Battle Stations 43-08-19 (3) The Navy's Air Arm

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Battle Stations 43-08-19 (3) The Navy's Air Arm
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: August 16, 2025 (original air date: August 19, 1943)
Theme: The birth, development, and triumph of the United States Navy’s air arm, tracing its journey from a novelty to a decisive force in World War II.

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Overview

This episode of "Battle Stations" dramatically narrates the inception and rise of the U.S. Navy’s air arm. Through historical vignettes, reenacted dialogues, and commentary, it follows pioneering figures such as Captain Washington Irving Chambers, Eugene Ely, and Glenn Curtiss as they challenge skepticism to integrate aviation into naval warfare. The episode culminates with a firsthand account by Rear Admiral Patrick N.L. Bellinger, who reflects on how naval aviation turned from an experiment into a crucial asset in the fight against the Axis.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Days of Naval Aviation (00:28–07:29)

• 1910 Air Meet & Visionary Leaders:
  • Captain Washington Irving Chambers attends an early aviation meet and sees potential in aircraft for naval scouting and warfare, despite skepticism from fellow officers.
    • Quote: “This is going to develop into quite a sport. Or I miss my guess, and maybe quite a bit more than that.” – Captain Chambers [02:32]
• First Shipboard Launch Attempt:
  • Captain Chambers enlists Eugene Ely to attempt takeoff from a makeshift platform atop the USS Birmingham.
    • Ely overcomes adverse weather and a short runway, barely making it airborne after striking the waves.
    • Quote: “Weather isn’t going to get any better. Worse if anything. ...If airplanes are to be of any use they'll have to operate in all weather.” – Chambers & Ely [06:01]
    • Memorable moment: The dramatic takeoff—“The craft's pulling up. It's over the water. It's firing.” – Ely [07:14]

2. Proving the Concept & Overcoming Doubts (07:29–13:01)

• First Landing on a Ship:

  • Ely later lands a plane on USS Pennsylvania using arresting gear, marking the birth of the aircraft carrier.
    • Quote: “The aircraft carrier has been born. The cosmic keels have been laid for the Lexington, Wasp, Saratoga, Hornet, Enterprise…” – Narrator [11:26]
  • Skepticism persists about how to routinely recover planes at sea.
    • Quote: “Until these flying machines can land in water and go up off it or land on the ships some way, I guess. That's quite a way off yet.” – Lieutenant Ellison [09:20]

• Beginner Flyers and Buoyant Platforms:

  • Navy begins training Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison, officially recognizing him as the first Navy flyer.
  • The notion of hydroplanes and launching/landing innovations gains traction.

• Catapults and Innovation:

  • The Navy experiments with catapult launches using salvaged equipment (torpedo tubes, air tanks). After an accidental test with a goat (!) and then an official test with Ellison, the concept proves successful.
    • Memorable moment: Sailors prank-test the catapult with a goat named Bill—“Look at him go. Man. Old man, he went like a bullet.” [16:43]

3. The Navy’s Air Arm Comes of Age (13:01–18:14)

• Hydroplane Developments:

  • Glenn Curtiss successfully demonstrates a hydroplane taking off and landing alongside a ship, addressing a major naval requirement.
    • Acceptance from previously skeptical leadership follows real-world tests.

• Board of Aeronautics Established:

  • With Franklin Roosevelt’s signature, naval aviation becomes an official and organized arm.

