Naval Aviation Pilots (NAPs): Unsung Heroes of the Skies

By Mark Freeman
HRNM Ceremonies/Special Events Coordinator

Enlisted Naval Aviators (NAPs) have played a crucial yet often overlooked role in shaping the history of naval aviation. To learn more about the Naval Aviation Pilot, please see our previous blog. This article seeks to shed light on several of the most famous NAPs, spanning the period from 1911 to 1981. The journey begins with the humble origins of enlisted aviation training, exploring the challenges and triumphs that these men faced in their quest to take to the skies.

In the nascent days of naval aviation, the distinction of being NAP No. 1 fell upon Chief Quartermaster (Aviation) Harold H. “Kiddy” Karr. Karr was trained as a biplane pilot in France to support World War I aviation efforts. An illustrious member of the original 1919 class, Kiddy Karr's legacy set the stage for future generations of enlisted aviators. Karr is identified as NAP No. 1 because he was trained before the program was established.

Chief Machinist’s Mate (A) Floyd Bennett, NAP No. 9, soared to fame as a pilot for polar explorer Admiral Richard Byrd. In 1926, Bennett became the first enlisted pilot to fly over the North Pole. He received the Medal of Honor for his Arctic flight. Bennett continued flying experimental planes and died in 1928 from pneumonia following a crash in Canada. Famed pilot Charles Lindbergh was enroute to the hospital with a serum to save Chief Bennett but arrived after he had already died.

CMM Floyd Bennett (NHHC)

The post-World War I era saw remarkable feats, with Chief Machinist’s Mate (A) Eugene “Smokey” Rhoads (NAP No. 27) standing out. Shoveling coal on trains before joining the Navy, Rhoads became a transatlantic flight pioneer and, in 1919, he was a member of the crew that completed the first transatlantic flight flying the NC-4 Flying Boat.

NC-4 Flying Boat Crew, with CMM Rhoads on left (This Day in Aviation)

NC-4 Flying Boat (NHHC)

Chief Machinist’s Mate (A) Francis E. Ormsbee, Jr., NAP No. 25, the first NAP to receive the Medal of Honor, demonstrated extraordinary heroism in a 1918 rescue mission. Chief Ormsbee rescued a gunner from a downed aircraft off the coast of NAS Pensacola. He landed nearby and jumped in, holding the gunner’s head above water until assistance could arrive. Once assistance arrived, he continued to dive to try and save others aboard the aircraft, to no avail.

CMM Ormsbee (US Navy)

The golden era of NAPs unfolded during World War II, as they transitioned from utility roles to frontline combat. Notable figures like Chief Boatswain Patrick J. “Pappy” Byrne, with an astonishing 23,000 flight hours in 140 aircraft types in his 40-year career, exemplified the versatility of NAPs.

The heroic exploits of Chief Petty Officer Wilbur B. “Spider” Webb, who continued flying despite losing a leg during the Pearl Harbor attack, highlighted the indomitable spirit of these aviators. Flying with Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2) attached to USS Hornet (CV 12), Webb earned the Navy Cross for his heroics defending the Marianas Islands, during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, becoming a Navy ace by shooting down seven enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

Chief Webb (The Hall of Valor Project)

During the Korean War, the Navy needed additional NAPs. NAPs such as Aviation Machinist Mate First Class (AD1) William Longley flew helicopter missions. These missions were mainly in support as combat rescue and medical evacuation. Longley flew 27 different types of aircraft with over 11,000 hours as a pilot. He once recorded flying over 600,000 miles in 414 days without incident, which was a record at the time.

AD1 Longley aboard USS St. Paul (Naval Helicopter Association Historical Society)

When the Vietnam War concluded, the era of Naval Aviation Pilots drew to a close. In 1973, four of the last five enlisted pilots, Master Gunnery Sergeants Robert Lurie, Leslie T. Ericson, Joseph A. Conroy, and Patrick J. O'Neill, retired after 30 years of service. Their retirement marked the end of an era that spanned two World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam. In 1981, Master Chief Air Controlman (NAP) Robert K. Jones retired. His retirement marked the end of an era, as he was the final NAP to retire.

From the icy expanses of the North Pole to the intense battles in the Pacific, NAPs exemplified dedication and heroism. In their 65 years of distinguished service, these 5,000 unsung heroes left an enduring legacy. Their story is not just one of flying machines but a testament to the indelible spirit of those who served their country with unwavering commitment and valor.

A Short History of Naval Aviation Pilots (Enlisted)

By Mark Freeman
HRNM Ceremonies/Special Events Coordinator

Naval Aviation Pilot insignia (NHHC)

Enlisted naval aviators have played a crucial role in the history of military aviation. Enlisted as non-commissioned officers, these aviators have undergone rigorous training, operated diverse aircraft, and actively participated in major battles.

