Rear Admiral William Moffett offered King aviation work when the cruiser he wanted remained unavailable. King accepted after the S-51 salvage and took command of the aircraft tender USS Wright. The appointment added seaplane support and fleet aviation to experience already spanning destroyers, submarines, logistics, teaching, and staff work. It also began a productive relationship in which King and Moffett could argue vigorously while continuing to respect one another's professional value.
Chapter · 37:24-38:30
Moffett redirected King into naval aviation
William Moffett recruited King into aviation, where command of aircraft tender USS Wright opened another specialist field.