Usage
The SB2U Vindicators were used by Britain, France, and the United States.
First Assignment
The VB-3 squadron, of the USS Saratoga, was the first to receive the SB2Us on December 20, 1937.
Aircraft Carriers
SB2U-1s and SB2U-2s equipped seven United States Navy squadrons by 1940 on the carriers Lexington, Saratoga, Ranger, and Wasp.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marines had two squadrons of Vindicators in combat. These were the SB2U-3s.
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway was one of the few campaigns that the Vindicator saw combat in.
Training
As the SB2U was replaced in front line units by the Douglas SBD Dauntless it became a very capable training aircraft.
France
The French received 20 / 24 of the 40 ordered Vought V-156s and some of these were captured by the Germans. It is reported that they may have been used to bomb Dover but it wasn't confirmed.
United Kingdom
The Royal Navy received 50 of the SB2Us and called them the Vought V-156 Chesapeake. They were unable to be used on escort carriers because of their long take off. The V-156s became land based trainers.