SOC-3 flying over a Task Force in the South Pacific. Note the recovery hook which can be clearly seen on the lower front section of the float. (Photo: U.S. Navy)

Instrument Panel-Front Cockpit:

• Airspeed indicator Left Centre.
• Altimeter, sensitive Upper left.
• Clock Lower left.
• Compass Mark IX Centre.
• Engine Gauge Unit Centre lower panel.
• Tachometer Centre lower panel.
• Turn and Bank indicator Upper right.
• Fuel Quantity Gauge Centre lower panel.
• Artificial Horizon Lower right.
• Directional Gyro Centre left.
• Thermocouple Installation Centre lower panel.
• Thermocouple Switch (4 point) Centre lower panel.
• Air Intake Thermometer Centre lower panel.

Instrument Panel-Rear Cockpit:

• Airspeed Indicator Lower left.
• Altimeter, sensitive Centre.
• Clock Upper left.
• Compass Mark IX Right.
• Lateral Inclinometer Lower right.

Armament:

One .30 calibre Browning M-2 fixed machine gun was provided for the pilot with 500 rounds of ammunition. A second -30 calibre Browning M-2 flexible gun, with 600 rounds, was provided for the observer under the turtleback behind the rear seat. The turtleback folded down flat to allow the gun to swing free on a ring mount surrounding the rear half of the cockpit. The exterior post on the left side of the fuselage provided for the "alert" storage position-outside of the fuselage but locked in place to avoid motion. Each wing had one Mk. XLI Bomb Rack which was capable of holding one 116-pound bomb, or one Mk. VII-I Smoke Tank, or one Mk. XVII Depth Bomb.

A Mk. 111, Mod. 4, Telescopic Gun Sight was provided for the pilot on all planes, and an optional Mk. VI Camera Gun could be mounted on the upper Centre wing panel.
William T. Larkins, 1967.

TABLE 3: SOC ASSIGNMENT IN 1940 UNITED STATES FLEET - JUNE 1940

Commander-in-Chief                      Admiral James 0. Richardson
  Flag Unit                               1 SOC-3
U.S.S Pennsylvania BB38                   3 SOC-3
                 (Operating with Battleship Division One)
BATTLE FORCE
Commander, Battle Force                 Admiral Charles P. Snyder
  Flag Unit                               1 SOC-3
U.S.S. California BB44                    3 SOC-3
                 (Operating with Battleship Division Two)
Battleship Division One                 U.S.S. Arizona BB39 (Flagship)
  Observation Squadron One              U.S.S. Nevada BB36
  C.O.: Lt. W. D. Rowley                (U.S.S. Pennsylvania)
                                  6 SOC-3
Battleship Division Two                 U.S.S. Tennessee BB43 (Flagship)
  Observation Squadron Two              U.S.S. Oklahoma BB37
  C.O.: Lt. C. W. Haman                 (U.S.S. California)
                                  5 SOC-3
Battleship Division Three               U.S.S. Idaho BB42 (Flagship)
  Observation Squadron Three            U.S.S. Mississippi BB41
  C.O.: LCDR. 1. E. Hobbs               U.S.S. New Mexico BB40
                                  6 SOC-3, 3 SON-1
Battleship Division Four                U.S.S. West Virginia BB48 (Flag)
  Observation Squadron Four             U.S.S. Colorado BB4S
  C.O.: LCDR. C. F. Greber              U.S.S. Maryland BB46
                                  7 SOC-3,2 SON-1