AV8 Ace – VP52 "Black Cat" Squadron

The VPB-52 Bomb Squadron, originally established in 1928 and later redesignated as Patrol Bombing Squadron 52, served as one of the U.S. Navy’s versatile maritime patrol and anti-shipping units during World War II. Flying the legendary Consolidated PBY Catalina, the squadron conducted long-range reconnaissance, convoy escort, antisubmarine warfare, and maritime patrol operations across the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Before America formally entered the war, VP-52 participated in Neutrality Patrol missions across the Caribbean and South Atlantic, protecting Allied shipping lanes from German U-boats and surface raiders. 

After extensive patrol operations from bases in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and Brazil, the squadron redeployed to the Pacific in 1943, where it became heavily involved in combat operations against Japanese naval forces. Operating from forward bases across Australia, New Guinea, Midway, and the Bismarck Archipelago, VPB-52 conducted dangerous low-level night attacks known as “Black Cat” missions. Flying in darkness at masthead height, crews targeted enemy shipping, harbors, and convoys under intense anti-aircraft fire. Several squadron aviators earned the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism during these nighttime strike missions against Japanese warships and transport vessels. 

As Allied forces advanced across the Pacific, VPB-52 expanded its missions to include antisubmarine patrols, reconnaissance, and air-sea rescue operations supporting major bombing campaigns against Japanese-held islands. The squadron operated throughout New Guinea, Hollandia, Manus, and other key Pacific bases until late 1944, helping secure Allied naval dominance in the region. Disestablished in April 1945, VPB-52 left behind a distinguished legacy of endurance, innovation, and aggressive maritime warfare, earning recognition as one of the Navy’s effective long-range patrol bombing squadrons of World War II.

The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.

• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US

Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.