Eugene Ely made the first flight from which ship's wooden platform?

Eugene Ely made history by successfully taking off from a wooden platform that had been constructed on the bow of the USS Pennsylvania. This event took place on January 18, 1911, marking a significant milestone in aviation as it was the first time an aircraft had flown from a ship. This flight demonstrated the feasibility of air operations from naval vessels and paved the way for future developments in naval aviation.

While other ships such as the USS Enterprise, USS Langley, and USS Boxer have their own aviation heritages, none were the site of Ely's groundbreaking flight. The USS Langley, for instance, became the first aircraft carrier, but it was commissioned after Ely’s flight from the USS Pennsylvania. Understanding this context highlights the historical significance of Ely’s achievement and its impact on naval operations.