4. Combat Lessons and Innovations (18:14–21:32)

• Naval Aviation in World War I:
  • Early anti-submarine and bombing efforts meet with logistical and technological challenges; bomb accuracy is poor (e.g., hitting German U-boat with a dud bomb).
    • Quote: “I hit a square and the bomb was a dud.” – Ely [19:21]
• Birth of Dive Bombing:
  • Major L.H. Sanderson invents the dive-bombing technique, improving bombing accuracy.
    • Quote: “One time out of ten I’m gonna try it.” – Lieutenant Ellison [20:33]
• First Transatlantic Flights:
  • NC4 flying boat’s successful crossing, showcasing how far Navy aviation has come.
    • Quote: “Reed, Towers and Bellinger pushed their planes on to Lisbon, on to Plymouth, receiving the cheers reserved for the first flyers to cross the Atlantic.” – Narrator [21:23]

5. Naval Aviation in WWII: Pearl Harbor & Atlantic Operations (21:32–27:56)

• Historic Moment: Pearl Harbor

  • Scout Squadron 6 on the USS Enterprise is en route to Pearl Harbor as the Japanese attack, linking the pioneering era directly to World War II combat.
    • Quote: “Scout Squadron six is making a historic flight. Eighteen of its planes soar into a sky of peace to come down, some of them in flames an hour later as they come into Pearl harbor…” – Narrator [23:48]

• Current (1943) Outlook – Rear Admiral Bellinger Speaks:

  • Bellinger recounts the dramatic expansion of naval aviation's role from a mere auxiliary to a main striking force against submarines and enemy fleets, especially in the Atlantic.
    • Quote: “Naval aviation has grown in that short time to one of the major striking forces in the fleet. ...There are no parts of the ocean now which are safe for enemy submarines.” – Admiral Bellinger [25:09]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Every cruiser should be equipped with planes. This is the beginning.”
  – Captain Chambers, exulting after Ely’s successful takeoff [07:49]

• “The aircraft carrier has been born. ...The dozens of others that have carried will carry the navy wings to victory—…”
  – Narrator [11:26]

• “I desire to place myself on record as positively assured of the importance of the airplane in future naval warfare.”
  – Captain CF Pond, USS Pennsylvania [12:42]

• “One time out of ten I'm gonna try it.”
  – Lieutenant Ellison, on invention of dive bombing [20:33]

• “Naval aviation was a decisive factor in safeguarding the deliveries that made the victories of Tunisia and Sicily possible. And it will be until the challenge of the U-boat is permanently licked.”
  – Admiral Bellinger [27:09]

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Timeline / Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:28–02:40: Captain Chambers envisions naval aviation at 1910 flying meet
• 03:00–06:25: Ely agrees to takeoff experiment; preparations on USS Birmingham
• 06:45–07:29: Ely’s historic shipboard takeoff
• 08:01–11:26: First shipboard landing; birth of the aircraft carrier
• 13:49–14:22: Hydroplane demonstration and acceptance by Secretary of the Navy
• 15:08–17:01: Catapult experiments, including the goat test and Ellison’s official trial
• 18:14–21:23: Dive bombing, wartime bombing frustrations, NC4’s transatlantic flight
• 23:18–24:44: USS Enterprise, Scout Squadron 6 and Pearl Harbor attack
• 25:09–27:56: Rear Admiral Bellinger’s update on WWII naval aviation

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Language & Tone

The episode blends earnest, historically accurate dramatization with dry wit, humble reflection, and moments of real suspense. Characters frequently voice skepticism and enthusiasm in equal measure, capturing the era's spirit of innovation, uncertainty, and eventual triumph.

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Conclusion

This richly dramatized episode chronicles the transformation of naval aviation from fragile early experiments to a decisive force in WWII. It honors forgotten heroes, technical leaps, and the relentless push against institutional resistance, ending on an optimistic note as naval aviation delivers safety and victory on the world’s oceans. The personal reflections of Rear Admiral Bellinger underscore the episode’s ultimate message: vision, perseverance, and innovation turn dreams into tools of national survival and success.

Transcript

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Battle stations. Battle stations.

[Narrator / NBC Announcer]

The National Broadcasting Company's Department of Special Events Cooperating with United States Navy presents the third of a series of programs to tell you of your Navy, its accomplishments, its history, its heroes and its hopes. Under the title Battle Stations. Tonight, the Navy's air arm.

