What Role Did The Development Of The Curtiss NC Flying Boat Play In The U.S. Navy's Post-World War I Shift Towards A More Integrated Air-sea Doctrine, And How Did This Influence The Design And Deployment Of Aircraft Carriers During The Interwar Period, Particularly In Relation To The General Board's 1919 Report On Naval Aviation Policy?

The Curtiss NC flying boat played a pivotal role in the U.S. Navy's post-World War I shift towards an integrated air-sea doctrine, exemplifying the potential of naval aviation. The NC-4's historic transatlantic flight in 1919 demonstrated the feasibility of long-range seaplanes, showcasing their strategic value for reconnaissance and patrol missions. This success underscored the need for a more integrated approach to naval operations, combining sea and air capabilities.

The General Board's 1919 report on Naval Aviation Policy capitalized on these insights, advocating for the development of aircraft carriers to extend naval operations. The report emphasized aviation's role in future strategies, leading to investments in carriers and aviator training. The NC flying boats influenced the design of early carriers, like the USS Langley, highlighting the need for mobile airbases at sea.

The interwar period's naval treaties, such as the Washington Naval Treaty, further accelerated the shift towards aviation by limiting battleship construction. Thus, the Curtiss NC flying boat was instrumental in shaping the Navy's doctrine, leading to the deployment of aircraft carriers that revolutionized naval warfare.