Contact! Early Naval Aviation

Contact!

Early US Naval and Marine Corps Aviation, 1911–18

The development of US naval aviation was slow to start – the lack of interest and money threatened to end it before it even began. However, when it became clear that the United States could be drawn into the war in Europe, attitudes began to change. Despite this, the naval and marine air sections were still woefully unprepared for war against the Central Powers and had to rely on European allies to provide bombers and pursuit aircraft. There was initially tension between the Navy and Marine Corps, as the naval hierarchy saw no need to provide land-based aircraft, as the duty of aviation was to patrol and perform antisubmarine operations using seaplanes and flying boats. Negotiations brought forth the concept of the Northern Bombing Group, a land-based unit primarily equipped with British and Italian aircraft.

This historical narrative encompasses the formation and development of the US Navy and Marine Corps air services from 1911 to 1918. It includes prewar and wartime training, aircraft development, combat operations, and famous personalities such as Eugene Ely, Glenn Curtiss, Theodore “Spuds” Ellyson, and Alfred A. Cunningham. All of them were military aviation pioneers who continuously fought to maintain and promote their service’s air arms. Their resolve would, within seven years, lead to the organization of wartime scouting, pursuit, and bombing operations during World War One. Contact! Early US Naval and Marine Corps Aviation, 1911–18 tackles the development of two important air arms and the men who helped turn them into the forces they are today.

Author: Alan C. Carey

Hardback Book: 384 pages

Release Date: 25th July 2023