Also found the record: "In January 1943, VP-11 was relieved and returned to the United States for leave,
new aircraft and reorganization. Regrouped in 1943, VP-11 return to operations in the Southwest Pacific basing aircraft in Perth, and small bays from New Guinea to the Philippine Islands."
This can suggest that the squadron could have been equipped with the PBY-5A, especially if they got the brand-new Catalinas from a factory. As a result the Catalina version would be used in 1943. Before the date the unit had been using the PBY-5s. But it is possible they got the new PBY-5s instead.
The record source:
VP-11 / VPB-11 | Black Cat squadron - WALIKA'S US NAVY SQUADRON PATCHES