1/600th is pretty small to show much detail, but, this page will hopefully show you what you COULD do to add a little character to your USN forces.

Your USN aircraft could have all/some/none of the following depending on your choice. 

WEAPONRY - You are a bit adrift here.  TD have a set of TER on the A-10 kits which is an expensive way to add to your forces.  Scratchbuilding is the only other way ahead (that I am aware of).  I added a some straight plastic stock rods to the A-4 Iron Hand and made the CBU out of greenstuff.  Currently working on some AIM-9s and more ordnance options.

DECALS - The choice factor being determined by either a steady painting hand or cheating using Decals from a number of manufacturers.  The last option is make your own Decals if needed for that special project. Below are a couple of USN aircraft in progress with home made decals using an inkjet printer.  I have put a quick guide to Home Made Decals if you fancy having a go.

MARKINGS AND INSIGNIA 

• Modex Numbers - These are the three digit numbers "normally" found on the nose of the aircraft and the last two digits on top of the fin.  These are assigned by the carrier air wing to the squadrons embarked.  A rough rule of thumb is the 100 and 400 series are the Fighter Sqns, 200 and 300 to the attack squadrons and 900 to the recon birds but no one ever did the same thing (A Few web sites have the Modex assignments and Bu Nos which are good before going into detail)  EW, Tankers, Helicopters etc normally have a number allocated between the last attack squadron and the recon aircraft.   Also found on the upper right wing of some aircraft with the airwing designator.  The Modex can also appears on the ailerons of some aircraft.

• Bureau Numbers - The "proper" aircraft serial number found towards the rear of the aircraft. Normally truncated to the last four digits, which is why my F-111 project had a hickup.

• National Insignia - Stars n Bars and displayed on a number of surfaces and depending on model of the aircraft either on the nose or at the rear of the aircraft.   This mostly applies to A-4 skyhawks who seem to vary the location for some reason.  Note to self "do more research".

• NAVY - In black for our timeframe and location at the rear depends on where the national insignia goes.

• Carrier Name - Normally to find the home carrier name located towards the rear of the aircraft but this depends on make, variant and year of the cruise.  F-4 for example carry in mid fuselage. 1972 Cruises the carrier name has a some shearing applied to the direction (slopes to the rear)

• Carrier Air Wing identifier.  A two digit code along the lines of NE, NP, NK depending on the airwing. Found in a variety of styles on the fin itself and in colours and motifs.  Also found along side the Modex number on the TOP right wing of some aircraft

• Hazard markings and Warning Signs

SO HOW CAN YOU DO IT

Due to size of this page I have split it into chunks.  Click on the link below to take you to the relevant aircraft type

• USN Fighters - Phantom and Crusaders  (Including Recon variants)
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• USN Attack Aircraft - Skyhawks, Corsairs and Intruders
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• USN Support Aircraft - Vigilantes, Tankers and Helos 
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• USN EW Aircraft - EW aircraft now have their own section
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• The guide to making your own decals is also here 
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• I also had a look at some specific airwings.
• First up is CVW-16 on the Oriskany
• Later aircraft from CVW-9 
• Now in progress is CVW-19