By Aviation Enthusiasts LLC
The Grumman F9F Panther flew for the first time sixty-six years ago today. A single-seat carrier-based fighter and attack aircraft, the F9F was the first Navy jet to go to war and the first to try an inflight-refueling system. Panthers flew 78,000 combat sorties during the Korean War and scored the first air-to-air “kill” by the Navy in the conflict, downing a North Korean Yakovlev Yak-9 on July 3, 1950. The Navy’s first jet-versus-jet “kill” was also accomplished by a Panther when the type dispatched a MiG-15 on November 9, 1950. Grumman built 1,382 aircraft between 1947 and 1953. The Panther was the first jet aircraft used by the Blue Angels flight team, from 1949 through 1954.
This F9F-2 Panther, Bureau Number 123612, is part of the Aviation Heritage Park display at Naval Air Station Oceana. Be sure to visit our full website at www.aviation-enthusiasts.com for more aviation and air show memories!
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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