One of the special plaques in the museum is the builder’s
plaque for USS Ranger (CV 4). On September
26, 1931, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Company laid the keel for Ranger. She was the first U.S. Navy ship
to be designed and built from the keel up as an aircraft carrier. Ranger was subsequently commissioned on June
4, 1934, at the Norfolk Navy Yard.
Ranger was a ship that made history in
the Atlantic theatre during World War II. She took part in Neutrality Patrols
after war broke out in Europe in September 1939, operations that became
increasingly intense during 1941. In November 1942 she was an important element
in Operation Torch, providing air cover for the invasion of Morocco. Ranger
was assigned to work with the British Home Fleet in the northeastern Atlantic
from August to November 1943, during which time she launched strikes on German
shipping along the Norwegian coast. Ranger was sold for scrapping in
January 1947.
USS Ranger underway in Hampton Roads, August 18, 1942. Note partially lowered aft elevator and flight deck identification letters "R N G R" still visible just ahead of the ramp. |
A Douglas SDB Dauntless dive bomber goes around for another landing attempt, after being "waved off" by the Landing Signal Officer on USS Ranger (CV 4), circa June 1942. |
(This blog post was written by HRNM Curator Joe Judge.)
1 comment:
My Dad served on the Ranger while assigned to VF4, The Red Rippers.
He was there for Operation Torch and Operation Leader.
It was the largest carrier during Operation Torch but was never recognized with an commendation like all the other carriers from the US. Wish they would get the recognition they deserve.
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