The Grumman G-21 Goose amphibious aircraft was designed as an eight-seat "commuter" plane for businessmen in the Long Island area. The Goose was Grumman's first monoplane to fly, its first twin-engined aircraft and its first aircraft to enter commercial airline service. During World War II, the Goose became an effective transport for the US military (including the Coast Guard), as well as serving with many other air forces. During hostilities, the Goose took on an increasing number of combat and training roles. In postwar use, the adaptable little transport continued in use.
In 1952 up to a dozen passed to the French Navy for combat operations in Vietnam, followed by up to a dozen more in 1954. Some of these became the first gunships to operate against the Viet Minh. After defeat by Ho Chi Minh these two Goose squadrons redeployed to New Caledonia in the Pacific and to Algeria where they flew armed anti smuggling patrols from Algiers (Maison Blanche). Later they flew a diplomatic and naval communication schedule between France, French Morocco and French Senegal (Saint Mandrier - Casablanca - Dakar) until 1961.