Thanks for the clarification of Navy/Marines

As you mentioned, the markings do seem to vary in contrast and some are nearly invisible like the one you posted

as a result, the kit decals may be indeed appropriate for at least some of the schemes ( however the 501 number the front though is much darker than the Navy designation in that pic for example

in this case thought, the exact markings represented in the Italieri kit is this and I guess they are just too light, or maybe not opaque enough to provide good contrast. The decals are Catograf and from my experience, they have excellent quality so most likely not a printing issue over a deliberate color choice

Either way I will give the AOA decals a try when they get here and post back