During the Punitive Expedition of March–April 1916, the 1st Aero Squadron, led by Capt. Benjamin D. Foulois, deployed its eight Curtiss biplanes from Columbus, New Mexico to support General Pershing’s advancing columns. Arriving alongside limited motor transport from Fort Sam Houston and coordinated through intermediate bases such as Colonia Dublán, San Antonio de los Arenales, and Namiquipa, the squadron undertook reconnaissance missions, shuttleing dispatches and vital supplies across rugged terrain and adverse weather. Key personnel including Lt. Joseph E. Carberry, Lt. Edgar S. Gorrell, and Lt. Townsend F. Dodd faced technical challenges like defective engines and underpowered aircraft, forcing field modifications and emergency repairs to maintain communication lines with expeditionary cavalry units under Col. George A. Dodd. Their on-the-ground efforts and improvisation in addressing mechanical deficiencies directly influenced requests for more powerful airplanes and marked the early steps toward modernizing U.S. military aviation before World War I.