The Grumman S2F-1 Tracker entered service with the United States Navy in February 1954 replacing Grumman Avengers and Guardians in the anti-submarine role.  The Tracker was the first twin engine aircraft to be routinely operated off the Navy’s small Escort and Light carriers.  Trackers operated from American aircraft carriers until August 1976, more than 20 years after the type was first introduced.  The Tracker proved popular with the navies of several other nations as well, including; Canada, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Peru, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, and Venezuela.  Retired Trackers have been converted into fire fighting aircraft and can be regularly seen dropping fire retardant on forest fires in the western United States.

Manufacturer
Grumman

Markings
Naval Air Station Grosse Ile, Michigan, 1968

Serial Number
136468

Designation
S-2F