USS Ranger

10 Interesting Facts about USS Ranger 10 Interesting Facts about USS Ranger • The USS Ranger was the first ship built as an aircraft carrier from the keel up. • During World War II, the USS Ranger served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. • USS Ranger was known for launching carrier-based aircraft against German U-boats during the war. • The ship participated in the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in 1942. • USS Ranger was the first U.S. Navy ship to be equipped with a steam catapult for aircraft launching. • After the war, the USS Ranger was used for various purposes, including training carrier pilots. • The ship was decommissioned in 1993 and eventually sold for scrap in 2015. • USS Ranger appeared in the 1980 film "Top Gun" starring Tom Cruise. • During its service, the USS Ranger earned 13 battle stars for its actions in various conflicts. • The ship's motto was "Sicut Aquila" which means "Like an Eagle" in Latin.