What was one of Billy Mitchell's key beliefs about airplanes?

Billy Mitchell was a pioneering advocate for the use of aviation in military strategy, and one of his significant beliefs was that airplanes could provide a level of protection for the United States that surpassed traditional naval capabilities. He recognized the potential of air power not just as a supporting branch of the military, but rather as a standalone force capable of independent strategic operations. Mitchell argued that aircraft could effectively target enemy ships and land targets, asserting that they could be more decisive in modern warfare than battleships, which he saw as becoming outdated. His views emerged during the interwar period when he famously demonstrated the efficacy of bombers against naval vessels, reinforcing the idea that air power was essential for national defense. This perspective was foundational in establishing air power as a critical component of military strategy and led to significant advancements in U.S. military aviation.