[Eugene Ely]

Pardon me. Pardon me. Yes, you. I've lost my program. Would you tell me what these flying machines are to do? Why, sure. This is the missile dropping. The flyer will be competing to see which can drop his missile closest to the mark you see in the infield. Oh, thanks.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

1910. And the sports minded folks living around Hale for Maryland have come in great crowds to enjoy the latest sport flying. The flying man is stretching his emerging from the chrysalis. And his daring has given sport a new thrill.

[Eugene Ely]

What is the object of this event? Must they be at a certain height when the missile is dropped? Yeah, I believe that's it. This is a new event.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

A silent naval officer has followed the progress of the aviation meet with rapt attention. He does not join in the cheers of the crowd. His eyes are fixed not on the far reaches of this day's sky, but on the horizon. The future argosies of magic sails that Tennyson had described 68 years before. Airy navies grappling in the central blue had been the poet's prophetic word. This is Captain Washington Irving Chambers of the United States Navy. The man who sits beside him has enthusiastic comment which he directs to anyone whose eye he catches. The man has turned to Captain Chambers.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

This champ is taking enough time to.

[Eugene Ely]

Get over the mark, eh?

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Yes, but I suppose that's necessary in maneuvering an airship.

[Eugene Ely]

There he drops it. Now. That was close. No more than 15ft from the mark.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

I'd say that takes a knack.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Indeed it must. This is going to develop into quite a sport. Or I miss my guess, and maybe quite a bit more than that. Excuse me. Are you leaving now?

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Captain Chambers left the stands and walked rapidly to the building at one end of the field where planes were receiving last minute repairs.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Pardon me, could you tell me where I'll find Mr. Wright? Mr. Wilbur Wright?

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Oh, he ain't at the field now.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

But there's some of his troop of flyers about, sir. Would you know how I can reach him?

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Well, there's a telephone in the office. You can call them at it.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Mr. Wright, this is Captain Wi Chambers.

[Eugene Ely]

Hello, Captain.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

I've corresponded with you, if you'll remember.

[Eugene Ely]

Yes, I remember. You're with the Navy.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

I'd like to talk with you again. That matter of launching an aircraft from aboard a fighting ship.

[Eugene Ely]

No good, Captain, I don't think we're ready for that as yet.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Perhaps not, Mr. Wright, but let me have one of your flyers and we'll give it a try anyway.

[Eugene Ely]

No, I'm afraid I have to refuse, Captain. No.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Each of Chambers many arguments met with a no. Each successive refusal was spoken with greater finality. The discouraged naval officer left the hangar building.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Gentlemen, the time is now. There is a place in the navy for aircraft that may be very true. With the Army, Chambers. Very interesting, that missile dropping you saw. But the Navy fights its actions in mid ocean, right? Heaven help us if we ever allow.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

An enemy fleet to get close enough to our shore so that aircraft could drop missiles on its units.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

But aircraft can go to sea with the ships. Mr. Eugene Ely here is willing to fly the plane as an experiment from the deck of one of our ships. Isn't that right, Ely? I'm willing to try. I think it can be done. Ely's a sound flyer. He's been with Curtis. Now he's on his own. I'm confident the airplane belongs in our Navy, even if it's used only for scouting. Noah had his dove. He was ahead of us. In the matter of scouting. Well, I agree with you this far, it should be given a triumph. Well, let's see what we can do. You sure this message is correct?

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Has it been verified?

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

I had it repeated.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

USS Birmingham, proceed to Norfolk to be at disposal of Captain Chambers for aircraft launching experiment.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Naval constructor William McEntee tackles his job with relish. He'd looked forward for months to this project. The platform he designed sloped downward to the bow and hung out over the water 37ft from the surface.

[Eugene Ely]

This is a hell of a navy. If they want to keep us out of the sun, why don't they just rig up an awning? Anybody want to fly a fly machine off? This is great. The men aren't quite as confident as you, Mr. Eling. So are here. You seem to have done a very good job, McIntyre. At least it seems that way to me. Well, 83ft long. That won't give you a run of.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Much more than 55ft with your plane on the platform. E ling well, with a downslide to.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Pick up speed, I think that'll be long enough. I'm ready, Captain Chambers.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

The 14th of November will be all right with me.

