Lexington and Saratoga's carrier-numbered squadrons

Lexington's VB-2, VF-2, VT-2, and VS-2 and Saratoga's corresponding number-three squadrons made the carrier relationship immediately visible. The arrangement also meant that several different units could all appear to be Squadron 2 or Squadron 3. That overlap complicated lineage, orders, and ordinary communication whenever the role prefix was omitted. Squadron role did not necessarily reveal aircraft capability either, since a scouting squadron could operate dive bombers as part of the carrier's strike package. The scheme was descriptive only while every part of the designation remained attached and correctly understood.