from what I can glean every aviator is given a number
when they are put in service, someone must be the first.
also what is it up to now?

The USN stopped issuing "Naval Aviator Numbers" sometime before I got my
wings in 74.

I got my wings early in 1951. My number, preceded by a V, is about
1500 (not sure it's a good idea to publish the exact number).

But there MUST have been more than 1500 naval aviators prior to 1951.

Can anyone explain?

vince norris