In accordance with the Naval Appropriations Act of 1914, Congress called for a pay increase of 35% for officers flying “heavier-than-air machines”. This act helped encourage pilots to continue flying for the military rather than seeking a grounded position in the Navy or a job in the private sector. The Naval Appropriations Act of 1914 also signaled the first time that air service was formally recognized as a separate specialty within the Navy and Marines. Cunningham was later selected to represent the Marines on a seven-man panel to prepare a plan for the creation of a ‘Naval Aeronautic Service’. The panel called for the creation of “50 heavier-than-air craft” to be added to the US Naval Fleet. Each vessel would have one plane
In accordance with the Naval Appropriations Act of 1914, Congress called for a pay increase of 35% for officers flying “heavier-than-air machines”. This act helped encourage pilots to continue flying for the military rather than seeking a grounded position in the Navy or a job in the private sector. The Naval Appropriations Act of 1914 also signaled the first time that air service was formally recognized as a separate specialty within the Navy and Marines. Cunningham was later selected to represent the Marines on a seven-man panel to prepare a plan for the creation of a ‘Naval Aeronautic Service’. The panel called for the creation of “50 heavier-than-air craft” to be added to the US Naval Fleet. Each vessel would have one plane