When was the first successful take-off from a ship?

The first successful take-off from a ship occurred on 14 November 1910, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This event took place when aviation pioneer Eugene Ely took off from the USS Birmingham, a light cruiser of the U.S. Navy. Ely's flight demonstrated the potential for aircraft to operate from naval vessels, paving the way for future developments in naval aviation. This successful take-off highlighted the integration of aviation with military operations, which would have lasting implications for naval strategy and aircraft design. The date is widely recognized in aviation circles as a pivotal moment that set the stage for the evolution of airplanes being launched from aircraft carriers.