Which aviator is notably associated with the development of air doctrine in the USAF?

William Mitchell is notably associated with the development of air doctrine in the United States Air Force (USAF) due to his pioneering advocacy for the importance of air power in military strategy. He was one of the early proponents of using aircraft as a principal component of military operations, arguing that air power could determine the outcome of battles and wars. His ideas laid the foundation for the establishment of air power as an essential element of military strategy and doctrine, influencing the way aerial operations were conducted and understood within the military context.

Mitchell's contributions included his famous statements about air power's potential for strategic bombing, as well as his push for an independent air force, which eventually led to the formation of the USAF in 1947. His writings and analyses often emphasized the necessity for the military to embrace advancements in aviation technology, thereby reshaping military tactics and strategies to incorporate the capabilities of aircraft effectively. This establishes his central role in the evolution of air doctrine that continues to shape military operations today.