Who is recognized for the first shipboard takeoff and landing?

The individual recognized for the first shipboard takeoff and landing is Eugene Ely. He accomplished this significant feat on November 14, 1910, when he successfully took off from a makeshift platform constructed on the USS Birmingham, a protected cruiser. Ely's landing occurred shortly thereafter on December 18, 1910, when he landed on another ship, the USS Pennsylvania, demonstrating the viability of aircraft operations from naval vessels. This event marked a pivotal moment in aviation history and naval aviation development, as it proved that airplanes could operate from ships, paving the way for future aircraft carriers.

In contrast, Orville Wright is known for the first powered flight in 1903, but this event did not involve a ship. Albert G. Johnson does not have notable historical significance related to shipboard aviation. Charles Lindbergh is famous for his transatlantic flight in 1927, which is unrelated to takeoff and landing from naval vessels. Thus, Ely's achievements stand out as foundational to the development of carrier aviation.