Henderson effectively wrote his own duties and gained unusual authority to connect carrier operations, aircrew training, technical development, and Admiralty advice. The post could correspond directly with the Air Ministry, giving its holder a way through the otherwise cumbersome requirements chain. Alexander Ramsay later became Fifth Sea Lord, Frank Lawrence represented naval interests in aircraft production, and another former carrier commander carried aviation experience into leadership of the Royal Australian Navy. Their later appointments spread the institution and expertise the carrier command had built. Entrusting the first post to Henderson, a respected convoy staff officer and commander, signals the Navy's investment in aviation leadership.
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Reginald Henderson creates the carrier command system
The first Rear Admiral Aircraft Carriers defines a post responsible for tactics, training, material development, and advice across the fleet.