16 Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force was formed on 1 July 1942 at RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim), commanded by Squadron Leader A. Jones. The squadron served in Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Bougainville, Green Island and Jacquinot Bay. The squadron was equipped with Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks and later F4U Corsair fighters. Re-equipment with the P-51 Mustang was abandoned at cessation of hostilities, and the squadron returned to New Zealand and was disbanded in October 1945.