 1945: VH-6 commences rescue operations around Okinawa, joining Rescue Squadron VH-3 which has been there since April.
  * 8-10 August 1945: VH-6 rescues 13 downed aviators off Japan.
  * 14 August 1945: While on a standby mission for a USAAF bomber strike, a PBM from VH-6 is harassed by three Zero Fighters. The Lockheed P-38 Lightning escort is called for assistance. In the ensuing melee, one attacking Zero is shot down and another is listed as a probable. The third Zero escapes after shooting down one of the P-38's (whose pilot does not survive).
  * November–December 1945: VH-6 performs operations in the Yellow Sea.
  * February 1946: VH-6 was disestablished.
  