The North Island era: Birth of naval aviation

First hydroplane flight to a ship

Swinging to the deck

The crane of the USS Pennsylvania swings the hydroplane inboard and lowers it to the deck. Curtiss is still riding the crane hook. After a brief visit (not a luncheon as is sometimes reported), the crane lowered Curtiss and his hydroplane back to the water. Standing in a small boat, Lt. Ellyson swung the prop to start the engine and Curtiss flew back to Spanish Bight.

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