I kinda have mixed feelings about this effort...
Yes, it had its ups and downs, a ship does get a Rep from some of its exploits while on the job...
All I remember about the Ranger was its nickname...And by no means is it an insult to those that served on her, but it does give you a chuckle from time to time...
“Danger Ranger”
But hey, I was not the one that came up with it, I do believe someone onboard came up with that one, and it stuck...
BTW, where and who would get this carrier for restoration and display???
I’m told that Long Beach wants her.
Nickname “Danger Ranger” ?
I was on the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, during my second enlistment, 1963-1967, and we had another name for Ranger. We called it “Building 61” because it was always tied up in Hunters Point Shipyard and could not get underway to make it’s commitments.
Instead of staying in port to enjoy well deserved shore leave, the Coral Sea was ordered to sea in order to qualify Rangers squadrons because Ranger could not get underway. That didn’t go over too well!
I believe it was in 1966, on Yankee Station, Coral Sea was operating near Ranger when Ranger experienced an engine room fire. We closed to within sight of Ranger and could see black smoke coming out of the elevator doors.
Ranger had a strike returning but was unable to take them aboard so Coral Sea came to the rescue again and recovered Ranger’s aircraft.
I think ships do seem to have a personality, maybe not to the air group, but to permanent ships company who live aboard for several years. I have sailed in quite a few ships both in the Navy and as a civilian Merchant Mariner. Over time a ship seems to feel like it is a living thing. There is a constant small vibration and movement that gives it a feeling of life. Some I was happy to see them go and others a feeling of sadness to see these once proud warriors torn apart by scavengers who care not of that ship’s honorable record.
Just the thoughts of an old seafarer.