Curtiss F6C-2 HAWK USAF naval fighter

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The F6C-2 (Model 34D) were structurally reinforced to withstand hard arrested landings...The F6C-2 (Model 34D) were structurally reinforced to withstand hard arrested landings, hook guides were installed between the landing gear struts and an old-fashioned rigid landing gear with a rubber shock cord wound around the axle for shock absorbing was installed. The tail skid was moved to the rear and its shock absorber (rubber cord in tension) was replaced by rubber discs in compression. Three of the F6C-2s, delivered in November of 1925, were assigned, along with three F6C-1s and four FB-1s, to San Diego. This squadron was unique in that the majority of its pilots were enlisted men with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Commissioned officers were the leaders of each three-plane flight section. Late in 1926 the squadron’s insignia was changed from a shield over crossed machine guns to a shield containing the rating badge of a Chief Petty Officer.