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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


Courtesy of CAPT Gene Oleson, CHC, USN (Ret)

USS RANGER   (CV-4)


Circa 1942–1944

(Profile courtesy of ©Windjammer-Arts Naval Art & Aviation Art)




Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Alpha - Bravo - Foxtrot

Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons

 
 

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: American Defense Service Medal ("Atlantic" device and "Fleet" clasp) / American Campaign Medal
2nd Row: European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (2 stars) / Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal / World War II Victory Medal

Ranger Class Aircraft Carrier
Ordered Laid down Launched Commissioned Decommissioned Stricken
1 Nov 1930 26 Sep 1931 25 Feb 1933 4 Jun 1934 18 Oct 1946 29 Oct 1946
Builder: Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Newport News, Va.

Specifications
(As built, 1934)
Displacement: 14,576 tons standard; 17,577 tons full load
Dimensions (wl): 730' x 80' x 22' 4.875" (full load)  /  222.5 x 24.4 x 6.8 (full load) meters
Dimensions (max.): 769' x 109.5'  /  234.4 x 33.4 meters
Armor: 2" (sides and bulkheads)-1" (top) over steering gear
Power plant: 6 boilers (??? psi); steam turbines; 2 shafts; 53,500 shp
Speed: 29.25 knots
Endurance (design): 10,000 nautical miles @ 15 knots
Armament: 8 single 5"/25 gun mounts; 40 .50-cal machine guns
Aircraft: 86
Aviation facilities: 3 elevators; no catapult
Crew: 2,148 (ship's company + air wing) (1941 figure)
Click on Thumbnail
for Full Size Image
Size Image Description Source
Name
CV-4 Ranger
NS020457
204k

CV-4 was named after "famous ships of the past" that had borne the name Ranger.

The first American Ranger was an 18-gun Continental Navy sloop, launched on 10 May 1777 by James K. Hackett, master shipbuilder, at Portsmouth, NH. Captain John Paul Jones in command.

NS020457: Ranger vs. HMS Drake, 24 April 1778. Ranger captures the British sloop-of-war Drake, 20, Commander George Burdon, in an hour's action off Carrickfergus, Ireland.

Previous Rangers:

  1. A Continental Navy sloop.
  2. An armed schooner.
  3. A brigantine.
  4. A steam-powered gunboat.
  5. A steel-hulled patrol yacht.
  6. A wooden patrol craft.
  7. A canceled battle cruiser, originally named Lexington.
  8. A canceled battle cruiser, renamed Constitution.
Image from Naval Aviation News, October 1957 issue
CV-4 Ranger
NS020457a
369k

"Engagement off Carrickfergus, Ireland, 24 April 1778. ('USS Ranger versus HMS Drake,' Arthur N. Disney, Sr., Navy Art Collection)."

From U.S. Navy: A Complete History, Naval Historical Foundation, 2003.

John Slaughter,
CV-4 Ranger
NS020457b
476k

"Mural depicting the continental sloop Ranger receiving the salute of the French fleet at Quiberon Bay. ('First Foreign Salute to the Stars and Stripes, 14 February 1778.' Howard B. French, U.S. Naval Academy)."

From U.S. Navy: A Complete History, Naval Historical Foundation, 2003.

The Pre-War Years
CV-4 Ranger
NS020433
159k

Ranger (CV-4) as she goes down the slipway, Saturday, 25 February 1933.

Original photo submitted by Robert Hurst.
Larger photo submitted by David Buell
CV-4 Ranger
NS020433a
395k Jim Millholland via Alan Cole
CV-4 Ranger
NS020414
110k

Ranger (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 (# 80-G-1007392).

Scott Dyben
CV-4 Ranger
NS020488
212k

USS Ranger (CV-4). Photo dated 6 June 1934, two days after commissioning.

Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company photo, # DCS08-827-6.

Ron Reeves
CV-4 Ranger
NS020458
123k

USS Ranger (CV-4) as built. BuAer photo # 165614.

Ed Zajkowski
CV-4 Ranger
NS020405
67k

USS Ranger underway in the 1930s, showing the arrangement of her six funnels and three lifts, two of the latter amidships, close together to one side of the flight deck centerline and the third at the aft end of the flight deck. Note the large number of ship's boats, but still no directors atop the island. Initially there were only four 5" guns in the mounts to the sides of the flight deck; two more guns were mounted on the forecastle and two on the hangar deck right aft, an arrangement which proved less than ideal in high seas. Official US Navy photo.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020425
35k

USS Ranger (CV-4) dockside, date and location unknown.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020471
432k

USS Ranger (CV-4), 1934. Note that she still has two 5" guns mounted on the forecastle.

