Quite odd Phil
I have a photo of A-7145 coded 4-J-4 flown by Dwight Harris over NAS Hampton Roads, VA in 1931.
No idea if VJ-4 existed at the time but I doubt the code was for NAF, but then again I have been wrong countless of times....
Neither can I see the relevance of a VJ Squadron having at least two Curtiss fighters at their disposal.
Your A-7144 at one time carried the code 1-R-23 (but due to photo status could easily be 1-F-23)
With regard to your e-mail to me, I have to check with my wife since she carries the computer brain in the family....
Cheers
Stig