FM2s prepare for launch
Coutesy Mike McKenna

When VC-65 first formed, Avengers and Wildcats were in short supply so the squadron had an assortment of SNJ's (advanced trainers), SBDs (Douglas Dauntless dive bombers), and one TBD (Douglas Devastator torpedo bomber. In July the Wildcats and the Avengers began to appear in the squadron then training began in earnest.

The squadron was fully staffed to take care of its aircraft maintenance in mechanical, radio, and ordnance. Flight leaders were being selected, and aircrews were being formed for the torpedo bombers. The training flights out of Alameda NAS were basic familiarization flights over the Pacific Ocean, over the South San Francisco Bay, or over the mountains to the east.