Float Planes and Flying Boats: The U.S. Coast Guard and Early Naval Aviation

Float Planes and Flying Boats is the first and only written history describing the Coast Guard’s contribution to early Naval Aviation’s development. There is a Naval Aviator bond between Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps aviators that was initiated when the three service aviation communities joined in a major Joint Operation from 1914 to 1938 to develop and grow Naval Aviation. That bond drives each service to cooperate and support each other. For example, Coast Guard and Marine Corps aviators receive flight training at the Navy Training Command in Pensacola, and the Navy loaned the Coast Guard many of their first aircraft and gave land and facilities that became early Coast Guard air stations. The Coast Guard contributed to Navy activities that established Navy war-fighting capabilities, and provided engineering design and tests for seaplanes and aircraft carrier powder catapults and arresting gear. The only difference on the Naval Aviator Roster is USN, USCG, and USMC after their names. For example, Lieutenant Stone was Naval Aviator number 38, and 20 years later was also assigned Coast Guard Aviator number 1.