3.2.3.1.1 The primary objective of any paint system is to protect exposed surfaces and components against corrosion and other forms of deterioration. Maintenance and repair of paint finishes are extremely important, beginning with aircraft weapon systems development and continuing with constant surveillance throughout the service life of the systems.
3.2.3.1.2 The coating systems used on naval aircraft and the colors selected have been developed to provide maximum tactical advantage and protection of critical surface material. Touch-up painting shall be restricted to only that amount required to repair damage during the corrosion repair process. Repainting of aircraft or entire sections of the aircraft at O-level and I-level maintenance is specifically prohibited, except when authorized in writing by the TYCOM.
i. Aircraft paint schemes shall be maintained as delineated in MIL-STD 2161B(AS) and as follows:
COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2A CH-1
15 Feb 2009
3-53
(1) Squadron logo/insignia is restricted to aircraft tail(s) only.
(2) Squadron logo/insignia on TPS aircraft shall use only the low contrast shade of TPS gray
against gray background and camouflage painted aircraft shall use black (color number 37038) against land camouflage background. (3) Aircraft side numbers and squadron identifier may be painted in flat black or TPS gray.
(4) Aircrew, plane captain, and ship name may be added with letters not exceeding two inches in size in flat black or TPS gray.
(5) Navy Type Wing Commander and Marine Corps Air Wing Commanders are responsible
for the uniformity of all aircraft under their cognizance. Additional markings and color schemes are strictly prohibited.
NOTES: 1. A} Low observant aircraft shall not be authorized to be painted with the squadron/air wing
colors.
2. One aircraft per squadron (2 aircraft for FRS) is authorized to be painted with the
squadron/air wing colors. Areas authorized to deviate from TPS include: the tails, alphanumeric characters, national star insignias, and no more than 25 percent of the aircraft
fuselage. For example, aircraft side/BUNO numbering and pilot/plane captain names may be painted in squadron colors to include a shadowing effect (if desired). Squadron colors/logos,
such as striping, may be painted on the fuselage. The CO shall ensure TPS/camouflage integrity is restored during hostile actions. 3. Force Protection paint scheme shall be used for all utility aircraft per MIL-STD 2161B(AS).
3.2.3.1.9 Deviations from authorized paint scheme will only be considered for tactical reasons, for example,
to evaluate an alternate paint scheme.
) ... but: A GREAT PLACE TO WORK, no matter what.
