Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Criteria Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK KWSM) have been established by the ROK government. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have: Served between the outbrea... Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK KWSM) have been established by the ROK government. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities, June 25, 1950, and the date the armistice was signed, July 27, 1953, Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days Performed his / her duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations MoreHide
Joining the Pacific Fleet, Columbus reached Tsingtao, China, 13 January 1946 for occupation duty. On 1 April she helped to sink 24 Japanese submarines, prizes of war, and next day sailed for San Pedro, California. For the remainder of the year, she operated in west coast waters, then made a second Far Eastern cruise from 15 January to 12 June 1947.
After west coast operations and an overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Columbus cleared Bremerton 12 April 1948 to join the Atlantic Fleet, arriving at Norfolk, Va., 19 May. Columbus made two cruises as flagship of Commander-in-Chief, Naval Forces Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, from 13 September 1948 to 15 December 1949 and from 12 June 1950 to 5 October 1951, and one as flagship of Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic, during parts of NATO Operation Mainbrace from 25 August to 29 September 1952. She cruised in the Mediterranean from October 1952 through January 1953, serving part of that time as flagship of the 6th Fleet. Now flagship of Cruiser Division 6, she returned to the Mediterranean from September 1954 to January 1955. Between deployments, Columbus received necessary overhauls and carried out training operations along the east coast and in the Caribbean.
Reassigned to the Pacific Fleet, Columbus cleared Boston, Massachusetts, on 8 November 1955 for Long Beach, California, where she arrived 2 December. Just a month later, on 5 January 1956, she sailed for Yokosuka, Japan, and operated with the 7th Fleet until she returned to Long Beach 8 July. Columbus made two more cruises to the Far East in 1957 and 1958. During the late summer of 1958, her presence was a reminder of American strength and interest as she patrolled the Taiwan Straits during the crisis brought on by the renewed shelling of the offshore islands by the Chinese communists. On 8 May 1959, Columbus went out of commission at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to begin her conversion to a guided missile cruiser.
[edit] As CG-12 30 Sep 59 - 31 Jan 75
Insignia Adopted in 1962, after conversion to CGOn 30 September 1959 the USS Columbus was retrofitted as an Albany class Guided Missile Cruiser, joining the USS Albany (CG-10) and USS Chicago (CG-11) as the only three ships of this line, and reclassified CG-12,. The USS Columbus (CG-12) was subsequently recommissioned on 1 December 1962, and her first deployment was to the western Pacific in August 1964.
The 1959 Albany-class refit of the USS Columbus left CG-12 with the following armaments:
RIM-8 Talos - 2 twin Talos SAM launch systems Fore: Systems 1 & 2, with one launcher; Aft: Systems 7 & 8, with one launcher RIM-24 Tartar - 2 twin Tartar SAM launch systems Starboard: Systems 3 & 5 with MK11 launcher; Port: Systems 4 & 6 with MK11 launcher Anti-Submarine - 1 eight-tube ASROC system Torpedoes - 2 triple-tube Mk-32 torpedo systems
USS Columbus, CG-12, firing Tartar missile while on deployment to Mediterranean [edit] Flagship The Columbus served as Flagship COMCRUDESFLOT throughout 1966, after assignment to the Atlantic Fleet at the start of that year. From 1966 until 1974, Columbus deployed to the Mediterranean seven times.
Oct 66 - Apr 67 Jan 68 - Jul 68 Dec 68 - May 69 08 Oct 69 - 18 Mar 70 06 Sep 70 - 01 Mar 71 17 May 72 - 18 Oct 72 02 Nov 73 - 31 May 74 Unlike the other members of the class that had been converted to guided missile cruisers, the ship was not modernised in 1970. Upon return from her final Mediterranean deployment on 31 May 1974, she entered port and began preparations for deactivation and decommissioning. The ship was decommissioned on 31 January 1975, stricken from the Navy List on 9 August 1976 and sold for scrapping on 3 October 1977.
Other Memories
Cabot was originally to be CV-16, an Essex class fleet carrier. During 1942, as the final work on the new carrier was being completed at Fore River Shipyard in Massachusetts, word was received that the original carrier named Lexington (CV-2), had been sunk by the Japanese in the Battle of the Coral Sea. A campaign was launched to change the name of the new carrier to Lexington, a historic town in Massachusetts.
