 In 1939, Horne headed an influential board that established personnel policies for the expansion of naval aviation.Convened on June 29, 1939 by the Secretary of the Navy "to study matters concerning the regular and reserve aviation personnel of the Navy and Marine Corps," the Horne Board's other members were Commander George D. Murray, Commander Edwin T. Short, Marine Lieutenant Colonel L. C. Merritt, and Lieutenant Commander Walton W. Smith.The rapid expansion of naval aviation had created a demand for pilots far in excess of the supply of qualified Naval Academy graduates.