Torpedo Six Devastators
Two sections of Torpedo Six Devastators pass Diamond Head, Hawaii, enroute to bombing practice, early 1941. Blue rudders designated Enterprise Air Group planes; cowl colors designated various sections within the squadron. Fuselages were polished aluminum, while wing-tops were painted yellow to ease sighting if the plane was forced to make a water landing.
The bright color schemes were retired before war arrived on 7 December 1941.
Photo originally published in Life Magazine, 31 March 1941.