With the way the engine is placed, and the body all together; I'd have to agree with Flynlion that it's a Grumman FF-1 Biplane. If not, then it's got to be a F2F-1 or 2, but the engine isn't fitted right to be either of those.
It's definitely American, because I don't know of any British biplane that was made for the US Navy in the late 20s early 30s.
EDIT: And I think those are actually Canadians checking it out? They apparently did use them for a time.