 In the Southwest Pacific the squadron attacked Japanese strong points and tactical positions and targets of opportunity in support of MacArthur's campaign along the north coast of New Guinea; then advancing into the Netherlands East Indies and Philippines as part of the Island Hopping campaign.Re-equipped with P-40s; then later A-20 Havocs.Engaged in heavy fighting on Lete; Mindoro and Luzon in the Philippines during 1944–1945.