<text id=00he0208><title>The Influence of the Mexican Revolution</title>
<history>US Air Force: Events History</history>
<article><hdr>The Influence of the Mexican Revolution</hdr><body>
<p>The many machinations of the Mexican revolution that began late in 1910 had a major effect on the development of air power in the United States. It was not that the use of air power was particularly successful; it wasn't, but the attempted use of air power was very educational.
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<p>The first incident followed the seizure of power by General Victoriano Huerta on 22 February 1913. His government was not recognized by the United States and, in a period of tense relations, officers and men in training at Augusta were ordered to Texas City. The unit arrived in a special train on 2 March, and unloaded their five airplanes and began flying.
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<p>Texas City had been chosen earlier as the site of a training school, and the concentration of aeronautical materiel there prompted the Chief Signal Officer to suggest that the operation be organized properly. The 1st Provisional Aero Squadron was established officially on 5 March 1913, formed with personnel and equipment from Augusta and Texas City. It included a headquarters staff of three officers, and two aero companies of three officers and 24 and 27 enlisted men, respectively.
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<p>The situation in Mexico quieted down, and the 1st was split. Headquarters stayed at Texas City with three officers, 26 men and two airplanes; the rest moved to the North Island training center.
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<p>The revolution aroused the US again when American sailors were arrested ashore in Tampico early in 1914. They were released, following an exchange of notes. The US resented Huerta's attitude and ordered Marines to land at Vera Cruz, almost due east of Mexico City, in an obvious threat to the capital city. The invasion was met by demonstrations and strong reactions, and the 1st Aero Squadron was sent to Ft Crockett, Galveston, Texas. Five aviators, 30 men and three Burgess tractor biplanes went as a detachment: 1st Company, 1st Aero Squadron. The remainder of personnel and equipment at North Island became the 2nd Company. The 1st Company arrived on 30 April, but the pressure was off. The planes stayed in their crates and the unit returned to North Island on 13 July.
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<p>On 5 August 1914, the 1st Aero Squadron dropped the word 'Provisional' from its title, and officially reorganized to comply with War Department General Order No. 75, of 4 December 1913, setting out the table of organization for aero squadrons.
