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History of USS Ranger (CV-61)

USS Ranger (CV-61) was a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Serving primarily in the Pacific Fleet, she participated in significant operations during the Vietnam War, providing air support and combat sorties. Over her long career, Ranger also took part in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, launching airstrikes against Iraqi targets. Decommissioned in 1993, USS Ranger earned numerous awards and distinctions, marking her as a key asset in U.S. naval aviation history.

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ABOUT USS Ranger (CV-61)

  • Commissioned in 1957: USS Ranger (CV-61) was commissioned on August 10, 1957, becoming the seventh ship to bear the name "Ranger" in U.S. Navy history.
  • Forrestal-class Carrier: Ranger was the third of the Forrestal-class supercarriers, featuring innovations such as an angled flight deck and steam catapults, which revolutionized aircraft carrier operations.
  • Vietnam War Service: Ranger saw extensive combat service during the Vietnam War, completing multiple “Yankee Station” deployments and earning 13 battle stars for her actions.
  • First Carrier with Jet Blast Deflectors: Ranger was the first aircraft carrier to be built from the keel up with jet blast deflectors, enhancing her ability to launch jet aircraft safely.
  • Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, Ranger participated in Operation Desert Storm, launching air strikes against Iraqi targets and playing a crucial role in the air campaign.
  • Hollywood Star: Ranger appeared in several films, including “Top Gun,” “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,” and “Flight of the Intruder,” standing in for other ships or as itself.
  • Homeported in San Diego: For the majority of her service, Ranger was homeported at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California.
  • Rescue Operations: In 1981, Ranger rescued 138 Vietnamese boat people in the South China Sea, providing them with food, medical care, and shelter.
  • Decommissioning: After nearly 37 years of service, Ranger was decommissioned on July 10, 1993. She was one of the last Forrestal-class carriers in operation.
  • Final Fate: Despite efforts to preserve her as a museum, Ranger was eventually sold for scrap and dismantled in Brownsville, Texas, with the process completed in 2017.

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