Ranger

USN Ships--USS Ranger (CV-4)

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Online Library of Selected Images:

USS (CV-4), 1934-1947

USS , a 14,500-ton aircraft carrier, was built at Newport News, Virginia, and commissioned in June 1934. She made a shakedown cruise to South America prior to transferring to the Pacific in early 1935. returned to the Atlantic in 1939. Too small and slow for Pacific combat, she remained in the Atlantic for most of the rest of her service. took part in Neutrality Patrols after war broke out in Europe in September 1939, with these operations becoming increasingly intense during 1941.

The early months of 1942 saw engaged in war operations in the South Atlantic, followed by service carrying U.S. Army fighter planes to West African bases in April and July. During November 1942, she was an important element in Operation "Torch", providing air cover for the invasion of Morocco. was assigned to work with the British Home Fleet in the northeastern Atlantic from August into November 1943, during which time she launched strikes on German shipping along Norwegian coast.

Following training and aircraft transportation duty in early 1944, was overhauled and sent to the Pacific, where she arrived in July. She spent the rest of World War II preparing air groups for combat operations. The carrier returned to the Atlantic after Japan's surrender and remained there until she was decommissioned in October 1946. USS was sold for scrapping in January 1947.

This page features selected views of USS (CV-4).

If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see:

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: 80-G-428440

USS (CV-4)

Underway at sea during the later 1930s.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 116KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the photographic reproduction system.

Photo #: 80-G-391559

USS (CV-4)

Anchored in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 10 November 1939.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 96KB; 740 x 590 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the photographic reproduction system.

Photo #: 80-G-10783

USS (CV-4)

Underway in Hampton Roads, Virginia, 18 August 1942.

Her after elevator is partially lowered.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 122KB; 740 x 580 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the photographic reproduction system.

Photo #: 80-G-10786

USS (CV-4)

Underway in Hampton Roads, Virginia, 18 August 1942.

Note partially lowered after elevator and flight deck identification letters "R N G R" still visible just ahead of the ramp.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 154KB; 580 x 765 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the photographic reproduction system.

Photo #: 80-G-236719

USS (CV-4)

Photographed from a Naval Air Station, Hampton Roads, Virginia, aircraft on 6 July 1944.

Note her camoflage paint scheme.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 98KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the photographic reproduction system.

Photo #: 80-G-K-741 (Color)

Douglas SBD "Dauntless" scout bomber

Goes around for another landing attempt, after being "waved off" by the Landing Signal Officer on USS (CV-4), circa June 1942.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 108KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the photographic reproduction system.

Photo #: 80-G-30244

North Africa Invasion, November 1942

A Grumman F4F-4 "Wildcat" fighter taking off from USS (CV-4) to attack targets ashore during the invasion of Morocco, circa 8 November 1942.

Note: Army observation planes in the left middle distance;

Loudspeakers and radar antenna on 's mast.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 82KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the photographic reproduction system.

Photo #: 80-G-30251

North Africa Invasion, November 1942

Pilots of Fighting Squadron 41 (VF-41) singing in their ready room aboard USS (CV-4), before "zero hour" of the first day of the invasion of Morocco, 8 November 1942.

Lieutenant Malcolm T. Wordell, Squadron Executive Officer, (at right) is leading the songs. Lieutenant Jacob W. Onstott is standing in the left center.

Note situation board behind them, and chart of aircraft insignia at left.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 92KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the photographic reproduction system.

Photo #: 80-G-30266

North Africa Invasion, November 1942

Sailors "stripping ship" aboard USS (CV-4), in anticipation of action off Morocco, circa early November 1942.

Paint has been chipped from the bulkheads and overheads as a precaution against fire.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 149KB; 740 x 600 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the photographic reproduction system.

Photo #: 80-G-1007392

USS (CV-4)

Launching, at the Newport News Ship Building and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia, 25 February 1933.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 110KB; 740 x 615 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the photographic reproduction system.

If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see:

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14 March 2000