CHAPTER 1 MISSION AND HISTORY OF NAVAL AVIATION INTRODUCTION Today's naval aircraft have come a long way from the Wright Brothers' flying machine. These modern and complex aircraft require a maintenance team that is far superior to those of the past. You have now joined this proud team. You, the Airman Apprentice, will get a basic introduction to naval aviation from this training manual. In the Airman manual, you will learn about the history and organization of naval aviation; the design of an aircraft, its systems, line operations, and support equipment requirements; and aviation safety, rescue, crash, and fire fighting. In this chapter, you will read about some of the historic events of naval aviation. Also, you will be introduced to the Airman rate and different aviation ratings in the Navy. You will find out about your duties as an Airman. Leadership and training are going to become an everyday part of your life while you are in the Navy. With your basic naval training completed, you have a chance to experience some of the other types of training available to you. Leadership is an important aspect of any military organization. Leadership and teamwork go hand-in-hand, starting right here in the Airman rate. THE MISSION OF NAVAL AVIATION LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the overall mission of naval aviation. Other countries look upon the United States as the leader of the free world. This accomplishment comes partly through our military strength achieved through sea power. The ability to fight in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War came directly from the Navy's sea power. The mission of naval aviation is to support our naval forces. This support helps keep vital sea lanes open and denies their use to enemy forces in time of war. To accomplish this task, naval aviation has a primary function. The primary function of naval aviation is to closely coordinate with other naval forces in maintaining command of the seas. Accomplishing this task takes five basic operations: 1. Eyes and ears of the fleet. Naval aviation has over-the-horizon surveillance equipment that provides vital information to our task force operation. 2. Protection against submarine attack. Anti- submarine warfare operations go on continuously for the task force and along our country's shoreline. This type of mission includes hunter/killer operations to be sure of task force protection and to keep our coastal waterways safe. 3. Aid and support operations during amphibious landings. From the beginning to the end of the operations, support occurs with a variety of firepower. Providing air cover and support is an important function of naval aviation in modern, technical warfare. 4. Rapid logistic support for ground forces. Logistic support aircraft strongly support the mobility of the ground forces. Providing logistic support aircraft is another required function of naval aviation. 5. Search and rescue operations. During sea missions, the possibility of a downed aircraft or man overboard always exists. Search and rescue helps reduce the number of lives lost. As you can see, naval aviation plays many critical roles in the support of the Navy's mission. The overall mission of the United States Navy depends on the use of highly complex aircraft. Q1-1. What is the mission and primary function of naval aviation? THE HISTORY OF NAVAL AVIATION LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize some of the important events in naval aviation. The Navy's interest in airplanes as a naval weapon dates back to 1898. Several naval officers became members of an interservice board. Their job was to observe and investigate the military possibilities of the new flying machine. In 1908 and 1909, naval officer observers were present at the public demonstrations staged by the Wright brothers. 1-1