[Eugene Ely]

All right, men, I know you haven't.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Had breakfast yet, but there's a job to do.

[Eugene Ely]

We're hoisting Mr. Ely's airplane aboard grim.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Skies found down on the Norfolk harbor where the Navy was to try on its wings and everyone aboard the Birmingham was obviously nervous.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Weather isn't going to get any better. Worse if anything. I'd better start before it does get worse. I'm not sure it wouldn't be wise to wait for another day, Elly. No, no. If airplanes are to be of any use they'll have to operate in all weather. I wouldn't want to be the cause of wasting the day for all those destroyers. No, I don't mean quite that. I hope their day will be wasted. I'd rather not have to be picked up out of the water by one.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Of at three o', clock, Ely, wearing a life preserver, his cap turned around with a bill to the back, goggles over his eyes, climbed to his place in the aircraft as the engine raced. Captain Chambers watching from the bridge was electrified. When the craft was seen to spot.

[Eugene Ely]

Down the platform, Ely wasn't ready. He didn't give the release signal. He just nodded to the mechanic. He hasn't enough speed but it is.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Too late to stop the plane now rolling down the incline. Ely is seen to tense as the end of the platform nears and he feels no upward lift. Then the plane is plunging down, diving toward the swollen waters of the Chesapeake. He pulls back on the elevator and the craft quivers and begins to level up. The engine fights to pull the craft up above the chopping waves. Too late for the wheels to touch the surface. Both tips of the propeller of knife the water, the spray cover.

[Eugene Ely]

The craft's pulling up. It's over the water. It's firing.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

The craft was flying. Its propeller blade splintered but it was flying. And for the first time a navy of the world had wings. Captain Chambers was exultant to see the first of his visions realized.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Every cruiser should be equipped with planes. This is the beginning.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

On this day a sound reverberates wings over water and the sound will have a thunderous echo in years to come. Planes aloft from sea carriers.

[Eugene Ely]

Not one, but many.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Today, this day in November 1910, the United States Navy has been given sharper eyes and a new striking force. But on this day, not all naval authorities agreed on the place of aviation in the Navy. But it was agreed that it might be well for the Navy to have at least one flyer.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

There it is, Emerson. Is it what you want now? Here. Don't you want to read the order?

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Yes, sir.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Thank you, sir. I'm to be trained to fly.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

The Navy department has accepted Glenn Curtis's offer to teach one Navy man. You're the one, Lieutenant.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Number one on the role of Navy flyers. Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison. These were starts, the launching and the acquiring of a flyer. But resistance remained. Doubters were unconvinced.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

We can't build platforms on all our cruisers.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Sure, they can get into the air from ships. How are you gonna get them back?

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Right?

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

No, we can't waste any money on it.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Until these flying machines can land in.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Water and go up off it or.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Land on the ships some way, I guess. That's quite a way off yet.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Quite a way off, no.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Chamber's vision went far beyond the initial success. He'd gone to Glenn Curtis with the plans he had made to fly a land plane onto a naval vessel.

[Glenn Curtis]

Well, the plan looks very feasible to me. Chambers say you've got permission to have the landing platform built?

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Yes, on the Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania will be in San Francisco this month. Ely's eager to have a try at it.

