One of the Compass Points values is,
We believe the Marine Corps must
experiment with new technology constantly,
and adopt it prudently.
— Compass Points
On this day in history, November 14, 1910, the Navy experimented with new technology. Eugene Barton Ely, for the very first time, flew an airplane, a Curtis Pusher bi-plane, off the deck of a Navy ship, the light cruiser, USS Birmingham. Upon takeoff, the plane dipped so low, its wheels brushed the surf. But Ely landed safely on shore. Two months later, Ely made the first successful landing on a Navy ship.
It was clear, very early, that the new technology of airplanes would make a massive contribution to how wars are fought. Still, with airplanes, the Navy and later the Marine Corps, went through a sustained process of investigation and experimentation before integrating the new technology into existing service capabilities.
Experiment constantly, but adopt prudently.