 D.IIs formed part of the early equipment of "Jagdstaffel ("Jasta)" 2", the first specialized fighter squadron in the German air service.Famous pilots included "Hauptmann" Oswald Boelcke ("Jasta 2"'s first commander) and Manfred von Richthofen.With its high speed and heavy armament, the D.II won back air superiority from Allied fighter types such as the Airco DH.2 and Nieuport 17.