The second Cabot (CVL-28) was laid down as Wilmington (CL-79), redesignated CV-28 on 2 June 1942, renamed Cabot 23 June 1942, converted while building, and launched 4 April 1943 by New York Shipbuilding Co., Camden, N.J.; sponsored by Mrs. A. C. Read; reclassified CVL-28 on 15 July 1943; and commissioned 24 July 1943, Captain M. F. Shoeffel in command.
Cabot sailed from Quonset Point, R.I., 8 November 1943 for Pearl Harbor, where she arrived 2 December. Clearing for Majuro 15 January 1944, she joined TF 58 to begin the consistently high quality of war service which was to win her a Presidentia l Unit Citation. From 4 February to 4 March 1944 she launched her planes in strikes on Roi, Namur, and the island stronghold of Truk, aiding in the neutralization of these Japanese bases as her part in the invasion of the Marshalls.
Cabot returned to Pearl Harbor for a brief repair period, but was back in action from Majuro for the pounding raids on the Palaus, Yap, Ulithi, and Woleai at the close of March 1944. She sailed to provide valuable air cover for the Hollandia ope ration from 22 to 25 April, and 4 days later began to hurl her air power at Truk, Satawan, and Ponape. She cleared Majuro again 6 June for the preinvasion air strikes in the Marianas, and on 19 and 20 June launched sorties in the key Battle of the Phi lippine Sea, the famous "Marianas Turkey Shoot," which hopelessly crippled Japanese naval aviation. Cabot's air units pounded Japanese bases on Iwo Jima, Pagan, Rota, Guam, Yap and Ulithi as the carrier continued her support of the Marianas oper ation until 9 August.
Preinvasion strikes in the Palaus in September 1944 along with air attacks on Mindanao, the Visayas, and Luzon paved the way for the long- awaited return to the Philippines. On 6 October Cabot sailed from Ulithi for raids on Okinawa, and to provide air cover for her task group during the heavy enemy attacks off Formosa on 12 and 13 October. Cabot joined the group which screened "Cripple Division 1," the cruisers Canberra (CA-70) and Houston (CL-81) which had been torpedoed off Formosa, to the safety of the Carolines, then rejoined her group for continued air strikes on then Visayas, and the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 and 26 October.
Cabot remained on patrol off Luzon, conducting strikes in support of operations ashore, and repelling desperate suicide attacks. On 25 November a particularly vicious one occurred. Cabot had fought off several kamikazes when one, already flaming from hits, crashed the flight deck on the port side, destroying the still-firing 20 mm. gun platform, disabling the 40 mm. Mounts and a gun director: Another of Cabot's victims crashed close aboard and showered the port side with shrapn el and burning debris. Cabot lost 62 men killed and wounded but careful training had produced a crew which handled damage control smoothly and coolly. While she continued to maintain her station in formation and operate effectively, temporary re pairs were made. On 28 November she arrived at Ulithi for permanent repairs.
Cabot returned to action 11 December 1944, steaming with the force striking Luzon, Formosa, Indo-China, Hong Kong, and the Nansei Shoto in support of the Luzon operations. From 10 February to 1 March 1945 her planes pounded the Japanese homeland and the Bonins to suppress opposition to the invasion of Iwo Jima. Continued strikes against Kyushu and Okinawa in March prepared for the invasion of the latter island. After these prolonged, intensive operations, Cabot was homeward bound for San Francisco for a much-needed overhaul completed in June.
After refresher training at Pearl Harbor, the carrier launched strikes on Wake Island on 1 August while en route to Eniwetok. Here she remained on training duty until the end of the war. Sailing 21 August, she joined TG 38.3 to support the landings of occupation troops in the Yellow Sea area in September and October. Embarking homeward-bound men at Guam, Cabot arrived at San Diego 9 November, then sailed for the east coast. Cabot was placed out of commission in reserve at Philadelphia 11 February 1947.
Recommissioned 27 October 1948, Cabot was assigned to the Naval Air Reserve training program. She operated out of Pensacola, then Quonset Point, on cruises to the Caribbean, and had one tour of duty in European waters from 9 January to 26 March 1952. Cabot was again placed out of commission in reserve 21 January 1955. She was reclassified AVT-3 on 15 May 1959.