Courtesy of Jim Kurrasch, Battleship Iowa, Pacific Battleship Center
CV-4 Ranger
NS020402
136k Undated, good waterline view from the port bow. USN
CV-4 Ranger
NS020407
48k

USS Ranger (CV-4) at anchor. Date/place unknown. The first ship of the U.S. Navy designed and constructed as an aircraft carrier, she was commissioned at the Norfolk Navy Yard, CAPT Arthur L. Bristol, commanding.

(Photo # 1150524).

USN
CV-4 Ranger
NS020426
48k

The aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-4) underway, date and location unknown.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020460
116k

USS Ranger (CV-4) prewar, exact date and location unknown.

Tommy Trampp
CV-4 Ranger + AV-3 Langley
NS09020368
266k

Aerial view of Naval Air Station North Island showing USS Langley (AV-3) moored forward of USS Ranger (CV-4) at the Air Station pier, circa 1930s.

San Diego Air and Space Museum Repository: San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive NASNI Historical Archive 034.

Bob Canchola
CV-4 Ranger
NS020429
23k

USS Ranger (CV-4) underway circa 1934, location unknown. Note the angled front face of her island; no directors are fitted on the latter. Official US Navy photo.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020468
223k

Two views of USS Ranger (CV-4) early in her career.

Ben Levinsohn
CV-4 Ranger
NS020468a
210k
CV-4 Ranger
NS020489
690k

F4B-4 (# 9256) on out rigger, starboard side, aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), 7 August 1934.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration, # 80-G-13364.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020482
739k

Crossing the Line Ceremony. An officer pollywog lookout is watching for Davy Jones aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), 24 August 1934.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # "80-CF-837-(Box 173)-Crossing the Line-1".

NARA
CV-4 Ranger
NS020482a
548k

Crossing the Line Ceremony. Pollywogs aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), 24 August 1934.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # "80-CF-837-(Box 173)-Crossing the Line-2".

CV-4 Ranger
NS020482b
482k

Crossing the Line Ceremony. Pollywogs aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), 24 August 1934.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # "80-CF-837-(Box 173)-Crossing the Line-3".

CV-4 Ranger
NS020482c
765k

Crossing the Line Ceremony. Royal Princess aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), 24 August 1934.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # "80-CF-837-(Box 173)-Crossing the Line-4".

CV-4 Ranger
NS020482d
500k

Crossing the Line Ceremony. Davy Jones being received aboard USS Ranger (CV-4) by Captain Arthur L. Bristol, 24 August 1934.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # "80-CF-837-(Box 173)-Crossing the Line-7".

CV-4 Ranger
NS020453
91k

Three Curtiss BF2C-1 Goshawk fighters of Bombing Squadron (VB) 5 in 1934. Twenty-seven BF2C-1s were delivered to VB-5 on USS Ranger (CV-4) in October 1934, but were withdrawn after a few months due to problems with the landing gear. U.S. Navy photo. U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News, January–February 1986.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020413
102k

At US Navy Yard, Hunters Point, San Francisco, CA, 1935.

Photo by CRM Edward E. Davis, USN.

Contributed by his nephew William T. Ramsey
CV-4 Ranger
NS020479
764k

USS Ranger (CV-4) off North Island, 1935.

San Diego Air & Space Museum photo, Naval Aviation in San Diego and North Island Collection.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-4 Ranger
NS020478
834k

USS Ranger (CV-4) pierside at Naval Air Station San Diego, circa 1935–1938.

San Diego Air & Space Museum photo, Naval Aviation in San Diego and North Island Collection.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-4 Ranger
NS020427
40k

The aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-4) with funnels lowered, circa 1936, location unknown.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020437
73k

US Navy photo, 1936.

David Buell
CV-4 Ranger
NS020477
669k

USS Ranger (CV-4) in San Diego, 1936.

San Diego Air & Space Museum Archive, (SDASM), SDASM's Naval Aviation in San Diego and North Island Collection.

