Marc Mitscher - Interwar Assignments

Interwar Assignments

On May 10, 1919, he was among a group of naval aviators who were attempting the first transatlantic crossing by air. Mitscher piloted NC-1, one of three Curtiss NC flying boats that attempted the flight. Taking off from Newfoundland, he nearly reached the Azores before heavy fog made flying in the early aircraft extremely dangerous. Setting the craft down in what appeared to be fairly calm seas, a control cable snapped, leaving Mitscher and his five crewmen to sit atop the upper wings while they hoped and waited to be rescued. Of the three aircraft, only NC-4 successfully completed the crossing. For his part in the mission Mitscher received the Navy Cross, the citation reading:

"For distinguished service in the line of his profession as a member of the crew of the Seaplane NC-1, which made a long overseas flight from New Foundland to the vicinity of the Azores, in May 1919".

Lieutenant Mitscher reported for duty aboard the minelayer Aroostook on October 14, 1919, serving under Captain Henry C. Mustin. Aroostook was assigned temporary duties as flag ship for the Air Detachment, Pacific Fleet. He was promoted to lieutenant commander on July 1, 1921. In May 1922, Mitscher was detached from Air Squadrons, Pacific Fleet (San Diego CA) to command Naval Air Station Anacostia, D.C. Over the next two decades Mitscher continued to work in naval aviation, serving on the aircraft carriers Langley and Saratoga, the seaplane tender Wright, and taking command of Patrol Wing 1, in addition to a number of assignments ashore. The Langley was the navy's first aircraft carrier. A converted collier, she could only make 14 knots, thus limiting her ability to generate lift for launching her aircraft. Nevertheless it was aboard Langley that Mitscher helped develop many of the methods by which aircraft were handled aboard US Navy aircraft carriers. Being assigned command of the air group for the newly launched Saratoga, he was the first to land an aircraft aboard her. In 1938, he was promoted to captain.