USS Pennsylvania and The Birth of Naval Aviation

110 years ago Glenn Hammond Curtiss, at the time called by the press “the fastest man alive,” ate lunch with the officers of the armored cruiser USS Pennsylvania. It was a more auspicious event than it sounds, because that lunch represented what some describe as “the birth of naval aviation.”

This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.

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Script by THG

#history #thehistoryguy #NavalAviation

[TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Some have mentioned the pronunciation of Eugene Ely’s name. I have been unable to find an audio from the time that clearly indicates his pronunciation, and modern videos about his flight seem to disagree. However, on reflection it does seem more likely the pronunciation should have been “E-lee” rather than “E-lie, ” as that is how the surname is more commonly pronounced. I do apologize for the error.

[sylviosantos]

I am Brazilian teacher, historian and writer. I suck away many things from your channel. My next book I suspicious will have to have a dedication for yours. After all, YOU deserves to be remember...

[rotorheadv]

As a former Marine Aviator, I am truly sorry that I can only give 1 thumbs up to this.

[willschneider]

The greatest military blunder in American history was the missed opportunity to call this Naviation.

[MichalProzac]

The purr of the history kitty is the purrrfect addition. Who else wants a special on the history kitty?

[andyharman]

Thank you for shining the light on Glenn Curtiss. He truly deserves to be remembered. A genuine mechanical genius. The Wright Brothers invented the airplane, but Glenn Curtiss made it practical with the invention of the aileron. The Wright's wing warping system for roll control would not allow wings to be robust structures capable of withstanding high g-loads.

And his contributions as an engine designer and manufacturer cannot be overlooked. In the interwar period, Curtiss engines powered America's successful Schneider Cup aircraft, and Rolls-Royce studied the Curtiss D-12 engine before designing the Merlin.

I have been to the Curtiss museum in Hammondsport, NY a few times and strongly recommend it.

[jakal]

This man should have been my history teacher... I swear I have learned more from him than any teacher I ever had. I live in Western New York... And have been to Hammondsport several times... I have seen the Curtiss museum but never had the chance to go. I must make it a point to do so. Thank you for all the history you teach us about...The best of the best sir... Keep it up!

[ExcalibursEdge]

The History Kitty is beautiful and the purr adds just the right amount of calming.

[steven]

Ely lost his life in a crash during a performance in Macon, Ga., on October 19, 1911. He was formally recognized for his seminal contribution to naval aviation in 1933, when the Navy posthumously awarded him the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was my 1st cousin, 4x removed. Your history presentations are superb.

[robertpatrick]

Curtis tested Douglas Adam’s theory to the limit .... flying = throwing oneself at the ground and missing

[andon_RT]

I love how you can hear the History Cat purring very clearly in the last bits.

[chriskenney]

From an old military aircraft pilot, and lover of aviation history, this was almost intoxicating. Thanks for revealing a time when our ancestors thought nothing but improvement and progress. Brilliant!

[LSWilliam]

I had dinner with a splended elderly gentleman in Geneva NY decades ago who recounted Curtiss's first flight to land on Seneca Lake. My how time flies.

[kevinwebster]

One of the things I love most about your videos are the little bits of trivia you can pick up that are mentioned almost off handedly. Like Wilbur Wright technically being the fifth person to get a pilots license even though he and his brother invented the airplane.

[davidstillman]

The Curtiss Museum in Hammonds Port, NY is a must visit. Nestled in the finger lakes region. It features all of Glenn’s accomplishments. They replicated his first float plane and have flown it on Kauka Lake. In the past they have had float plane fly ins to commemorate his first flight from water.

[andremetzler]

Very much enjoyed this episode of THG with the added subplot of the cat stalking the empty lap and inviting gently waving hands!

[RetiredSailor]

110 years ago today! February 17th, 2021. My father was a private pilot for 61 years.

[patricka.]

The absolute stones on people back then are just incredible.

[ancientbutstillhere]

I still have Dayton newpaper article with picture of my dad age 9 and friend with... both Wright Brothers. Went with him to see Kitty Hawk in 2000 just before he died. XB-70 was his fave. Awesome difference. I will walk thank you.

[edkokosko]

Outstanding! I've been to the Curtis museum in Hammondsport and its worth the trip. He was a genius. First to design the stick controls we still use today.