USS Randolph (CV-15)

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Randolph (CV-15)

USS Randolph (CV-15) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in October 1944. She saw extensive action during World War II in the Pacific Theater, participating in major operations such as the raids on Tokyo and the Battle of Okinawa, where her air groups contributed significantly to the Allied air campaign. After the war, Randolph was decommissioned but was later modernized and recommissioned, serving during the Korean War era and playing key roles in Cold War operations, including as a recovery ship for the Gemini IV space mission. The carrier was finally decommissioned in 1969, closing a distinguished chapter in American naval aviation history.

Unit Members

Russel Barefoot, Jr.

U.S. Navy

USS Randolph (CV-15)View Profile

Thomas Bader

U.S. Navy

USS Randolph (CV-15)View Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About USS Randolph (CV-15)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Randolph (CV-15) was named after Peyton Randolph, the first President of the Continental Congress. • Essex-class Carrier: She was an Essex-class aircraft carrier, one of the most prolific and successful carrier classes during World War II. • Commissioned in 1944: USS Randolph was commissioned on 9 October 1944, entering service late in World War II. • WWII Combat Operations: She participated in key Pacific campaigns, including strikes against Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Ryukyus. • Kamikaze Attack: On 11 March 1945, a Japanese kamikaze struck Randolph while she was anchored at Ulithi, causing significant damage and casualties. • Post-War Service: After WWII, she was decommissioned but later modernized and recommissioned as an attack carrier (CVA) and then as an antisubmarine carrier (CVS). • Space Recovery Missions: USS Randolph served as the recovery ship for several Project Mercury and Gemini space missions, including the recovery of astronaut Gus Grissom’s Liberty Bell 7 capsule in 1961. • Cuban Missile Crisis: She participated in the naval blockade ("quarantine") of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS Randolph was finally decommissioned in 1969 and sold for scrap in 1975. • Battle Stars: The ship earned three battle stars for her World War II service and an additional three for her role in the Vietnam War era.