SDASM,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-4 Ranger
NS020463
99k

Grumman F3F-1, #0225, 5-F-14, VF-5B "Red Rippers," assigned to USS Ranger (CV-4), circa 1936.

Photo courtesy of Floyd Proffitt, via Brad Proffitt
CV-4 Ranger
NS020490
584k

San Diego Bay, 1936, with USS Langley (CV-1) in the left background and USS Ranger (CV-4) in the right background.

San Diego Air & Space Museum photo.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-4 Ranger
NS020481
179k

U.S. Navy Curtiss BF2C-2 (# 9607) belonging to Fighting Squadron VF-5B based aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-4). Buffalo, New York, 1936. USN Photo.

From United States Navy and Marine Corps Fighters 1918–1962, compiled by Paul R. Matt and edited by Bruce Robertson.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger & AV-1 Wright
NS09410109
38k

Wright (AV-1) and Ranger (CV-4) moored at NAS North Island in San Diego bay, circa 1936–1938.

Photo by Albert Weigandt F1/c,
USS Wright, 1936-38.
Courtesy of James Card QMC USN
CV-4 Ranger
NS020446
141k

USS Ranger (CV-4) anchored off Hawaii in 1937 with the flight deck loaded with planes.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.013.005.

Mike Green
CV-4 Ranger + AV-3
NS09020367
299k

View from Naval Air Station North Island tower looking toward the city of San Diego, circa late 1930s. USS Ranger (CV-4) is at the air station pier, with a P2Y seaplane on the water just astern. USS Langley (AV-3) is offshore, with a PBY overhead.

US Naval History and Heritage Command photo # NH 91369, courtesy of BMC R. E. Turpin.

Bob Canchola
CV-4 Ranger
NS020444
152k

Signal bridge of USS Ranger (CV-4). Navy Recruiting Bureau, NY, via USNIP, 1938.

Photo courtesy of USNI & submitted by Pieter Bakels
CV-4 Ranger
NS020490
747k

USS Ranger (CV-4) moored at North Island, California, with aircraft on her deck, 14 March 1938.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.013.010.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-4 Ranger
NS020416
54k

Thursday, 17 March 1938, during Fleet Problem XIX. Photo from the Northrop Grumman (Newport News Shipbuilding) archives, also found at the National Archives (# 80-G-44503).

(Thanks to Robert J. Cressman, who provided additional info).

James R. Greiner
CV-4 Ranger
NS020473
134k

Sailors queued up for ice cream and other treats at Ranger's Gedunk, 22 March 1938.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-463766.

Tracy White,
Researcher @ Large
CV-4 Ranger
NS020434
126k

USS Ranger (CV-4), foreground; USS Lexington (CV-2), middle distance; and USS Saratoga (CV-3), background, lie at anchor off Honolulu, HI, April 8, 1938 during Fleet Problem XIX.

National Archives photo # 80-G-410056.

(See also photos NS020201 and NS020341 ff.)

National Archives
CV-4 Ranger
NS020401
240k

Off Honolulu, HI, during Fleet Problem XIX, April 8, 1938.

National Archives photo # 80-G-410061.

National Archives
CV-4 Ranger
NS020450
111k

A Vought SBU-1 (Corsair) of Scouting Squadron Forty-Two (VS-42) flown by pilot LCDR Ralph W.D. Woods, CO, near Norfolk. USS Ranger (CV-4), circa 1939.

Photo courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection, # 1996.253.2056.

Bill Gonyo
CV-4 Ranger
NS020421
123k

"(NY11) NORFOLK, Va., April 13[, 1939]—RANGER COMES HOME FOR A VISIT— The Ranger, U.S. Navy's 14,500-ton aircraft carrier is shown with funnels laid over as it returned yesterday to the port where it was built as one of the first war vessels to arrive for the naval display off the Virginia capes. The Ranger carries 75 aircraft, of which four squadrons are bomber fighters, the remainder amphibians. Funnels are laid over when vessel carries planes. [...] (APWirephoto)(h51005wx)39"

AP photo from the collection of Micheal Strout, via Jonathan Eno
CV-4 Ranger
NS020467
837k

"By day, Manhattan's towering skyline looms behind the aircraft carrier Ranger at anchor in the Hudson for the [World's] Fair. The Empire State Building rises at center above the other skyscrapers (Wide World Photos)."

The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., 14 May 1939.

