The first Randolph was a 32-gun frigate whose construction was authorized by the Continental Congress on December 13, 1775. Designed by Joshua Humphreys, she was launched on July 10, 1776, by Wharton and Humphreys at Philadelphia. Captain Nicholas Biddle was appointed commander of the Randolph on July 11, and he took charge of the frigate in mid-October.

(Read the DANFS entry for the first Randolph at the Naval Historical Center Website.)

In the Chesapeake Bay area during her shakedown period, 12 November 1944. She is wearing camouflage Measure 32 Design 17a. Photographed from USS Charger (CVE-30).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-287672).

Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter parked on the port catapult, March 1945. Note the plane's tail markings, unique to this ship.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-K-5339).

Crewmen fighting fires on the ship's flight deck, after she was hit by a kamikaze, 11 March 1945.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-274099).

As above. U.S. Navy photo, from the Naval War College.

USS Randolph (CV-15) alongside repair ship USS Jason (ARH-1) at Ulithi Atoll, Caroline Islands, 13 March 1945, showing damage to her after flight deck resulting from a kamikaze hit on 11 March. Photographed from a USS Miami (CL-89) floatplane.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-344531).

John Maxwell Walker (center) playing the "fiddle" with some buddies. There is an interesting story related to John and the kamikaze attack; you can read it at David Walker's web site.

Seaman 1st Class Leonard A. Cassidy spots model aircraft on the ship's "ouija board" hangar and flight deck planning boards, in response to the telephoned orders of air officers. The nearer board represents the flight deck, with the hangar deck board behind it.

Aircraft types represented include F6F, TBM and SB2C. The original color transparency was received by the Naval Photographic Science Laboratory on 15 June 1945.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-K-5395).

USS Randolph (CV-15) at anchor in the western Pacific, June 1945. Photographed by Lieutenant Barrett Gallagher.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97489).

A musical trio plays for crewmen in the carrier's sickbay, 11 August 1945. The players are Musician 3rd Class Joseph Calicari (Violin), Musician 2nd Class Wilfred Batchelder (Base) and Musician 3rd Class Charles Apellonia (Accordion).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-K-6355).

USS Randolph (CVA-15) stands at her assigned anchorage in Hampton Roads, Virginia, during the International Naval Review, 12 June 1957. Note her deckload of aircraft, with two AJ Savage attack planes and 14 FJ Fury fighters parked on the flight deck, forward. Photographed by PH2 Hughes.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97490).

Sir Winston Churchill salutes as he receives honors during a visit to USS Randolph (CVA-15), 26 October 1958. Photographed by J.C. Ricks.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97491).

Official caption reads: "USS Randolph (CVS-15) underway at sea on 27 February 1962, with two S2F airplanes on her catapults. Official U.S. Navy Photograph (photo # USN 1059601)."

However, the ship's photo lab had this picture cataloged as "CVS-15-2478-L-10-59," dated October 25, 1959: "USS Randolph, CVS-15, making high speed turn." (Thanks to Robert M. Cieri).

USS Randolph (CVS-15) refueling at sea from USS Pawcatuck (AO-108), circa 1960. USS Waller (DDE-466) is refueling from the oiler's starboard side, while USS Eaton is steaming astern, waiting her turn for a "drink". Photograph received from USS Waller, 1969.