Colonel Alfred Cunningham Essay

Although writer Douglas Adams may have envisioned flying as “learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss”, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Cunningham foresaw the future of the US Navy. Since the introduction of the Wright Brother’s Military flyer in 1909, aircraft have revolutionized the art of war, allowing warfare to transcend the ground and sea. Modern US Naval Aviation, currently boasting over 3,700 operational aircraft, owes its origins to Lt. Col. Alfred Cunningham, who was among the first to advocate for the use of airplanes in military operations. Lt. Col. Cunningham’s love affair with aviation began following a ride in a hot air balloon in 1903. This inspired him to lease a plane dubbed “ Noisy Nan” for $25 a month so that he could teach himself how to fly. Cunningham convinced the commanding officer of the Navy Yard to allow him to make use of an empty field on the base for test flights. Cunningham later joined the Aero Club of Philadelphia, where he spearheaded a campaign to create an aviation branch of the Marine Corps. Many members of the Aero Club were wealthy and influential elites …show more content…
In accordance with the Naval Appropriations Act of 1914, Congress called for a pay increase of 35% for officers flying “heavier-than-air machines”. This act helped encourage pilots to continue flying for the military rather than seeking a grounded position in the Navy or a job in the private sector. The Naval Appropriations Act of 1914 also signaled the first time that air service was formally recognized as a separate specialty within the Navy and Marines. Cunningham was later selected to represent the Marines on a seven-man panel to prepare a plan for the creation of a ‘Naval Aeronautic Service’. The panel called for the creation of “50 heavier-than-air craft” to be added to the US Naval Fleet. Each vessel would have one plane