USS Cabot Statistics: Number of miles steamed since commission :180,880 NM Number of miles steamed in combat zone :133,880 NM Time in combat ::16 months Number of strikes flown against enemy :114 Number of combat sorties ::4,933 Number of enemy planes shot down by air groups :252 Number of enemy planes shot down by ship's AA :8 Number of planes destroyed on ground by air groups :96 Number of ships hit with torpedo or bombs :265 Number of planes lost due to enemy action :27 Number of planes lost operationally :39 Number of pilots killed or missing in action :23 Number of pilots rescued from the water :14 Number of air crewmen rescued from the water :6 Number of ship's officers killed in action :31 Number of ship's men killed in action :51 Number of men killed by Kamikaze attack 25/11/44 :35
Specifications: displacement: 11,000 length: 622'6" beam: 71'6" ew: 109'2" draw: 26' speed: 32 k. complement: 1,569 armanent: 26 40 mm. class: Independence class
Special Features: Presidential Unit Citation Battle Stars
Description Communist efforts to divide the South Koreans against themselves having failed, the North Koreans decided to attempt their subjugation by military force. At 0400, Sunday, 25 June 1950 (Korean Time), NCommunist efforts to divide the South Koreans against themselves having failed, the North Koreans decided to attempt their subjugation by military force. At 0400, Sunday, 25 June 1950 (Korean Time), North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel into the Republic and launched their main effort toward the South Korean capital city of Seoul, down the P'och'on-Uijongbu and Yonch'on-Uijongbu corridors. Strong attacks were also directed through Kaesong toward Munsan on the right, and toward Ch'unch'on on the left. On the west coast the Ongjin Peninsula was quickly captured. On the east coast a land column and a small seaborne detachment met near Kangnung.
By 28 June Seoul had fallen, the North Koreans had closed up along the Han River to a point about 20 miles east of Seoul, and had advanced as far as Samchok on the meat coast. By 4 July enemy forces were along the line Suwon-Wonju-Samchok. In withdrawing, the Republic of Korea ("ROK") forces had suffered such serious losses that their attempts to regroup and retain order were almost futile.
On 25 June 1950 the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling "for immediate cessation of hostilities" and "upon the authorities of North Korea to withdraw forthwith their armed forces to the thirty-eighth parallel." When the North Koreans failed to accede to these demands, the Security Council passed a second resolution recommending "that the Members of the United Nations furnish such assistance to the Republic of Korea as may be necessary to repel the armed attack and restore the international peace and security in the area."
President Truman announced on 27 June 1950 the t he had ordered American air and naval forces to give cover and support to the South Korean troops (UN Defensive-27 June to 15 September 1950). On the 28th he authorized the Commander in Chief Far East to use certain supporting ground units in Korea, and authorized the U.S. Air Force to conduct missions on specific targets in North Korea. On the 30th the President further authorized the C. in C. Far East to use all forces available to him to repel the invasion, and ordered a naval blockade of the entire coast of Korea.
A Security Council resolution of 7 July 1950 recommended the establishment of a unified command in Korea and requested the United States to designate a commander of these forces. On 8 July President Truman announced the appointment of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur as Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (CINCUNC). On 14 July President Rhee placed all ROK security forces under the United Nations commander, an act which consolidated the anti-Communist forces under the United Nations Commend for the purpose of repelling the Communist aggression.
The U.S. forces at MacArthur's disposal included the four divisions in Japan-the 1st Cavalry Division and the 7th, 24th, and 25th Infantry Divisions-and the 29th Regimental Combat Team in Okinawa. The divisions were lacking a third of their infantry and artillery units and almost all their armor units. Existing units were far under strength. Weapons and equipment were war-worn relics of World War II, and ammunition reserves amounted to only a 45-day supply. None of the divisions had reached full combat efficiency, since intensive training had been largely neglected because of occupation duties.
Initial U.S. strategy, dictated by the speed of the North Korean drive and the state of American unpreparedness, was one of trading space for time. On 2 July 1950 Task Force Smith, composed of two rifle companies and a few supporting units of the 24th Division, was flown from Japan to Pusan and moved by train and truck to defensive positions near Osan, 30 miles south of Seoul. Its mission was to fight a delaying action to gain time for the movement of more troops from Japan. On 5 July this small force was attacked by a North Korean division supported by 30 tanks and compelled to withdraw, after a stubborn defense, with heavy losses of men and equipment.
By this time the remaining elements of the 24th Division had reached Korea and were in defensive positions along the Kum River, north of Taejon and 60 miles south of Osan. ROK elements held positions to the east, some 50 miles above Taegu. By 15 July the 25th Division had arrived in Korea and was positioned east of the 24th Division. The 1st Cavalry Division arrived and closed in the P'chang-dong area on 18-19 July. Lt. Gen. Walton H. Walker, Commander of the U.S. Eighth Army, had been placed in command of all U.S. ground troops in Korea on 13 July, and, at the request of President Rhee, of the South Korean Army as well. As the ground troops of other U.N. members reached Korea, they also were placed under Walker's command.
