In Classical Sanskrit, it refers to an epoch or period, especially one of the six seasons or ritus in the Hindu calendar, Vasanta/Basant "spring", Grishma "the hot season", Varsha "the rainy season", Sharad "autumn", Hemant "winter"; and Shishir "the cool season", or the menstrual cycle.
Activated as part of IV Fighter Command in early 1943, the squadron engaged in the Air Defense of the San Francisco area as well as a RTU until the end of 1943.
The Squadron continued on at Madden Field until 25 March 1944, when the unit was officially transferred to Lincoln Army Airfield, Nebraska and being assigned to IV Fighter Command as a replacement training unit (RTU), flying predominantly P-38 Lightnings.
Returned to the United States in November 1942 as a IV Fighter Command P-38 Lightning Replacement Training Unit (RTU).