Naval aviation history began on November 29, 1910, when Glenn Curtiss wrote to the Secretary of the Navy, George Meyer, offering to flight instruct, without charge, one Navy officer. The officer selected, Lt. T. Gordon "Spuds" Ellyson, was ordered to report to the Curtiss Aviation School on North Island, Coronado, San Diego. He would become "Naval Aviator No. 1." Early the next year, a historic event took place in San Francisco Bay, the precursor to carrier based aviation. On January 18, 1911, Eugene Ely, another early aviation pioneer working with Glenn Curtiss, landed a Curtiss pusher on a specially built platform aboard the armored cruiser USS Pennsylvania while it was anchored in San Francisco Bay. Later that day he took off from the Pennsylvania. On May 8, 1911, the Navy's first airplane was ordered, the Curtiss A-1 Triad. The first Naval Air Station was established in September 1911 at Annapolis, Maryland. On January 15, 1912, Lt. Ellyson set up the first American naval aviation squadron on the northeast side of North Island, consisting of tents for personnel and three aircraft. Within four months, all aircraft had been wrecked, earning the camp the nickname, "Camp Trouble." At the onset of America's entry into World War I, the Navy had 54 aircraft. By the end of the War, the Navy had over 2,100 aircraft and airships, and were making significant contributions to the war effort. Lt. J.G. David Ingalls became the first U.S. Navy fighter ace in September 1918, when he shot down his fifth aircraft. The interwar period saw dramatic changes in naval aviation, most notably, the introduction of the Navy's first aircraft carrier, the USS Langley. After two years of sea trials the Langley reported to the battle fleet on November 17, 1924. Soon, other carriers would join the fleet. World War II made the Navy, and in particular naval aviation, the most advanced naval force in the world. The Navy was extremely important in defeating the Axis powers, especially in the Pacific Theater. Since that time Navy pilots and engineers have continued advancements in technology and aircraft design which have become a hallmark of American Naval aviation. The advent of the jet age significantly increased the size and scope of naval aviation. Navy pilots have served in every conflict since World War II. From Korea to Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm to today's conflicts in the Middle East, naval aviation stands at the forefront of defending the American homeland.
Inducted in 2011.
Portrait Location: Modern Jet

Induction Video