[Glenn Curtis]

Well, if you ask me, I think Ely's the right man. Yes, I'll say he is.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

A lot depends on the success of this experiment. Aviation in the service will be pushed quite a way along. It will end a lot of doubts.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Eugene Ely is at the controls of his plane. He took off a few minutes ago from the airfield at Tan Paran and is headed now to an appointment with destiny. The USS Pennsylvania is headed toward the Golden Gate. Five knot wind is rushing down the bay as Ely's plane climbs over the San Bruno hill. He will have to make his landing under the worst possible conditions. Downwind, he sees the 120foot superstructure platform. He sees canvas nets spread out on both sides of the landing strips and swimmers ready to dive in and swim to his aid if something goes wrong. Lines across the deck show him. The arresting ropes are in place, ready to be caught up by three pairs of steel hooks fastened to his craft beneath him. Well astern of the Pennsylvania, Ely turns toward his landing field, the smallest on which a landing had ever been attempted.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

How does it look to you, Curtis?

[Glenn Curtis]

Tailwind is shifted across the course, Captain. That's not so good. He's going to have trouble making a straight approach to the deck.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

He seems to be steadying down though.

[Glenn Curtis]

Yes, he has his eye on the center line.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Those arresting lines aren't going to stop that craft. As the speed is going, he's got to catch one of the first of ever. He'll go into the barrier.

[Eugene Ely]

Look, he's pulling up. He'll clear ramp. Good flying. He's setting down. He's picking up the arresting lines. The drag is doing it.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

The plane struggles with the drag of the pairs of 50 pound sandbags. Then with 50ft to spare, comes to a complete stop. The aircraft carrier has been born. The cosmic keels have been laid for the Lexington, Wasp, Saratoga, Hornet, Enterprise. The dozens of others that have carried will carry the navy wings to victory that night aboard the Pennsylvania.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Yes, sir, we have an answer now to every objection that has been raised. Unless they think up some new ones.

[Glenn Curtis]

You didn't even need the entire platform, Ely.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Well, no, I didn't, but I don't think a smaller one would be safe. If the ship had been in motion and sailing into the wind, it would have been easier. Don't you think so? You bet it would. I'm proud that this took place on a ship in my command. This is made a believer out of me. Oh, I hope you mean that, Captain Pond. If you ever see my report on this, you'll know.

[Eugene Ely]

Gentlemen, I'd say a toast is an order.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

You, Captain Chambers, this is your triumph. Yours and Ely's. Gentlemen, a toast to our healthy orphan naval aviation.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

With these notable triumphs to its name, naval aviation is still an orphan, but gaining enthusiasm.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

For example, as a result of this experiment and my observation of the aviation field, I desire to place myself on record as positively assured of the importance of the airplane in future naval warfare. Sign Captain CF Pond, USS Pennsylvania.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

The boards of strategy of all important sea powers had eyes on these uncertain pioneer developments of the air fighters of the sea. And the developments came rapidly. A week after Ely's daring demonstration, Glenn Curtis was seen by excited Sunday picnickers along the Coronado shores, skimming over the surf in a strange flying machine that was supported in the water by small boats. The craft lifted from the water and the crowd was seeing a successful flight by a hydroplane. Old line Navy men blinked and the conditions of acceptance became fewer. Secretary of the Navy Meyer, who had been immune to the infection of Chambers enthusiasm, wrote to Curtis.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

When you show me that it is feasible for an airplane to alight alongside a battleship and be hoisted aboard without any false deck to receive it, I shall believe the aeroplane of practical value to the Navy Challenge spark to the.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Volatile champions of naval aircraft. Three weeks after the test of his hydroplane, Glenn Curtis flew over the USS Pennsylvania lying at anchor in San Diego Bay and signaled he would like to come aboard. Captain Pond's response come ahead. And within a few minutes Curtis was alongside the Pennsylvania. Within a few more, the boat's crane was hooked on the sidings on the slings on the upper wings and hoisted aboard. A condition was met and a promise was kept.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

I had hoped for more, but with an appropriation of $25,000, we can be reasonably sure we'll have one aircraft for our one pilot.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Pioneering success is a moving target. And Captain Chambers found new objectives to be met hard on the heels of each development.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Aircraft will never be any use to a battleship if they need the entire deck for a takeoff platform.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

