The first carrier take off in history

[The Sailor]

This honor goes to a civilian pilot Eugene Ely flying a Curtiss biplane on the 14th November 1910. This was the first-ever successful shipboard takeoff, using a short platform built aboard the scout cruiser Birmingham (CS-2).

USS Birmingham, was a 3750-ton Chester class scout cruiser, built at Quincy, Massachusetts. Commissioned in April 1908.

[Batstiger]

Quite an amazing feat and a very brave man.

1. Hoisting the Curtiss aboard.
2. In the take off position.
3. Steaming off for trials.
4. Take off.
5. Captured in time for history.

[The Sailor]

The bravery of these aviation pioneers was breathtaking.
What else is breathtaking is the advancements made between 1910 and 1942.
In a space of a mere 32 years, naval aviation went to Midway and the battleship began its departure from the world stage.
Great Pics Bob

Take a look at the photo below to see the future of aircraft carriers. Moving under the sea as huge submarines.

The Japanese had already achieved this in the forties. See my post below .

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=736

[herakles]

Bob, how do you keep doing it? Remarkable pics.

The early aviators? What a gang. Bravery the like of which is rarely seen. Damn things held together by glue and a prayer.

And today? You have to take your belt, shoes and heaven knows what else off just to get to one.

[The Sailor]

Congratulations on reaching your 500th post Herk and the first member of this forum to do so. You have been a big factor in building this forum.

[astraltrader]

Congratulations from me as well, [sir!].

[herakles]

Thanks old chaps! I'm glad you were writing and not speaking Terry. Or I might have thought you to say cur instead of sir! LOL

[The Sailor]

I see that you have your Subs exams coming this week Terry. Commission in a few days Chief. Drinks in the wardroom what?

[herakles]

Make mine a pink gin!

And where have the squeakers gone Sailor? Shouldn't they be joining their ranks?

[astraltrader]

I suppose I would have found life in the old Navy a bit difficult as I hate the taste of Rum as well as any sort of Gin!! So make mine a decent Malt or failing that it`s a visit to good old Mr J.Daniels...

[romft1945]

Tel you do not like Rum or Gin,myself I prefer Rum so I suppose as soon as I get promoted to subby Iam going to have to get Court Marshalled and demoted to Chief again god all this just to have your TOT< Rom:D