Courtesy of Chronicling America, Library of Congress,
via Michael Mohl
CV-4 Ranger
NS020454
242k

"PLANE CARRIER HIT BY FIRE—NORFOLK, Va., [Wednesday,] July 12[,1939]–AP–An explosion started a fire amidships the United States naval aircraft carrier Ranger Wednesday and burned for about three hours before it was brought under control."

"Estimates of damage were not immediately available."

"Several men were treated for shock and exhaustion, but officials said they had no definite information concerning the number injured or the cause of the explosion."

"The fire started about 2 p.m. and was brought under control about 5 p.m."

"The Ranger is at Norfolk navy yard."

Ron Reeves
CV-4 Ranger
NS020411
96k

Anchored in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 10 November 1939.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-391559).

Scott Dyben
CV-4 Ranger
NS020412
323k

Underway at sea during the later 1930s.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-428440.

Scott Dyben
Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-4 Ranger
NS020412a
472k

Same image as above, as a postcard, 1942.

Arnold Putnam
CV-4 Ranger
NS020417
41k

Pre-war photo from Our Navy magazine, mid-July 1943 issue.

Chester O. Morris
CV-4 Ranger
NS020403
140k

Despite its printed caption, this photo was most likely taken in April 1939 during Ranger's visit to New York for the World's Fair.

(Thanks to Robert J. Cressman, who provided additional info).

USN
CV-4 Ranger
NS020447
204k

Overhead view of USS Ranger (CV-4) underway, 1941, in a hard turn to port, with crewmen and aircraft on her flight deck.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 1996.488.013.017.

Mike Green
CV-4 Ranger
NS020436
108k

Ship's senior officers and heads of departments, 10 June 1941.

Front row, left to right: Lieutenant Commander Herbert W. Taylor, Jr., USN, Navigation Department; Commander Francis G. Ulen, USN(DC), Dental Department; Commander Francis W. Carll, USN(MC), Medical Department; Captain Alfred E. Montgomery, USN, Commanding Officer; Commander Thomas L. Sprague, USN, Executive Officer; Commander Allen H. White, USN(SC), Supply Department, and Lieutenant Commander John M. Hoskins, USN.

Standing, left to right: Captain Thomas B. Hughes, USMC, Marine Detachment; Lieutenant Commander Warren W. Johnson, USN, Engineering Department; Lieutenant Commander Edward J. Robbins, USN (ChC), Chaplain; Lieutenant Commander Jefferson D. Beard, USN, Damage Control Department and First Lieutenant; Lieutenant Commander John R. Van Nagell, USN, Gunnery Department, and Lieutenant John H. Brockway, USN.

In the background are Grumman F3F aircraft of Fighting Squadron Five, which was on its way back to the U.S. to receive new F4F aircraft.

Photograph from Department of the Navy collections in the U.S. National Archives (# 80-CF-8005-1).

NHC
CV-4 Ranger
NS020418
59k

Convoy WS-12 steaming toward Capetown, South Africa, in November 1941. USS Quincy (CA-39) leads the nearest column, followed by USS Wakefield (AP-21), USS Mount Vernon (AP-22), USS West Point (AP-23) and USS Cimarron (AO-22). The second column is led by USS Ranger (CV-4), followed by USS Orizaba (AP-24), USS Leonard Wood (AP-25), USS Joseph T. Dickman (AP-26) and USS Vincennes (CA-44). The other ships present are destroyers.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-2275).

NHC
World War II
CV-4 Ranger
NS020404
135k

Aerial view of USS Ranger (CV-4), probably taken in 1942. She served in the Atlantic in 1941–1944, participated in the North African invasion, and the October, 1943 raid on Norway. Used as a training ship from 1944 to the end of the war.

USN
CV-4 Ranger
NS020404a
87k Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-4 Ranger
NS020486
22k

A Douglas TBD-1 Devastator of Torpedo Squadron (VT) 4 taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-4) in 1942.

Photo U.S. Navy.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020430
53k

USS Ranger in Measure 12 (modified) camouflage at Norfolk Navy Yard in April 1942, after completion of the first modifications necessitated by the war. Note the newly fitted AA mounts, all shielded. The 1.1" AA guns were regrouped, and a few 20mm weapons can be made out. Official US Navy photo.

Robert Hurst
Ed Zajkowski
CV-4 Ranger
NS020448
111k

"USS Ranger (CV-4), port quarter, Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, VA, photo serial 2911(42), April 7, 1942". Painted in Ms. 12 (mod) camouflage.