In the summer of 1911, Chambers had one pilot, two student aviators, Rogers and Towers, and three planes on order. A few months later, he had established a naval aviation camp across the Severn river from the United States Naval Academy. Pilots 2 and 3 on the Navy roll had finished their training and joined Chambers in tackling the next problem.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Well, there it is, men. There's a piece of almost every type of equipment in the service adapted to some use in that rig. A discarded torpedo tube, a scrapped air tank, and part of the hoisting gear from the old USS Oregon. But it embodies the idea. I think we'll make a catapult.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Yeah, I'm itching to try it, sir.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

If you say the word.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

There's a lot of work to be done on it, Ellison. I'm not even sure it'll be tried at all.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

I don't believe what the doctors say, Captain. I can be shot from that and remain conscious.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Am I correct in assuming you're volunteering for a triad?

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

You bet I am. Whenever you say, sir. But Lieutenant Ellison was not to have the distinction of being the first human to be propelled from a catapult. A group of sailors who had overheard the conversation between Chambers and Ellison had an idea of their own. And at nightfall returned to the dock with a young new friend.

[Eugene Ely]

So your name's Bill, huh?

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Yes, sir. I hear you're quite an authority on the weather, Bill. Ain't that what you heard, Nix?

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Uh huh, that's what I heard.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Quite an authority.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Gosh, I didn't know I had that reputation. Oh, you have.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Yes, sir. What do you reckon the weather will be tomorrow? I guess fair.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Here, sit on this, Bill. You can lean back.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Comfortable? Thank you, sir, but I just. I'll be sitting beside you in just a minute, Bill. I want to have a private word with my friend first, though.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Excuse us.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir. Reckon we ought to do it? I got a powerful hankering to know he ain't setting square in the middle of the catapult car.

[Eugene Ely]

I'll fix that, Bill.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

You can be moving to the center.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Of that thing you're setting on so we can set right down with through talking. If a gunner, we gotta do it fast.

[Eugene Ely]

Give me that air Val.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

You comfortable, Bill?

[Eugene Ely]

Yes, sir, real comfortable. I'm glad. Look at him go. Man. Old man, he went like a bullet.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Reckon he was dead when he hit the water.

[Eugene Ely]

I don't know what in the world happened. Are you all right, Bill? I'm wet.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Wet, but undeniably alive and conscious. The unofficial experimenters paid for their foreknowledge with a hard night of work recovering the catapult car from the bottom and cleaning it. But the following morning they exchanged knowing glances when standing by the hydroplane mounted on the catapult, they overheard Captain Chambers nervous words to Lieutenant Elvis.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Now the men in the boats will be on hand to help you if the force of the acceleration render you unconscious. Ellison.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

I don't think I'll need the help, sir.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

After all the work you put into this catapult. I hope I won't.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

I hope so.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Well, now let's get to work. The engine racing at its top speed. The air compressor tank ready to expend its force. Ellison's hand is lowered.

[Eugene Ely]

The signal.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

And a hammer strikes the release.

[Eugene Ely]

He's conscious, sir. He's fighting with the elevator. The crosswind's catching the craft, but he's conscious. The catapult will work.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Scotch is Texas. Uh huh. He sure is surprised. Uh huh. You bet I am.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

The takeoff from a catapult proved the principle. The last objection to aircraft taking a place on men of war was pushed aside. And the time had come for aviation to take an authorized place in the United States Navy.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

The appointments to the board of aeronautics. Your signature is required, Mr. Roosevelt.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Franklin Roosevelt's signature put a board of aeronautics to work. Drawing up comprehensive plans for the organization of a naval aeronautics service. And the air arm had become an official part of the United States Navy. With the coming of the first World War, the air arm faced a thousand new problems. Some of which were solved in action, some posed for later solution. At the war's end, the Navy's newcomer looked back on a short but important record of advance. Advance. With one alarming failure. A German U boat had surfaced one Sunday morning off Cape Cod and in sight of land started firing shells into a tug drawn group of barges. A hurried call was made at the nearby naval air station. The flying boat pilots had had many alarms. All had proved to be false reports. This time, as the HS boat swept down along the shore, a U boat was sighted. Making hasty preparations to dive.

