John Towers and the First Flight Across the Atlantic
“STAND OFF! We’re going in under our own power!” Such was Navy Commander, John Towers’ reply to the USS Harding’s offer to tow his crippled NC-3 boat-plane to the safety of Sao Miguel Island.
It was May of 1919 and Towers had spent the past 50 hours and 200 miles on treacherous and frigid seas using just the ruined NC-3’s rudder and his own dead-reckoning to navigate toward land. He was not about to be towed the rest of the way. It was all part of the first flight across the Atlantic, eight years before Lindbergh’s flight.
Towers was the genius mind behind and the commander of this historic mission to cross the Atlantic. Though his NC-3 did not complete the flight — nor did the NC-1 — a third plane, the NC-4, did finish to fulfill Towers’ vision that the Atlantic need not be a barrier to flight.
Since Towers’ mission involved stops in Newfoundland and the Azores Islands, it has since been lost in the limelight of Lindbergh’s solo, nonstop flight. Yet, under Towers’ vision and leadership the first step was taken toward transatlantic flight, inspiring others to follow, and changing the world of flight forever.
In April 1919, foul weather thwarted the Navy Curtiss-2 (NC-2) from starting the trip from Rockaway Naval Air Station. Under Towers’ command, the remaining three NC’s took off on May 8th. Towers flew the Flagship NC-3. Patrick Bellinger commanded the NC-1 and Albert C. Read piloted the NC-4.
The trip started with an initial flight to Halifax. The NC-4, however, experienced engine problems and had to make an emergency landing in the ocean. The NC-3 and NC-1 continued from Halifax to Trepassay, Newfoundland, where they waited there for the NC-4. On May 16 the three planes continued on their way from Trepassey’s harbor.
The planes were supposed to fly together but Towers’ NC-3 and Bellinger’s NC-1 could not keep up with the NC-4 as night crept in. In the morning, they hit dense fog and terrific rain storms. Towers lost his way and was forced to put the plane down on cold raging seas. In the process, the plane’s wing struts were severely damaged and Towers was unable to get the plane back up into the air.
A seasoned navy man, Towers used a bucket as an anchor, and employed the plane’s rudder to navigate the 200 miles toward Sao Miguel Island. It would have been an arduous undertaking with a reliable ship, let alone a damaged airplane. Yet, after 52 exhausting hours, Towers and his crew came to port in a harbor in the Azores.
A gathered crowd celebrated their arrival with a joyous welcome. After nine days of awaiting repairs, Towers flew the NC-3 on to Lisbon to complete the flight, a victory for naval aviation.
We recognize and admire such pioneers as Admiral Towers; leaders who aspire and achieve with resolve and character, without the motivation of celebrity but with the desire to innovate and expand horizons.
Orvis now offers mens clothing and accessories worthy of the heritage of our bravest of unsung pioneers. Visit our site at http://www.orvis.com/men, featuring mens clothing inspired by pioneers such as Commander Towers. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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