USS Ranger: The U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Built for a Purpose

Summary and Key Points: The USS Ranger (CVA-61), introduced in the mid-1950s, was the third Forrestal-class supercarrier and the first U.S. aircraft carrier designed from the outset with an angled flight deck. Larger and more advanced than its predecessors, the Ranger was pivotal during the Vietnam War, deploying new aircraft like the A-7 Corsair II and the UH-2C Seasprite.

-It conducted extensive combat operations against North Vietnam, hitting targets such as bridges, airfields, and military installations.

-Beyond Vietnam, the Ranger supported operations off the coast of Kenya following the Entebbe hostage rescue and later sailed to the Persian Gulf alongside the USS Midway, showcasing its versatility and enduring significance in U.S. naval history.

USS Ranger's Combat Legacy: A Supercarrier's Journey Through History

Since being introduced in the early 20th century, aircraft carriers have become critical components of each navy that possesses them.

These hefty and well-armed mega-ships provide militaries with defensive and offensive capabilities, power projection, air support and versatility in the battle space.

These formidable vessels support and operate airframes that can engage in attacks from virtually anywhere in the world. Perhaps most notably at the moment, carriers serve as deterrents to adversaries. 

During the Cold War, the U.S. Navy developed and commissioned some of the most cutting-edge aircraft carriers of its time.

The Forrestal-class ships, first built in the 1950’s, were no exception. While all four ships of this class were constructed with angled decks, the third ever produced - the USS Ranger CVA-61- held the title of being the first-ever American carrier designed from the start as an angled-deck ship.

Introducing the Forrestal-class

Considered to be the first “supercarrier” class in service with the U.S. Navy, the Forrestal ships were huge in size.

Measuring at nearly 100 feet larger and weighting roughly 25% more than its predecessor Midway-class counterparts, the Forrestal class surely deserved the “supercarrier” title.

Following the Second World War, the U.S. military desired more advanced carriers that could carry the same number of airframes as was necessary in wartime. However, as the years progressed, so did the size of aircraft.

To carrier just as many fighters, helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft, the future aircraft carriers had to be much larger in size.

Additionally, these more advanced airframes needed more hanger space, more powerful lifts and catapults and longer decks.

The Forrestal-class’ enclosed bow, integrated island and armored flight deck were new additions to U.S. aircraft carriers. Notably, each vessel in this class was unique as none of the ships possessed identical measurements, armament or power output. The USS Ranger was laid down in the mid-1950’s by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. in Newport News, Virginia. Within a few years, the carrier joined the U.S. Atlantic Fleet and its service history officially commenced. 

The USS Ranger: An Aircraft Carrier Service History

Beginning in January 1958, USS Ranger carried out individual ship exercises and air operations in the Caribbean. The same year, the carrier took off for a two-month cruise that took sailors around Cape Horn. Eventually, the USS Ranger joined the Pacific Fleet until the early 1960s.

When the Vietnam War broke out, the USS Ranger became an essential asset to the U.S. military. 

Seaforces detailed the schedule for the carrier in a report: 

"From June until November, Ranger underwent a long and intensive period of training designed to make her fully combat ready. Attack Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) embarked on 15 September 1967, with the new A-7 Corsair II jet attack plane and the UH-2C Seasprite turboprop rescue helicopter, making Ranger the first carrier to deploy with these powerful new aircraft. From carrier refresher training for CVW-2, Ranger proceeded to fleet exercise Moon Festival. From 9 to 16 October 1967, the carrier and her air wing participated in every aspect of a major fleet combat operation. Her efficiency honed to a fine edge, Ranger departed Alameda 4 November 1967 for WestPac. Arriving Yokosuka 21 November, she relieved USS Constellation and sailed for the Philippines on the 24th. After arriving at Subic Bay on 29 November, she made final preparations for combat operations in the Tonkin Gulf. Commander, Carrier Division 3, embarked on 30 November as Commander, TG 77.7; and Ranger departed Subic Bay on 1 December for Yankee Station.

Arriving on station 3 December 1967, Ranger commenced another period of sustained combat operations against North Vietnam. During the next 5 months, her planes hit a wide variety of targets, including ferries, bridges, airfields and military installations. Truck parks, rail facilities, antiaircraft guns and SAM sites were also treated to doses of Air Wing 2's firepower. Bob Hope's "Christmas Show" came to Ranger in Tonkin Gulf on 21 December. Another welcome break in the intense pace of operations came with a call at Yokosuka during the first week of April 1968. Returning to Yankee Station on 11 April 1968, Ranger again struck objectives in North Vietnam. After five months of intensive operations, Ranger called at Hong Kong 5 May 1968 and then steamed for home. There followed a shipyard availability at Puget Sound that ended with Ranger's departure 29 July for San Francisco. Three months of leave, upkeep and training culminated in another WestPac deployment 26 October 1968 through 17 May 1969. She departed Alameda on yet another WestPac deployment in December 1969 and remained so employed until 18 May 1970 at which time she returned to Alameda, arriving 1 June 1970.”

The Vietnam War would not be the only combat the USS Ranger would see in its service life. Throughout the next few decades, the carrier operated off the coast of Kenya in the wake of the rescue of Israeli hostages held at Uganda’s Entebbe airport. Later, the aircraft carrier would sail to the Persian Gulf alongside the USS Midway. 

About the Author 

Maya Carlin is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. 

All images are Creative Commons. 

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