The roots of enlisted pilots can be traced back to 1916. The first class of enlisted pilots were trained in Pensacola, Florida. Once these men received designation as Navy Air Pilots (Enlisted), many were transferred to the Navy Reserve Flying Corps, awaiting commission and held in an Active status as enlisted pilots until their commissioning. Enlisted men identified as interested in aviation increased during World War I, leading to the establishment of Naval Air Stations (NAS) for pilot training. As the demands of aerial combat escalated, the need for skilled pilots grew exponentially. The United States Navy established the Enlisted Pilot Corps to address this shortage in 1917. Enlisted pilots demonstrated their dedication and competence, proving that naval aviation was not the sole domain of commissioned officers. The first ten enlisted pilots received their wings at NAS Pensacola, Florida (all received a commission). This initial cadre of enlisted pilots primarily operated biplanes like the Curtiss N-9 and the Vought VE-7.

Curtiss N-9 (left) and Vought VE-7 (NHHC)

After World War I ended and many volunteers were demobilized, naval aviation again had issues maintaining qualified aviation personnel. Throughout 1919, Navy leaders discussed creating and maintaining a program specifically for enlisted aviators. All of the enlisted aviators previously qualified and designated between 1916 and 1919 had either been commissioned in the Naval Reserve Air Corps or had rescinded their commissions and were back in the fleet as enlisted personnel.

The first use of the term "Naval Aviation Pilots" (NAP) came from an October 1919 Bureau of Navigation letter, which stated, “In the future, it will be the policy of the Bureau to select a certain number of warrant officers and enlisted men for flight training and duty as pilots of large heavier-than-air craft and directional pilots of dirigibles.” Thus, without approval from Congress, the Navy began the NAP program. Congressional approval did not occur until the mid-1920s.

With the outbreak of World War II, naval aviation underwent a paradigm shift. Ninety-five percent of NAPs received temporary commissions. Since NAPs were trained in so many different types of aircraft, they could backfill undermanned air wings. NAPs found themselves at the forefront of combat operations in the Pacific theater. They were involved in major battles, such as the Battle of Midway in June 1942. Operating aircraft like the Douglas TBD Devastator, NAPs contributed significantly to the victory. Aviation Pilot First Class (AP1) Robert Miles was a member of Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8), which flew from USS Hornet (CV 8) during the battle. With no fighter cover protecting them, they attacked despite superior numbers and enemy weaponry. AP1 Miles was shot down and lost at sea. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. VT-8 had only one survivor from the battle.

VT-8 aboard USS Hornet (CV 8), circa May 1942. Miles is in the front row, far right. (NHHC)

At the end of World War II, the NAP flyers either resigned their commissions and entered the “regular” Navy or left the service. In 1947 the Navy terminated the NAP program with the last of the trained enlisted pilots finishing their training that same year. NAPs would continue to fly through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, with four of the last five retiring on the same day in 1973.

The Enlisted Naval Aviation Pilot program faced its fair share of challenges, particularly during periods of conflict. World War II, in particular, witnessed a surge in demand for naval aviators, leading to an expansion of the program. Enlisted personnel, many of whom had never flown an aircraft before, were thrust into the rigorous training regimen that awaited aspiring naval aviators. The program's challenges were multifaceted. From mastering complex aircraft to navigating the intricacies of naval aviation, NAPs had to overcome skepticism and prove their worth in an environment traditionally dominated by commissioned officers. In an interview, NAP Francis “Red” O’Laughlin said, “Despite all of our accomplishments, officers still didn’t think we could do it.” The push for rapid expansion during wartime added an extra layer of pressure, with an emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness in training.

Despite the challenges, the Enlisted Naval Aviation Pilot program left an indelible mark on naval aviation history. The legacy of the NAPs is one of trailblazing courage and tenacity exemplifying the Navy's commitment to finding and nurturing talent irrespective of rank.

Naval Aviation Pilots (Enlisted) have a storied history, dating back to the early 20th century. From the biplanes of World War I to the cutting-edge jets of the 21st century, NAPs adapted to the changing face of naval aviation. Their involvement in major conflicts and battles consistently demonstrated their skill, versatility, and dedication to the mission at hand. When the Navy terminated the program in 1947, roughly 5,000 enlisted pilots had earned the right to be considered a Silver Eagle (Enlisted Naval Aviation Pilot). In 1981, the final NAP retired, ending a storied era in naval aviation.

ACCM (NAP) Robert K. Jones, the final NAP to retire. (Jetwhine.com)