Avenger torpedo bombers were used very effectively during World War II. They could carry either one standard torpedo or a one-ton bomb. They could operate from an airfield or from an aircraft carrier and were used effectively against enemy warships. They carried a three-man crew consisting of a pilot, a gunner, and a radioman.

Originally conceived as an adjunct to NAS Miami, The Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale (NASFL or NAS Fort Lauderdale) soon became an independent base for operations training specializing in TBM/TBF Avenger torpedo bombers, as part of the Naval Air Operational Training Command.

TBM/TBF Avenger pilot training was taught among other degrees (Radiomen, Machinist's Mates and Ordnancemen), along with radar and fire control operator training. Also the Naval Air Station Boat Facility, the Fort Lauderdale Navy Section Base, and the Fort Lauderdale Coast Guard Station located at Port Everglades were established and/or worked in conjunction with this base. These units were instrumental in providing practical target bombing practice as well as air and sea rescue operations and retrieving of torpedoes. For example, the USS Absicon was a decoy ship that served in training and the USS Asheville (both operating from Port Everglades) tested experimental weapons for the NASFL.

Training of Avenger Pilots:
An Ensign (cadet) was eligible to train at this Operational Training school, until he had completed Primary, then Intermediate courses at other schools. Pilots were paired up with gunner and radioman at NAS Fort Lauderdale, and went through a 45 day training period, then they went to "action" as a team. The training was completed in about 8 to 12 weeks.  Each week a new training squadron began, therefore there were 9 to 10 squadrons in training at a time. NAS Fort Lauderdale also had Beechcraft SNB-1 twin engine bomber trainers, and Boeing-Stearman N2S-5 biplane trainers. The teachings and indoctrination for Avenger pilots included the following:

• Familiarizing Ensign cadets with the specialized Avenger aircraft, its technical aspect and special techniques.
  
• Ground School included instruction in navigation. Such as exercises with the Link Trainer Flight Simulator.
• Flight experience with landings and take-offs.
• After a few landings and take-offs, to fly solo.
  
  

The would be Pilot had to complete the following navigational problems, in order to graduate:

1. Bombing flights.
2. Navigation flights over the water.
3. Formation flying.
4. Gunnery runs on a towed sleeve.
5. Night flying.
   
   

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Copyright © NAS Fort Lauderdale Museum

We found more wartime cartoons and illustrations for Manuals from NASFL illustrator Phil Bowers.  We finished curating more of his works and will be showcasing them. Check our Member Spotlight page to read more about Phil.

- Click on thumbnails to enlarge -

We will be adding more stories to our website such as the Member Spotlight page in which we'll feature every month, members of the Naval Air Station during WWII, with vintage images as well as stories of members from our Historical Association. There are many amazing and courageous stories that must be told, so they are not forgotten.

Our first Member Spotlight is on:

NASFL Illustrator Phillip Bower
Petty Officer ARM 3c, USNR

We want to hear from you! If you would like to share, please send us your story, your memories, or pictures. We will include them in our Blog as well as in both our print and e-mail "The Avenger" Newsletters.