10/13/2025
TODAY IN COAST GUARD AVIATION HISTORY - 13 OCTOBER 1917 (1 OF 2): 3LT Elmer “Archie” Fowler Stone (Coast Guard Aviator #1) is assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Bureau of Construction and Repair as Seaplane Test Pilot and engaged in the development of the first aircraft carrier, USS LANGLEY (CVS-1) where he was instrumental to the development of catapult and arresting gear.
His orders assigned him to “temporary command of NAS (Naval Air Station) Rockaway, New York until arrival of a regularly designated Commanding Officer, then you will report to that officer for duty as that Station’s Seaplane Officer.” He carried out his Test Pilot duties with LCDR Virgil Griffin and LCDR John Towers - two other giants of early Naval Aviation.
Later in this tour - in May 1919, Stone was the Pilot on the first successful transatlantic flight on NC-4 with LCDR Albert C. Read, USN, as the mission commander and navigator. This was 8 years before the famous Charles Lindbergh solo flight. 🇺🇸
ROV Missing Awards: none.
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