Curtiss F6C-3 coded 4-J-3

[Stig Jarlevik]

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

[R Leonard]

1-R-23 (b/n A7144) was a station utility plane at NAS Norfolk in 1930. I don't see any reference to VJ-4 before 1941.

Larkins notes in passing, and referring exactly to this particular airplane, that obsolete fighters were popular as fast, one man, transports, such as if someone needed to quick dash from Norfolk to Anacostia.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Leonard

So the 'R' letter is then correct. Not sure exactly which year the Navy decided to use this letter instead of J to mean transport, but 1930/31 could fit quite nicely.

Also interesting that the whole scenario here involves these two letters!

I also see that sources use both NAS Hampton Roads and NAS Norfolk which I have always assumed to be the same place. Since at least two of the photos referred to are associated with this NAS there is at least a good chance that Phil's photo also is.

Cheers
Stig