David Buell
CV-4 Ranger
NS020448b
102k

"USS Ranger (CV-4), port broad side, Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, VA, photo serial 2912(42), April 7, 1942".

Ed Zajkowski
CV-4 Ranger
NS020445c
117k

"USS Ranger (CV-4). Island structure looking for'd. Norfolk Navy Yard. Portsmouth, VA. Photo serial 2913(42). April 11, 1942."

Ed Zajkowski
CV-4 Ranger
NS020445d
117k

"USS Ranger (CV-4). View of island, port side. Norfolk Navy Yard. Portsmouth, VA. Photo serial 2914(42). April 11, 1942."

Ed Zajkowski
CV-4 Ranger
NS020445
111k

Details of USS Ranger's island, taken on 11 April 1942, at Norfolk Navy Yard. It clearly shows that the two Mk.33 directors, installed before the outbreak of war, are fitted with Mk.4 radar; on the masthead is CXAM-1; and landing deck spotlights can be seen on the tripod mast. The wooden decking can just be made out. Mounts were added fore and aft of the island for the 1.1-in AA guns and their directors (USN).

Text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

"USS Ranger (CV-4). View of island looking aft and to stbd. Norfolk Navy Yard. Portsmouth, VA. Photo serial 2916(42). April 11, 1942."

Robert Hurst
Larger copy submitted by Ed Zajkowski
CV-4 Ranger
NS020445e
99k

"USS Ranger (CV-4). View of island from stbd. side. Norfolk Navy Yard. Portsmouth, VA. Photo serial 2918(42). April 11, 1942."

Ed Zajkowski
CV-4 Ranger
NS020445a
114k

View of USS Ranger (CV-4), showing how narrow carrier islands are. In the foreground the raised 1.1-in AA gun mount is offset to starboard in order to save space; above this (covered) is its director. Ranger had a two-level bridge at this time; above the upper level is the Mk.4 radar, suspended on its Mk.33 director. The structure of the CXAM-1 radar is clearly visible (USN).

Text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

"USS Ranger (CV-4). View of island, looking aft. Norfolk Navy Yard. Portsmouth, VA. Photo serial 2917(42). April 11, 1942."

Robert Hurst
Larger copy submitted by Ed Zajkowski
CV-4 Ranger
NS020445f
108k

"USS Ranger (CV-4). Stern view stbd. side. Norfolk Navy Yard. Portsmouth, VA. Photo serial 2922(42). April 11, 1942."

Ed Zajkowski
CV-4 Ranger
NS020445b
89k

"USS Ranger (CV-4). Bow view, stbd. side. Norfolk Navy Yard. Portsmouth, VA. Photo serial 2923(42). April 11, 1942."

Ed Zajkowski
CV-4 Ranger
NS020419a
1.97M

A Douglas SBD Dauntless recovers aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), circa June 1942.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-K-730.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-4 Ranger
NS020419c
960k

Douglas SBD Dauntlesses prepare to launch, during flight OPS aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), circa June 1942. Note tail of Grumman F4F Wildcat in lower right foreground.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-K-740.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-4 Ranger
NS020419
1.13M

Douglas SBD Dauntless scout bomber goes around for another landing attempt, after being "waved off" by the Landing Signal Officer on USS Ranger (CV-4), circa June 1942.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-K-741.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-4 Ranger
NS020419b
488k

A Douglas SBD Dauntless, of Bombing Squadron (VB) 4, prepares to recover aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), circa June 1942. Note the Landing Signal Officer (LSO) on the right.

National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) photo, # 1996.488.021.023.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-4 Ranger
NS020451
182k

The Admiral conducts an inspection aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), 19 June 1942.

Bill Gonyo
CV-4 Ranger
NS020452
258k

Forward end of the flight deck [of USS Ranger (CV-4)] while en route to Africa, 18 July 1942, showing the "desert pink"-painted Curtiss P-40F[ Warhawks of the 57th Fighter Group (Lt. Col. Frank H. Mears, Jr., USAAF, commanding)]. Note four SB2U[ Vindicators] from the Ranger Air Group parked among the USAAF fighters, and heavy cruiser [USS] Augusta (CA-31) off the carrier's port bow. National Archives photo # 80-G-12974.

