With the complete squadron at last, all problems were rapidly being ironed out. Since the beginning of operations, valuable experience had been gained and it was now being applied. Theories formed in the training period, were being discarded and reformed where practical experience proved their value. Crew's began flying a regular schedule thus relieving the nervous tension brought about by flying too often and too much. A quiet and sure confidence began invading the men as the successful operations continued. Although the peak of efficiency had not yet been reached, the march toward it was sure and steady.

On the 5th of September a total of eight (8) enlisted men were transferred to the 266th Replacement Bn at APO 322. (Milne Bay, New Guinea) These men, members of the former Air-sea Rescue Organization operating in this area, were the first in this organization to return to the United States. Major Lewis resumed command of the Squadron upon his return from temporary duty, 7 September 1944. 8 September 1944, orders were received transferring "C" Flight from APO 713 #1 (Oro Bay, New Guinea) to APO 159 (Sansapor, New Guinea) and the movement was completed on this same day. Due to a misunderstanding as to the allocation of areas, the three flights at APO 920 (Biak Island) were forced to move to a new area.

⁴[Due to a mix-up in the initial assignment of areas at Biak it was necessary for the squadron to evacuate its campsite on 20 September 1944 and set up a completely new area about three quarters of a mile down the beach. This wasn't so good for the morale of the men because they had gone to all the trouble of making frameworks for their tents, improving the area and building a volley ball court. However, nothing could be done but move, and everyone took it in good spirit. All this moving was accomplished without ceasing actual operations. On 8 September 1944, flights "B" from Hollandia, and "C" from Nadzab were consolidated and transferred to Middleburg Island right off the tip of Dutch New Guinea. This was done in order that better coverage could be given to bombardment squadrons on their strikes on the Celebes, Borneo, Halmaheras, and Morotai. The squadron was steadily making a name for itself and the number of rescues was mounting daily.]  

Once again the problem of building with limited equipment presented itself. On the 22 September the first case of malaria was detected and immediately steps were taken to insure that all precautionary measures were being used by the members of this organization. Major Donald D. Corlett, ASN 0-238482, the senior Flight Surgeon, prescribed a regular course of lectures and talks to aid in this drive.
GENERAL ORDER  #239

This organization was transferred from the Fifth Bomber Command to the Thirteenth Air Force on the 23 September 1944 per General Order #239, [download GO#239 p.1,2 in .pdf format] paragraph #3, Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, dated 23 September 1944. From the 23 September to the 30 September all of the planes but two (2) were transferred from APO 920 (Biak) to APO 159. (Sansapor, New Guinea) This was accomplished because APO 159 (Sansapor, New Guinea) was nearer the scene of operations and because warning orders for movement had been received for the three (3) flights at APO 920. (Biak) The total loss of personnel for this period was eleven (11) enlisted men.

⁴[On 10 October 1944, "Headquarters", "A" and "D" flights bypassed "B" and "C" flights which remained at Middleburg Island, and moved up to Morotai to cover strikes on Palau and the Philippines as well as Ceram, Celebes, and Borneo.]

Rescues made during this period are as follows:
              09 September  -  Covered strike on Northern Celebes and rescued six (6) men.
              10 September  -  Made an open sea landing and picked up 4 members of a
                                      B-24 crew.
              14 September  -  Under fire from shore batteries, effected rescue of fighter pilot on
                                      D-Day plus one (1) of "Interlude" operation.
              16 September  -  Assisted in rescue of Naval pilot.
              25 September  -  Rescued P-38 pilot in Northern Celebes.

A total of 162 missions were flown during this period totaling 1,540 flying hours.

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