[Eugene Ely]

Good Lord. It is a submarine. Yeah. And is this gonna be easy? It's up to you.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

The mechanic worked his way out on the wing to the bomb racks lying flat. He reached under the wing and released the bomb straight for the bow of the sub. 200 pounds of TNT.

[Eugene Ely]

Oh, Dud. I hit a square and the bomb was a dart.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

That was the last hit scored by the flying boats. The problem of accuracy in bomb dropping was one that would not be solved until after the war. But it was solved. 1919. Lieutenant. Now Major L.H. sanderson of the United States Marine Corps leads a group of fellow pilots across a flying field in Haiti.

[Glenn Curtis]

Hey, what's this all about, Sanderson? Couldn't you just tell us about it?

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

No, you got to see it.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Okay, Have a look.

[Glenn Curtis]

Look?

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Look at what? My ship.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Look under the fuselage.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

By the wheels, by the wheel.

[Glenn Curtis]

What in the devil is that?

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

We haven't been able to come within.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

A mile of the thing we aim.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

At with our bombs, the way we're dropping them now.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

What do you think of this for an idea?

[Glenn Curtis]

Well, if hanging a flour sack under your fuselage is an idea, I'm glad I don't produce them.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

I'll wait before you hop on it.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Look, I put a bomb in here and I pull this drawstring to keep it in.

[Glenn Curtis]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Then I'm up in the air, I spot a target, I dive on it.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

And on the way down, I yank the drawstring. The sack opens and the bomb goes.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

On down in the direction I was.

[Glenn Curtis]

Diving until it reaches your prop. Which time you get yourself blowed to hell.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

One time out of ten I'm gonna try it.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

One to ten was good odds to a man who pioneered in combat flying technique. The trial was a success and dive bombing was born. And a sound was heard that was amplified in the years to come. 1919 was the year of another of the Navy air arms notable firsts. Aviation had reached the stage in which an air crossing of the Atlantic was believed possible. And enthusiasts on both sides of the ocean were eager to be the first to accomplish the feat. Three British teams of flyers were already at St. John's Newfoundland, preparing for transatlantic attempts. When the Navy's veteran pilots saw the first of four planes on order, the NC1. The challenge fairly cried for acceptance. Commander Jack Towers, breath suspended when he opened and read an order.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Special duty report to Rockaway beach.

[Eugene Ely]

Proposed transatlantic flight.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Putty Reed. Now Rear Admiral Reed received a like order. So did Pat Bellinger. Now Rear Admiral Bellinger and the NC1. NC3. And NC4 were put in readiness for the flight. From the moment of the first takeoff, the NC4 showed signs of a contrary nature. Ill fortune piled up for the ship. And only the bad weather that held up the other planes at Cape Pine allowed it to be there when the three planes took the air headed out across the Atlantic. Now the azores lie behind NC4. And Reed Towers and Bellinger pushed their planes on to Lisbon, on to Plymouth, receiving the cheers reserved for the first flyers to cross the Atlantic. 1943 sees Navy flying boats almost daily crossing the Atlantic with dispatches medical supplies. Perhaps it was one of the things envisioned by Captain Washington Irving Chambers as he sat watching an air meat in Hailthorpe, Maryland. That day in 1910, he had dreamed of navies of the air. But he could not have foreseen all that came about. December 6, 1941. The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise had been on a secret mission for several months. Weather had delayed it. So instead of arriving on Saturday as had been expected, the planes of Scouting Squadron six now warming motors on the flight deck will be in Sunday morning. The crews of Squadron six await the takeoff with eagerness. Gosh, you as fed up as I am, mister? I can certainly use that nice juicy leave. You can say that again for me, mister. I've got radio cauliflower ears, that's what I got. How much leave you reckon you're gonna get?

