As soon as the squadron had become operational ready, orders were received to send detachments of men and materials to bases closer to the combat zones for Aerial Photographic Reconnaissance Missions. Detachments were sent to Iwo Jima, Peleliu, Okinawa and Ulithi. Each detachment consisted of a number of F6F Hellcats, pilots, ground support enlisted personnel, materials and supplies to maintain the operation. The enlisted personnel were primarily aircraft mechanics and photographic technicians. The squadrons total strength upon arriving at Guam, including both officers and enlisted personnel, was 340. The detachments to the outlying islands consisted of approximately 80 men in total, including both officers and enlisted men. Additional detachments of men were sent to the AIC Lab at CinCPac and to the photo lab at Fleet Photo Group Two. The Navy Lab at CinCPac received approximately 70 men, Fleet Photo Group Two, required an additional 17 men. All men in these two detachments, were Photographic Personnel. At the VMD-354 base headquarters at Agana, there were 23 officers and approximately 152 enlisted personnel. These men maintained and operated the squadron headquarters. They were also responsible for any Aerial Photographic Reconnaissance Missions in the Mariana Islands area. Replacements and rotation of personnel from the outlying detachments, were drawn from the personnel at squadrons base headquarters at Agana. For recreation at the Agana base, VMD personnel formed baseball and basketball teams. Others found rest and relaxation at the Recreation Center. The most popular pastime was playing table tennis/PingPong. The beaches at Tumon Bay were enjoyed by those who loved the sun, sand, and water. When off duty, military personnel would visit the native Guamanian Villages of Agat, Umatic, Merizo or Inarajan. Most of the native villages were located on the Southern half of the island, while the majority of the military bases were located on the Northern half of the island. The villagers were very hospitable and welcomed the visiting military personnel. There were many photo opportunities to be had. The Guamanians were very willing to let photographs be taken of their homes and families. Village scenes, the bombed out ruins of their buildings,churches and the main power plant at Agana were also favorite subjects of the photographers. Many men found rest and relaxation in reading, writing letters or playing card games. In the evening when operations were suspended for the day, the outdoor movies were the main attraction, or, a visit to the Slop Chute, a very popular spot, where many gathered to enjoy a cold (rationed) beer or a soft drink and engage in friendly conversation. Some brave souls, organized Jap Hunting Parties to search for Japanese Army stragglers. Guam Pictorial