In the early 1930s Boeing developed a series of biplanes designated the F4B for the US Navy and US Marine Corps but was a P-12 for the US Army Air Corps. The aircraft were first accepted in 1929 and served as the primary fighter. The P-12 was built in 6 successful variants while the F4B had 4. The P-12 was replaced by the Boeing P-26 in 1934-35 but the F4B carried on with operational duties until the Grumman F2F/F3F series completely replaced them in 1938.

 

On July 1, 1922 VF-1 High Hatters was established. On July 1, 1927 VF-1 became VF-1B and joined the USS Saratoga CV-3 in January 1928 until November 1934. The High Hatters flew the F4B-3 from January 31, 1932 until March 19, 1932 in the Canal Zone / Caribbean. On July 1, 1934 VF-1B was re-designated VB-2B. In 1949, after several designation changes they finally became VF-14 that still exists today. This aircraft 1-F-1 is the first aircraft of the first section of VF-1B, the Squadron Leader's aircraft.