Douglas SBD Dauntless
Deliveries to the US Navy began in December 1937, when four aircraft joined VB-3 aboard the aircraft carrier , replacing Curtiss BFC-2 biplanes. As well as "Saratoga", Vindicators served on the carriers , , and . Air Group Nine, destined for , trained in Vindicators aboard the escort carrier , but they transitioned to the Douglas SBD Dauntless before "Essex" joined the war.