1939-Contin ued

the first digit of a squadron designation number

became the same as the wing to which it was attached.

1 July By Executive Order, the Aeronautical Board,

the Joint Board (later Joint Chiefs of Staff), the Joint

Economy Board and the Munitions Board all previ-

ously functioning by an understanding between the

Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy,

began functioning under the direction and supervi-

sion of the president as Commander-in-Chief of the

Army and Navy.

13 July A Fleet Air Tactical Unit was authorized by

the Chief of Naval Operations to provide research and

advisory activities relating to operational use of new

aircraft.

4 August Yorktown and Enterprise made successful

launchings of SBC-3 and 03U-3 aircraft from flight

deck and hangar deck catapults in the first practical

demonstration of launching aircraft from carriers by

means of a hydraulic flush-deck catapult and in the

first demonstrations of catapulting aircraft from the

hangar deck.

UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910-1995

95

24 August The Acting Secretary approved the

detailing of a medical officer to the Bureau of

Aeronautics for the purpose of establishing an Aviation

Medical Research Unit.

30 August Lieutenant Commander Thurston B. Clark,

flying a twin-engined XJO-3 equipped with tricycle

landing gear, made I 1 landings aboard and take-offs

from Lexington off Coronado Roads, thereby demon-

strating the basic adaptability of twin-engined aircraft

and of tricycle landing gear to carrier operations.

5 September The president proclaimed the neutrali-

ty of the United States in the European War and direct-

ed that the Navy organize a Neutrality Patrol. In com-

plying therewith, the Chief of Naval Operations

ordered the Commander, Atlantic Squadron to estab-

lish combined air and ship reconnaissance of the sea

approaches to the United States and West Indies for

the purpose of reporting and tracking any belligerent

air, surface, or underwater units in the area.

8 September The president proclaimed the exis-

tence of a limited national emergency and directed

measures for strengthening national defenses within

the limits of peacetime authorizations.

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Scout-Observation 03U-1 amphibious version 1061651