General Background

In the early 1930s Boeing developed a series of biplanes designated the F4B for the US Navy and US Marine Corps but was a P-12 for the US Army Air Corps. The aircraft were first accepted in 1929 and served as the primary fighter. The P-12 was built in 6 successful variants while the F4B had 4. The P-12 was replaced by the Boeing P-26 in 1934-35 but the F4B carried on with operational duties until the Grumman F2F/F3F series completely replaced them in 1938.

The Aircraft

B-2 was originally established in 1934 as VB-5B. The squadron operated from the USS Lexington as VB-5B from November 1935 to June 1937. In July 1937 the unit was re- designated VB-2 and remained on the Lexington until November 1937. In October 10,1942 the squadron now became VB-11. VB-2 Squadron recognition color on the tail was lemon-yellow. The aircraft marking 2-B-13 means 2 = VB-2, B = Bombing, 13 = 1st aircraft (lead) in section 5. There were 3 aircraft per section so 13 is the first of the 5th section. Other aircraft in the section would be 2-B-14 and 2-B-15.