Changes

VF-19 was the first unit to be equipped with Bearcats, and took delivery in May, 1945.  They were still getting familiar with the new plane when the war ended in August, after which the Navy cancelled most of the rest of their order.  Modest production continued, however, and over 1000 Bearcats were eventually delivered.  They were popular with the pilots, but were quickly rendered obsolete by first-generation jet fighters.  By the time the [[Korean War]] began, the Bearcat had largely been retired from front-line service.

VF-19 was the first unit to be equipped with Bearcats, and took delivery in May, 1945.  They were still getting familiar with the new plane when the war ended in August, after which the Navy cancelled most of the rest of their order.  Modest production continued, however, and over 1000 Bearcats were eventually delivered.  They were popular with the pilots, but were quickly rendered obsolete by first-generation jet fighters.  By the time the [[Korean War]] began, the Bearcat had largely been retired from front-line service.

Bearcats did see action in the [[First Indochina War]] in the early 50’s, however, where they were flown by the French Air Force against the [[Viet Minh]].  Others were flown by the [[Thailand|Thai]] air force.

Bearcats did see action in the [[First Indochina War]] in the early 50's, however, where they were flown by the French Air Force against the [[Viet Minh]].  Others were flown by the [[Thailand|Thai]] air force.

The Bearcat was one of the first planes flown by the [[Blue Angels]] flight demonstration team.

The Bearcat was one of the first planes flown by the [[Blue Angels]] flight demonstration team.