To meet the Marine Corps' need for a medium bomber suited to night attacks and low-level missions, they adopted the B-25 Mitchell, redesignated as the PBJ. VMB-413 was the first squadron of Marine Air Group 61 to operate them, followed by other "400" and "600" squadrons. Operating from bases like Sterling Island, Green, and Emirau, these squadrons targeted fortified Japanese positions and shipping, including Rabaul and Kavieng. Aircraft typically featured mission tallies by the cockpit and modest squadron markings, such as red, white, and blue propeller hubs.
