By 1950, soon after Type As were converted to A-1s, a new
conversion kit was authorized to convert limited quantities of
the new Type A-1s to Type A-2 by replacing a main valve. This
allowed the wearer to change canisters in a toxic or
smoke-filled atmosphere and was identified by a rubber boot and
skirt attached to the bottom of the main valve. In 1952, new
Type A-2 units from the manufacturer were being sent to fleet
ships, with a priority for ships that were deployed or being
deployed to the Western Pacific, Korean War operations. Type A-2
Navy OBAs remained in service through the mid 1950s, when they
were replaced by the Type A-3 OBA. |