The Navy first investigated the possibilities of aviation for naval purposes in 1908 when Lieut. G. C. Sweet and Naval Constructor McIntee were detailed as observers for the test of the Wright plane at Fort Myer, Va. Lieutenant Sweet endeavored to stimulate interest in the subject of aviation and suggested the use of pontoons in this report to the Navy Department, but no action was taken thereon. In 1910, Capt. W. I. Chambers, United States Navy, who was assistant to the aid for material in the Bureau of Equipment attended the aviation meets at Belmont Park, N.Y., and at Halethorpe, near...