Still one of my favorite aircraft of all time. I have always enjoyed the sight of the Grumman S-2 Tracker series. These machines revolutionized carrier ASW in the 1950's. They placed all detection, tracking and attack in one airframe, while previously it took two machines to handle the attack on an enemy boat.
Each Essex class carrier carried between 32 to 36 Trackers, depending on the time frame of the deployment. In the early years, each carrier deployed two VS squadrons of 18 aircraft each. These planes, were normally deployed as teams as two, as before, but in extended coverage each ship could act on its own. In the late 1960's, as the Essex class carriers were preparing to be retired, the squadrons were reorganized to twelve aircraft apiece. Depending on the planned deployment of the Essex class carrier, two or three squadrons would go to sea on her.
After the retirement of the last Essex class ships, each of the large carriers were transformed to carry one squadron of ASW planes. While the Lockheed S-3A viking was being tested and planned for deployment, a squadron of modernized S-2G Trackers were brought aboard. These twelve planes would take over the ASW/fleet scouting, and maritime patrol work for a task force.
The S-2 proved to be one hell of an airplane!!!