Text from USS Ranger, the Navy's First Flattop from Keel to Mast, 1934–1946, by Robert J. Cressman (Brassey's, Inc., Washington, D.C.: 2003).

Ben Katz
CV-4 Ranger
NS020420
121k

USS Ranger (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 (# 80-G-10783).

NHC
CV-4 Ranger
NS020420a
154k

USS Ranger (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 (# 80-G-10786).

NHC
CV-4 Ranger
NS020420b
94k

USS Ranger (CV-4), starboard broadside view, Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Va., 18 August 1942. Photo serial #3575(42).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-10786).

David Buell
CV-4 Ranger
NS020420c
39k

Port broadside view of USS Ranger (CV-4) on August 18, 1942 conducting training off Norfolk Navy Yard. Ranger is camouflaged in Measure 12 (mod) scheme.

Photo from the 1943–45 Naval Recognition Manual files.

Mike Green
CV-4 Ranger
NS020420d
37k

Starboard bow view of USS Ranger (CV-4) on August 18, 1942. Her stern mounted movable smoke stacks are in their upward position and are easily seen, along with her Measure 12 (mod) camouflage scheme.

Photo from the 1943–45 Naval Recognition Manual files.

Mike Green
CV-4 Ranger
NS020420e
263k

Ranger — CV-4. From US Naval Ships & Aircraft (ONI 54-R), condensed and printed for FM 30-50, NAVAER 00-80V-57 (Recognition Pictorial Manual of Naval Vessels). Supplement 2 - 18 November 1942.

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-4 Ranger
NS020420f
266k
CV-4 Ranger
NS020424
95k

"Aircraft Carrier Ranger."  (From a Russian publication).

These drawings show Ranger after her August 1942 refit at Norfolk (top and center), and after her May-July 1944 refit, also carried out at Norfolk (bottom).

Alex Tatchin
CV-4 Ranger
NS020441
61k

A VS-41 Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless as it comes aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), 6 September 1942. USN photo.

From "Carrier Air War in Original WWII Color," by Robert Lawson and Barrett Tillman.

Robert Hurst
North Africa Invasion, November 1942
CV-4 Ranger
NS020409
125k

Testing machine guns of Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighters aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), while en route from the U.S. to North African waters, circa early November 1942. Note the special markings used during this operation, with a yellow ring painted around the national insignia on aircraft fuselages.

This is a censored photo, since the individual squadron markings (VF-9 and VF-41) are plainly visible on the original negative. (Thanks to Robert J. Cressman).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-30362).

Scott Dyben
CV-4 Ranger
NS020423
149k

Sailors "stripping ship" aboard USS Ranger (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 (# 80-G-30266).

NHC
CV-4 Ranger
NS020474
118k

Ranger's gun crews stayed close to their mounts during Operation Torch. Here, the 1.1" mount just forward of the island and her starboard forward 20mm gallery are fully manned and guns at the ready in case of Axis attack.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-30233.

Tracy White,
Researcher @ Large
CV-4 Ranger
NS020474a
137k

Sailors work on one of Ranger's TBF Avengers in the ship's cavernous hangar as she steams towards North Africa in preparation for Operation Torch.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-30290.

Tracy White,
Researcher @ Large
CV-4 Ranger
NS020408
82k

A Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter taking off from USS Ranger (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 Ranger's mast.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-30244).

Robert J. Cressman, Head, Ships History Branch, Naval Historical Center, notes: "the original photo, uncropped, shows a crewman directing the plane up the deck to be spotted; all activity on the flight deck appears geared to recovering, not launching, planes, notably the 'asbestos joes' (men wearing protective clothing) by the island, the crewman with the chocks (R), etc."

Scott Dyben
CV-4 Ranger
NS020422
92k

Pilots of Fighting Squadron 41 (VF-41) singing in their ready room aboard USS Ranger (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 (# 80-G-30251).

NHC
CV-4 Ranger
NS020475
100k

An Army L-4 Cub prepares to launch from Ranger on 9 November, shortly before 2PM. Ranger carried three L-4s to the operation and launched them to serve as artillery spotters with ground forces.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-0341.