North Korean forces crossed the Kum River and captured Taejon, an important communications center, on 20 July. U.S. and ROK troops continued to withdraw steadily to the southeast under constant North Korean pressure. During the withdrawal our Army's 3.5-inch rocket launcher was used (for the first time on a battlefield) with highly successful results against North Korean tanks. It was in this period that the 24th Division commander, Maj. Gen. William F. Dean, was reported missing when North Korean tanks broke through the forward unite of his division. It was learned later that he had been captured about 35 miles south of Taejon on 25 August.
The final days of July 1950 witnessed a series of hard-fought battles all along the 200-mile front of the United Nations perimeter. The northern front, a line running inland from Yongdok through Andong, Yech'on, Hamch'ong, and Hwanggan to Kumch'on, was defended at critical points by ROK troops and the U.S. 25th Division. The 1st Cavalry Division was battling on the west flank to keep the Yongdong-Kumch'on-Taegu rail line open. To block the southwestern approaches to Pusan, which the enemy was threatening, the 29th RCT advanced to Chinju, but was ambushed by a North Korean division and suffered heavy losses. Enemy pressure continued from Yosu and Chinju in the southwest to Kwan-ni on the Taejon-Taegu railroad, thence northeast through Yech'on to Yongdok on the Sea of Japan.
By the beginning of August the U.S. and ROK forces had withdrawn behind the Naktong River, a position which the U.N. Command was determined to hold. The area held in southeastern Korea resembled a rectangle, the southwestern side of which was guarded by the 24th and 25th Divisions to prevent a breakthrough to Masan. The 1st Cavalry Division was deployed on the western front to guard the Taegu railroad approaches. The northern front was defended by ROK divisions from a point south of Hamch'ang to a point just south of Yongdok on the east coast.
Early in August General Walker declared the strategy of trading space for time to be at an end, and ordered a final stand along this 140-mile perimeter around the port of Pusan, which had become a well-stocked Eighth Army supply base and the hub of a rail and road net leading to the battle front. By now the enemy's lengthened supply lines were under constant air attack, enemy naval opposition had been wiped out, and the blockade of the Korean coast had been clamped tight.
During the next month and a half, fourteen North Korean divisions dissipated their strength in piecemeal attacks against the Pusan perimeter. Walker, by rapidly shuttling his forces to meet the greatest threats, inflicted heavy casualties on the North Koreans and prevented serious penetrations. The enemy, determined to annihilate the Eighth Army and take Taegu and Pusan, massed for a two-pronged attack across the Naktong, one prong from the west and the other from the southwest. The principal actions were fought along the river from Waegwan south through Song-dong and Ch'irhyon-ni to the junction of the Naktong and Nam Rivers, and southwest toward Haman and Chinju.
While U.S. troops were fighting along the banks of the Naktong, other battles took place in the southwest. A veteran North Korean division, which had been concentrated for an assault upon Susan and Pusan, was hit by Task Force Kean. Named for the 25th Division Commander, the Task Force was composed of the 5th RCT, the 35th RCT of the 25th Division, the 1st Marine Brigade, and a ROK battalion. It opened a strong counteroffensive on 7 August 1950 to secure the left funk of the perimeter and prevent the enemy from driving on Pusan. Overcoming initial heavy resistance, it defeated the North Koreans and by 11 August commanded the high ground to the east of Chinju.
On the eastern flank of the perimeter the town of Yongdok was lost by ROK units, some of which then had to be evacuated by sea. On 12 August the port of P'chang-dong was attacked by enemy forces led by tanks which mounted screaming sirens. This force poured through a break in the R0K lines and linked up with North Korean advance agents in the port. These agents, disguised as innocent-looking refugees, carried mortars, machineguns, and other weapons in oxcarts, on A-frames and on their persons. While a force of North Koreans took P'chang-dong, the adjoining airstrip, of great importance to the U.N. forces as a base for tactical aircraft. On 13 August the danger was so pressing that all aircraft were evacuated. Within the next five days, however, ROK troops and a small U.S. task force recaptured P'chang-dong and returned it to U.N. control.
During this time a much larger force of North Koreans breached the U.N. positions at some paints in the Naktong River sector, but failed in their attempt to capture the rail junctions at Taegu. To hold a line near the river, Walker rearranged the defensive positions of the 24th and 25th Infantry Divisions, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the 1st Marine Brigade, deploying them in a manner which assigned combat zones of 15-30 miles to each division.
