Discover the Fascinating History of USS Ranger (CV-4) – A Legendary Aircraft Carrier
The USS Ranger (CV-4) is a name that holds significant importance in the history of naval warfare. This legendary aircraft carrier played a crucial role in World War II and its impact on naval tactics and technology is still felt today. With its impressive service record and notable accomplishments, the USS Ranger (CV-4) has become a source of pride for the United States Navy. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating history of the USS Ranger (CV-4) and discover the legacy it has left behind.
History of USS Ranger (CV-4)
The USS Ranger (CV-4) was commissioned on June 4, 1934, and was the first ship in the United States Navy to be designed and built specifically as an aircraft carrier. Its construction was authorized by the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922, which limited the tonnage and number of ships in each class of the US Navy. The USS Ranger (CV-4) was classified as a “treaty carrier” due to its tonnage being under the limit set by the treaty.
Design and Construction of USS Ranger (CV-4)
The design of USS Ranger (CV-4) was based on the previous Lexington-class of aircraft carriers, but with some modifications. It had a length of 769 feet, a beam of 109 feet, and a draft of 25 feet. The flight deck was 600 feet long and featured two elevators to transport aircraft to and from the hangar deck. The island structure was positioned on the starboard side of the flight deck, giving it a unique appearance compared to other aircraft carriers.
The construction of USS Ranger (CV-4) began in 1931 at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Virginia. It took three years and over $17 million to complete the construction of the aircraft carrier. On March 25, 1933, the USS Ranger (CV-4) was launched into the water and underwent sea trials until its official commissioning on June 4, 1934.
USS Ranger’s Role in World War II
The USS Ranger (CV-4) played a crucial role in World War II, particularly in the Atlantic theater. Its first assignment was to transport fighter planes to Europe for the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. It then joined the Neutrality Patrol in the Atlantic Ocean, where it carried out search and rescue operations and provided support for American warships.
Notable Events and Battles Involving USS Ranger (CV-4)
After the United States officially entered World War II in December 1941, the USS Ranger (CV-4) was deployed to support allied forces in the European theater. It participated in various operations, including Operation Torch in November 1942, which was the invasion of North Africa. The USS Ranger (CV-4) also supported the invasions of Sicily and Salerno in 1943, providing air cover and launching bombing raids on enemy targets.
One of the most notable events involving the USS Ranger (CV-4) was its participation in the Allied invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day. On June 6, 1944, the USS Ranger (CV-4) launched its aircraft to provide air support for the troops landing on Omaha Beach. It also took part in the bombardment of German positions along the coast.
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USS Ranger’s Crew and Commanding Officers
Throughout its service in World War II, the USS Ranger (CV-4) had a total of 6 commanding officers. Captain Felix Stump was the first commanding officer when the ship was commissioned in 1934. Notable crew members included future Admiral Arleigh Burke, who served as the captain of the USS Ranger (CV-4) from 1945-1946 and later became Chief of Naval Operations.
The crew of the USS Ranger (CV-4) consisted of over 3,800 men, including pilots, aircrew, and support personnel. These brave individuals played a vital role in the success of the USS Ranger (CV-4) during its service in World War II.
USS Ranger’s Decommissioning and Fate
After the end of World War II, the USS Ranger (CV-4) was decommissioned on October 18, 1946, and placed in reserve. It was reactivated in 1955 and underwent modernization to adapt to the changing nature of naval warfare. The USS Ranger (CV-4) was then deployed to the Pacific Ocean for operations during the Vietnam War and also served as a training carrier for new pilots.
In February 1987, the USS Ranger (CV-4) was finally decommissioned and designated for disposal. Despite efforts from various groups to preserve the aircraft carrier as a museum ship, it was sold for scrap in 1993. The USS Ranger (CV-4) met its fate in December 2017 when it was towed to the Port of Brownsville, Texas, to be dismantled.
Specifications and Features of USS Ranger (CV-4)
The USS Ranger (CV-4) was an impressive aircraft carrier for its time, with advanced features that set it apart from other carriers. Some of its notable specifications include:
- Displacement: 14,500 tons
- Length: 769 feet
- Beam: 109 feet
- Draft: 25 feet
- Speed: 29 knots
- Armament: 8 × 5-inch/38 caliber guns, 40 × .50 caliber machine guns
One of the unique features of the USS Ranger (CV-4) was its arresting gear system, which used hydraulic machinery to stop landing aircraft on the flight deck. It was also equipped with a steam catapult for launching aircraft, making it one of the first carriers to use this technology.
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USS Ranger’s Impact on Naval Warfare
The USS Ranger (CV-4) may not have had a long service life compared to other aircraft carriers, but its impact on naval warfare cannot be underestimated. As the first purpose-built carrier in the US Navy, it paved the way for the development of more advanced carriers in the future.
The USS Ranger (CV-4) also played a significant role in shaping tactics and strategies in aerial combat. Its success in providing air support for ground troops during D-Day showed the importance of aircraft carriers in modern warfare. The innovations and advancements made on the USS Ranger (CV-4) were later implemented on future carriers, greatly improving their capabilities and effectiveness in battle.
Legacy of USS Ranger (CV-4)
Although the USS Ranger (CV-4) may no longer be sailing the seas, its legacy lives on. The name “Ranger” has been passed down to several other ships in the US Navy, including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN 74), a guided-missile frigate (FFG 61), and a littoral combat ship (LCS 61).
Furthermore, the USS Ranger (CV-4) has been featured in various forms of media, including books, movies, and video games, immortalizing its place in history. Its crew and commanding officers are also remembered for their bravery and contributions to the success of the aircraft carrier.
Comparison to Other Aircraft Carriers of its Time
During its time in service, the USS Ranger (CV-4) faced competition from other aircraft carriers, both domestically and internationally. Some notable comparisons include:
- USS Ranger (CV-4) vs. HMS Ark Royal (British aircraft carrier): Both were the first purpose-built carriers for their respective navies, but the HMS Ark Royal was larger and more advanced.
- USS Ranger (CV-4) vs. USS Enterprise (CV-6): The Enterprise was commissioned a year after the USS Ranger (CV-4) and served in the Pacific theater during World War II, earning 20 battle stars compared to the Ranger’s 13.
Despite these comparisons, the USS Ranger (CV-4) holds its own as a pioneering aircraft carrier and an important part of history.
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Conclusion
The USS Ranger (CV-4) may have had a relatively short service life, but its impact on naval warfare is still felt today. This legendary aircraft carrier played a crucial role in World War II and paved the way for the development of more advanced carriers in the future. Its legacy lives on through its name and the innovations it introduced, making it an essential piece of US Navy history.