Tracy White,
Researcher @ Large
 
CV-4 Ranger
NS020406
53k In 1943, with stacks in vertical position. USN
CV-4 Ranger
NS020487
60k

"1943. Detail view of the forward starboard side armament and flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-4). Note the 5inch/25 AA guns in foreground with a quadruple 40 mm Bofors AA mounting behind. Beyond that a gallery of 20 mm Oerlikon AA guns lines the flight deck. Another quadruple Bofors is sited before the island. The two aircraft in the foreground are Douglas SBD scout dive bombers. Behind them are Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bombers. The aircraft cockpits are covered for coolness. The half covered openings in the flight [deck] in the centre of the photograph are for arrestor wires to allow landing over the bow. (Naval Historical Collection)"

Australian War Memorial photo.

John Spivey
CV-4 Ranger
NS020466
181k

USS Ranger (CV-4), port bow view, Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, VA, Photo Serial 4454(43), 6 January 1943. Division of Naval Intelligence, Identification and Characteristics Section, June 1943.

David Buell
CV-4 Ranger
NS020461
119k

P-40L Kittyhawks of the 58th Fighter Group on the flight deck of USS Ranger (CV-4), 14–24 February 1943, during transport to North Africa. The canopies are painted with a dark protective coating. Note that the engines of some of the aircraft are in the process of being run up.

Source: NARA II (photo # 80-G-52831).

Tracy White,
Researcher @Large
CV-4 Ranger
NS020462
111k

TBF-1 Avenger, BuNo 06253, of VT-4 rests on Ranger's two port side exhaust stacks after a landing accident on 2 March 1943.

Source: NARA II (photo # 80-G-52840).

Tracy White,
Researcher @Large
CV-4 Ranger
NS020455
70k

A Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless of Bombing Squadron (VB) 4 during Operation Leader, 4 October 1943, flying from the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV- 4). The objective of the force was the Norwegian port of Bodø. The task force reached launch position off Vestfjord before dawn 4 October completely undetected. At 0618, Ranger launched 20 Dauntless dive bombers and an escort of eight Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighters of VF-4. One division of dive bombers attacked the 8,000-ton freighter LaPlata, while the rest continued north to attack a small German convoy. They severely damaged a 10,000-ton tanker and a smaller troop transport. They also sank two of four small German merchantmen in the Bodø roadstead.

This Dauntless (4-B-19, #11011), piloted by LT(JG) Clyde A. Tucker, Jr. with ARM2/c Stephen D. Bakran as gunner, is shown passing Kunna Head south of Bodø. It was one of two planes later lost in the attack (the other one was 4-B-15, #28636, LT(JG) Sumner R. Davis and ARM2/c Donald W. McCarley).

Photo from Naval Aviation News, 1 October 1945 issue.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020431
49k

USS Ranger underway in January 1944, location unknown. She is painted up in Measure 22. The 5" guns are still in place, as are the 1.1" AA guns — later removed and replaced by eight quad 40mm AA. Official US Navy photo.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020464
140k

Views of USS Ranger (CV-4) taken from USS De Haven (DD-727) during summer 1944. Photos by William Coffin PHM3/c.

John Chiquoine
CV-4 Ranger
NS020464a
156k
CV-4 Ranger
NS020464b
132k
CV-4 Ranger
NS020464c
183k
CV-4 Ranger
NS020464d
159k
CV-4 Ranger
NS020432
55k

USS Ranger in July 1944, location unknown. The 5" guns have been removed, and quad 40mm mounts have replaced the 1.1" AA guns in the bow and stern positions. Note also an SP fighter-control radar atop her mast and an air search SC-2 below it. Camouflage is Measure 33, Design 1A. Official US Navy photo.

Robert Hurst
CV-4 Ranger
NS020410
98k

Photographed from a Naval Air Station, Hampton Roads, Virginia, aircraft on 6 July 1944. Note her camouflage paint scheme.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-236719).

Scott Dyben
CV-4 Ranger
NS020465
20.5M

USS Ranger (CV-4), Booklet of General Plans, 7 July 1934; corrected to suit ship, up to 24 July 1944.

Courtesy of the Historic Naval Ships Association
CV-4 Ranger
NS020476
600k

Starboard view of USS Ranger (CV-4) at Norfolk, 11 July 1944, wearing camouflage 33/1A. Some of the antennas have been censored.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-180197.

Courtesy of C. Lee Johnson, usndazzle.com,
via Mike Green
CV-4 Ranger
NS020485
3.66M

Torpedo Squadron (VT) 84 was temporarily based aboard USS Ranger (CV-4) for shakedown exercises, 27 November–2 December 1944.

