Cactus Air Force

Cactus Air Force refers to the ensemble of Allied air power assigned to the island of Guadalcanal from August 1942 until December 1942 during the most heavily contested phases of the Guadalcanal Campaign, particularly those operating from Henderson Field. The term "Cactus" comes from the Allied code name for the island. In 1943, the Cactus Air Force was absorbed into AirSols, a joint command of Allied air units in the Solomon Islands.

Cactus Air Force
Cactus Air Force aircraft crowd Henderson Field, Guadalcanal in October 1942
Active20 August 1942 – April 1943
Countries United States
 New Zealand
AllegianceAllies of World War II
BranchUnited States Army Air Forces
United States Marine Corps
United States Navy
Royal New Zealand Air Force
TypeEnsemble air unit
RoleAerial warfare
Garrison/HQHenderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
EngagementsWorld War II
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Roy Geiger
Louis E. Woods
Francis P. Mulcahy
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