Rhino Power,
Maybe I'm being dumb (it wouldn't be the first time), but I don't see the problem.
One quote refers to the 61st FS being operational, implying it has 24 jets.
The next quote, with regard to only currently having 8 jets, refers to the 62nd FS.
Two different squadrons, at different stages of development, with different aircraft numbers at this time - so where is the issue?