Collection of
CDR Judson C. Davis, who served with VT-84,
submitted by his son, Lipo Davis,
via Bob Canchola
CV-4 Ranger
NS020485a
326k

Then LT Judson C. Davis and his crew.

CV-4 Ranger
NS020449
166k

Photo of USS Ranger (CV-4) taken by an airship from Squadron ZP-31 off the California coast, dated 29 May 1945. LT(JG) Dymkowski was the photographer.

David Buell
Post-War
CV-4 Ranger
NS020456
221k

USS Ranger (CV-4) is seen on 12 October 1945, transiting the Panama Canal on her way to New Orleans for Navy Day celebrations.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 1999.488.013.032.

Mike Green
CV-4 Ranger
NS020438
147k

Associated Press Wirephoto whose caption states that "the photo shows Ranger headed upstream in the Mississippi River for a port visit to New Orleans."

"Launching 45 Grumman F8F-1 Bearcats (VBF-18 and VF-18) and 15 TBM-1C Avengers (VT-18) on the afternoon of the 15th [October 1945], to fly into NAS New Orleans, when she had reached a point approximately 100 miles from the Crescent City, the Ranger reached her destination the following afternoon, mooring to the Bienville Street dock." Quoted from "USS Ranger, the Navy's First Flattop from Keel to Mast, 1934–1946," by Robert J. Cressman (Brassey's, Inc., Washington, D.C.: 2003).

David Buell
CV-4 Ranger
NS020469
255k

USS Ranger (CV-4), 1945. May be at about the same time as the photo above.

David Buell
CV-4 Ranger
NS020470
737k

USS Ranger (CV-4), 1945.

David Buell
USS Ranger in the Movies
CV-4 Ranger
NS020428
172k

"Wings over Honolulu" (1937; directed by Henry C. Potter; starring Ray Milland, Wendy Barrie, Kent Taylor, William Gargan, and Polly Rowles) was filmed, in part, aboard USS Ranger (CV-4) during the third week of February 1937.

"[...] several officers [including the CO, Captain Patrick N.L. Bellinger] and enlisted men of the ship's company made movie debuts" (from "The CV-4," the ship's paper, February 27, 1937, quoted in Robert J. Cressman's "USS Ranger, 1934-1946, The Navy's First Flattop from Keel to Mast").

Posters courtesy of Hawaiian Antiques .com
CV-4 Ranger
NS020428a
146k
Memorabilia
CV-4 Ranger
NS020483
410k

USS Ranger (CV-4), Builder's Plaque, now in the Nauticus Museum, Norfolk, Virginia.

Austin Oliver
CV-4 Ranger
NS020442
239k

USS Ranger (CV-4), Mighty "R," Christmas 1944.

John D. Hays
CV-4 Ranger
NS020442a
78k
CV-4 Ranger
NS020439
135k

Ship's Bell, on display outside of the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. Photos taken on 13 June 2008.

Photos by Judson Phillips
CV-4 Ranger
NS020439a
102k
CV-4 Ranger
NS020472
277k

This famous photograph was also distributed as a postcard.

"One of the Navy's growing fleet of aircraft carriers is the Ranger. Commissioned in 1934, carrying scores of fast deadly planes."

Tommy Trampp
CV-4 Ranger
NS020459
46k

Fighting Squadron 4 (VF-4), the "Red Rippers," was established as VF-5 on 1 February 1927; redesignated VF-5S (1 July 1927), VF-5B (January 1928), VB-1B (1 July 1928), VF-5B (1 July 1930), VF-5S (July 1932), VF-5B (April 1933), VF-4 (1 July 1937), VF-41 (15 March 1941), VF-4 (4 August 1943), VF-1A (15 November 1946), VF-11 (2 August 1948), and disestablished on 15 February 1959. The following day, 16 February 1959, VF-43 was redesignated VF-11 and carried on the insignia and traditions of the earlier "Red Rippers" (but not their lineage).

VF-4 (at the time VF-5B) transferred to USS Ranger in July 1936 and remained aboard until April 1944.

Tommy Trampp
Models
CV-4 Ranger
NS020435
32k

-

Courtesy of Joel Rosen, Motion Models

For more photos and information about this ship, see:

Read the USS Ranger (CV-4) DANFS History entry

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Last update: 4 August 2024