Celebrating CDR Elmer Stone - Guest Post by VADM Vivien Crea

Today, as the Ancient Albatross, a title I wear most proudly as the longest serving Coast Guard aviator on active duty, I would like to recognize the birthday of a true Coast Guard pioneer, Commander Elmer Stone.  CDR Stone was born in 1887 and commissioned in the Revenue Cutter Service in 1913.  He graduated from Navy flight training in 1916 and was designated Coast Guard aviator number 1 in 1920.  CDR Stones list of accomplishments in the early days of aviation are truly remarkable: pilot of the NC-4 on the first ever successful trans-Atlantic flight, he was also centrally involved in the development of the shipboard catapult and arresting gear, and set a world speed record for amphibian aircraft. Truly the well-rounded, Renaissance Coastie exhibiting leadership, innovation, devotion to duty and sheer heroism, CDR Stone also served as  executive officer of Coast Guard Cutter MODOC and commanding officer of Coast Guard Destroyer MONAGHAN, both tours occurring after he began his aviation career. 

While I want to dispel any notion that Elmer and I actually served together, please, I am not quite that ancient, I do know that CDR Stone more than any single person is responsible for the birth and early development of Coast Guard aviation, and in fact had a profound impact on naval aviation as a whole. As Ancient Albatross # 21, and in my collateral duties as Vice Commandant, I request Coast Guard members of all specialties and particularly those in aviation, take a moment to reflect on CDR Stones remarkable heritage, and be inspired by the enormous impact that one forward-thinking, hard-working individual can have on the entire service and consequently on the nation.

VADM Vivien S. Crea

Vice Commandant

Ancient Albatross #21