Seagull markings

Air Classics, Feb 2003 by Crossman, James A

I have just finished the November issue which carried the article "Fighting Seagull." On page 52, there is a photograph of Curtiss SOC- 1 Bureau Number 9866 in landplane configuration taxiing out for takeoff at Oakland Airport during October 1937.

The author correctly describes this airplane as having a Lemon Yellow tail assembly. Erroneously though, he also states that the "Section Leader" band on the fuselage is painted Red as is the engine cowling.

Having served in VCS-5 as a mechanic and having worked on this particular aircraft, before becoming a Naval aviator myself, I would like to submit the following:

The US Navy Heavy Cruiser Division Five, consisting of the USS Chicago, Portland, Chester, and Louisville each had four SOC-1 type aircraft assigned. Cruiser Scouting Squadron (VCS-5) aircraft were assigned the tail color of Lemon Yellow by the Bureau of Aeronautics. The color to be applied in a solid band and to be outlined by a thin stripe of black.

A US Navy Squadron of aircraft was painted in the following manner: Red for the 1st Section, White for the 2nd Section, Blue for the 3rd Section, and Black for the 4th. The Squadron Commander's aircraft on the Chicago would have a solid Red engine cowling plus a solid Red band on the side of the fuselage and the identification numbers would read "5-CS-1."

The number 2 aircraft on the Chicago would have the upper half of the engine cowling painted Red and the identification number on the side of the fuselage would read "5-CS-2." The number three aircraft on the Chicago would have the lower half of the engine cowling painted Red and the identification number on the side of the fuselage would read "5-CS-3."

The number 4 airplane in the Section would have a narrow band of Red painted on the upper and lower centerlines of the engine cowling and the identification number on the fuselage would read "5-CS-4." This method of painting the aircraft would continue throughout the 16 planes of the Squadron.

In the picture mentioned, the identification letters on the side of the fuselage would identify the Section Leader of the Fourth Section which could only be Black...not Red!

James A. Crossman

Moreno Valley, CA