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Long enough.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Hope it'll be five months. That don't seem too long to me after a four year tour duty.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Say, this may be our last flight together.

[Captain Washington Irving Chambers]

Hope not though.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

You're a swell rear seat man. Make it good. You've been real nice about keeping me.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Out of the drink.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Got so I'd like keeping dry or your radio checks. Okay, sir. The plane handlers move the sleek ships with precision. Precision to the line. Precision was an Enterprise watchword. The nation was at peace. But Scout Squadron 6 carried out each maneuver with battle briskness.

[Eugene Ely]

Section 4 up.

[Narrator / Historical Commentary]

Section 4 pilot looks to his rear seat. Man grins, wakes. This is the last one for a while, the wink says. A flash of color, the signal and a plane 31 years one month away in time. 6,000 miles away in distance from Ely's is planned from the Birmingham stick. This plane rises smoothly, evenly. There's power to spare. Scout Squadron six is making a historic flight. Eighteen of its planes soar into a sky of peace to come down, some of them in flames an hour later as they come into Pearl harbor. As the Japanese air force is striking its first treacherous blow. December 7, 1941.

[Narrator / NBC Announcer]

Standing by in Norfolk, Virginia, is Rear Admiral Patrick N.L. bellinger, USN, one of the first naval officers to fly and holder of the official designation Naval Aviator Number Eight. Today, Rear Admiral Bellinger, truly a pioneer in naval aviation, is Commander Air Force Atlantic Fleet and is concerned with anti submarine warfare in the Atlantic. He speaks to you from Norfolk.

[Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellison]

Back In World War I, it was thought that naval aviation did well if it could get planes out and keep the Kaiser's U boats down temporarily. Now In World War II, this situation is rather different. We are definitely not satisfied unless we can get this U boat down. Not temporarily, but permanently. Thirty odd years ago, in the experimental piano wire and glue stage, Naval aviation got scant attention. But it has grown in that short time to one of the major striking forces in the fleet. Everyone who has contributed to this new and powerful weapon in the factories or in the laboratories, in the air or on the ground, can be proud of what naval planes have done all over the world and what they are doing now in the Pacific. For out there, naval aviation is playing a tremendous part in the gathering offensive against Japan. The men who fight from the flat tops are proving the wisdom of that American investment of sweat, money and material Here in the Atlantic area, which happens to be my bailiwake. Our planes and crews have been assigned a tough job and they're doing it better as each week goes by. I do not minimize the number of enemy submarines still at large, nor the resourcefulness and determination of the enemy. One good month of U boat sinkings does not mean that he is licked. But there has been a huge drop in merchant vessel losses since 1942. The number of U boats permanently berthed on the bottom continues to increase. You have heard recently how planes from an escort carrier, called simply Carrier B for the time being, scored two sunk and eight probables out of 11 attacks within a few days. There are several other escort carriers which have not come home empty handed. That goes for patrol bombers and blimps as well. There are no parts of the ocean now which are safe for enemy submarines. No places that cannot be reached either by patrol bombers of all types, escort carrier planes or blimps. To a large extent, the planes from our bases encircling the Atlantic have driven the U boats far out to sea and in deep water. Our escort carriers, acting in close cooperation with surface ships, are getting convoys through. That is our big job, to get the men and materials across. Naval aviation was a decisive factor in safeguarding the deliveries that made the victories of Tunisia and Sicily possible. And it will be until the challenge of the U boat is permanently licked.

[Narrator / NBC Announcer]

Thank you, Admiral Bellinger. Next Thursday at this same time, the United States Navy and NBC's Department of Special Events will bring you the fourth and final program in this series, Battle Stations, telling the stirring story of the Navy's air arm in World War II. Next Thursday on Battle Stations. This script was written by Charles Gusman. The music was composed, scored and directed by Leo Kempinski. And the production was under the direction of Joseph Mansfield. This program came to you from Norfolk and New York. This is the National Broadcasting Company.