Grumman J2F Duck - Foreign users

 

The Grumman J2F Duck is an American amphibious single-engined biplane. It was an improved version of the JF Duck and was used by the following foreign users:

• Argentina: After the success of the JF Duck in the Argentine Navy, in 1939 their fleet of G-20 (company designation given to the JF Duck) was expanded by four Grumman G-15 (company designation given to the Grumman J2F4) with their tailhooks removed. Those Ducks were assigned to two observation units, one at BAN (Base Aérea Naval - Naval Air Base) Comandante Espora (Escuadrón 2 - Squadron 2) and the other at BAN Puerto Indio (Escuadrón 3 - Squadron 3). Few G-15 and G-20 remained airworthy by the end of the Second World War. 
  In 1948 Argentina bought 22 additional J2F-5 and nine J2F-6s from surplus US Navy stock. Some of those Ducks took part in the Revolución Libertadora that, in 1955 ousted Juan Perón. Although observation squadrons were disbanded in 1956, a number of Ducks were still flying in Argentina in 1959.
  The Ducks allowed for the creation of the first true naval aviation observation squadrons within the Argentine Navy. They served as the eyes of the fleet when the ships weren't equipped with radar technology or, later, when they were absent. The Ducks also served as general utility planes and were used to direct naval gunfire, as torpedo spotters, aerial photographic platforms, target towers, medical evacuation aircraft, search & rescue role and submarine support operations role. For four years, 1946-1950, at least one Argentine Duck was entirely painted black for night operations and for undisclosed "special missions". 
• Colombia: This country became a signatory of the Rio Pact, so called Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance and, therefore, took delivery of three ex-USAF OA-12Bs (designation given to the J2F6 serving with the USAF) in 1948. They were overhauled at Warner-Robins Air Force Base, in Georgia. There are no further details about their service in Colombia and, as we couldn't find graphical support, the drawing should be considered as speculative.
• Mexico: Two Columbia J2F6 (just J2F6 manufactured by Columbia Aircraft Corporation in New York) were acquired by Mexico in 1947 for use with the Aviación Naval Mexicana (Mexican Naval Aviation). They operated in the Veracruz region from 1947 to 1951, when they were sold back to the USA.
• Peru: The Peruvian Instituto Lingüístico de Verano (Summer Language School) bought a single Columbia J2F6 in 1946. It was named "Amauta" and, in 1961 it passed on to the Peruvian Navy until 1964 when it was written off and sold, one year later to Parque de las Leyendas (Park of Legends) in Lima, the capital of Peru. It was displayed there as an attraction until 1977.

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_J2F_Duck

2. Squadron Signal - Aircraft in Action Mini 7 - Grumman JF Duck

3. https://www.airliners.net/photo/Peru-Navy/Grumman-J2F-6-Duck-G-15/2289182

4. https://www.facebook.com/aviacionyaeronautica/posts/1600289339992284/ (translated)