This type of squadron was also named "Naval District Inshore Patrol Squadron". VS-1D7 was therefore the first inshore patrol squadron assigned to the
7th Naval District. The squadron was formed on 12 March 1942 with nine pilots, forty-nine men and five
OS2N-1 Kingfisher seaplanes. The squadron grew in size over time. In February 1943, it operated eight OS2U-3 at Banana River and two OS2N-1 at
Naval Air Station Key West. As part of
Gulf Sea Frontier Operation Plan 3-42 dated 15 March 1942, the squadron became task unit 26.2.9 and flew missions "to patrol shipping lanes" with a "be prepared to provide escort, search, tracking and striking groups." During this operation, the higher headquarters was
Fleet Air Wing 12 for administration and Gulf Sea Frontier for operations. Weather permitting, the daily flying routine consisted of two patrols, one departing at dawn and one at dusk. To support operations as needed, the squadron used advanced bases at
Walker's Cay and
Nassau, Bahamas. ==Cold War==