The Williamsburg-born aviator who first flew an airplane off — and onto — a ship, inventing naval aviation.
Eugene Burton Ely was born in 1886 in Williamsburg, Iowa. An early exhibition aviator, he attempted feats no one had tried.
In November 1910 he made the first airplane takeoff from a ship, the USS Birmingham, and in January 1911 the first landing aboard a ship, the USS Pennsylvania — the birth of naval aviation. He died in a flying accident later that year at just 24.
Ely's daring proved aircraft could operate from ships, foreshadowing the aircraft carrier. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and his Iowa roots trace to Williamsburg.
He is honored as a founder of naval aviation.
The Williamsburg-born aviator who first flew an airplane off — and onto — a ship, inventing naval aviation.
Eugene Ely was from Williamsburg, Iowa.
1886–1911.
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