Float Planes and Flying Boats

Brief Summary

Float Planes and Flying Boats by Capt Robert B. Workman Uscg (Ret) is a pioneering historical account that delves into the significant role played by the U.S. Coast Guard in the development of early Naval Aviation. Spanning the formative years between 1914 and 1938, the book highlights the collaborative efforts among the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps as they jointly advanced maritime aviation. Workman's narrative sheds light on the shared training facilities, aircraft exchanges, and mutual support that laid the groundwork for modern naval operations.

Main Themes and Topics

One of the main themes of the book is the camaraderie and bond forged between the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps aviation communities during the early 20th century. This alliance was instrumental in developing the U.S.'s naval aviation capabilities. Workman emphasizes how this cooperation extended to aspects such as shared training at the Navy Training Command in Pensacola and the Navy's loaning of aircraft and facilities to the Coast Guard. Another prominent theme is the technical advancements in aviation, including engineering designs for seaplanes and the innovative development of carrier-launch systems, which were crucial in enhancing the war-fighting capabilities of the Navy.

Writing Style and Tone

Capt Workman’s writing style is informative and detail-oriented, reflecting his deep knowledge and personal experience in the field of naval aviation. The tone is respectful and reverent, paying homage to the significant contributions of the Coast Guard and its aviators. Through meticulous research, Workman provides a well-documented account that captures both the technical aspects and the human stories behind the aviation milestones described in the book.