The enemy, continuing his efforts to crack the perimeter, massed several divisions above Waegwan to assault Taegu from the north. Despite a bombing raid in which U.N. air forces dropped 850 tons of bombs on the suspected enemy concentration area, the North Koreans launched a powerful attack which carried through the ROK positions and threatened Taegu. Stalwart defense and swift countermeasures in this area on 19 August saved Taegu from almost certain capture, parried the enemy 's three-pronged thrust at the city, and stopped the momentum of the North Korean offensive.
Shortly before midnight on 31 August enemy forces again attacked the Naktong River Line, this time in tremendous force. Disregarding very heavy casualties from U.N. air force bombing and strafing, they mounted a strong offensive against the entire Pusan beachhead from Haman in the south to P'chang-dong in the northern sector. The port of P'chang-dong was captured on 6 September, but again the Communists failed to capture the airfield. Waegwan and the "walled city" of Kasan were lost as the U.N. defenders fell back for a last ditch stand at Taegu. Between 4 and 11 September the enemy made important gains along the Naktong in some of the heaviest fighting of the war; but U.N. forces blunted the drive on Taegu and began to show slow progress of their own against very strong enemy resistance.
On the southern front the North Korean offensive, which opened with a massive artillery barrage near Haman, struck the 25th Division with tanks and waves of infantry, imperiling its forward positions. However, although the enemy had made impressive gains along the U.N. perimeter and General Walker still had to shuttle his units from one critical area to another, a strong beachhead remained in the hands of the U.N. Command.
By mid-August the offensive capability of the Eighth Army had been augmented by the arrival of the U.S. 2d Division, the 1st Marine Brigade, four battalions of medium tanks from the United States, and the 5th RCT from Hawaii. Before the month was out, five ROK divisions were restored to some semblance of order, and Great Britain committed the 27th Brigade from Hong Kong. With the arrival of these reinforcements an attempt could now be made to end the U.N. withdrawal and to begin a U.N. offensive in southeastern Korea.... More
Other Memories
History of the USS Valley Forge CV45 / LPH8 The Happy Valley The USS VALLEY FORGE CV-45 was named to commemorate the Winter Encampment of General George Washington's Continental Army during the winters of (1777-78). This encampment is now a U.S. National Park located in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
The USS Valley Forge was built in The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, in Dry Dock #5, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ship builder's first arc was struck for the keel laying on 7 September 1944. On 18 November 1945 the ship was christened in a "sister act" in which the USS Princeton was commissioned. Mrs.A.A.Vandergrift, wife of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, sponsored the USS VALLEY FORGE CV-45 on that day. The citizens of the Philadelphia Area in 1945 bought over $76,000,000 worth of E Bonds during the Seventh War Loan Drive to pay for the ship. School children of Philadelphia sold $7,769,351 of these bonds.
USS VALLEY FORGE CV-45 was commissioned on 3 November 1946. "Attention" was ordered and the ship's band played the National Anthem, then the Commission Pennant, the Union Jack, and the National Ensign were smartly hoisted together. Command of the ship was given to Captain J. W. Harris USN Commanding Officer, as he read his orders. Then he ordered the Admiral's flag be broken and gave the order to set the first watch. On 10 December 1946 the Valley had her maiden cruise down the Delaware River to the Bay at Cape May New Jersey and then returned to the Navy Yard in Philadelphia.
Classified as an attack aircraft carrier of the Essex (CV-9) class, She had an overall length of 888 feet and a beam of 93 feet at Her extreme. She displaced 36,380 tons when fully loaded with a maximum draft of 28 feet 7 inches. The flight deck was 60 feet above the water with an 870 feet length and 129 foot beam. She was powered by eight Babcock Wilcox 600 psig boilers and four Westinghouse direct drive steam turbines with reduction and delivering a total of 150,000 shaft horse power to the four 14 feet 7 inch diameter propellers and could obtain speeds above 32.7 knots. Her rudder was 429 square feet having a weight of 70,700 pounds. She was designed to carry an air group with a compliment of 80-plus aircraft. The officers and crew had a total of 3,045 berths. Besides the protection by her own aircraft, she had her own fire power with twelve 5-inch 38-caliber dual-purpose guns in four twin mounts and four single mounts, eleven quadruple 40-millimeter antiaircraft mounts, with additional ten to fifteen 20-millimeter single gun mounts.
The USS Valley Forge received the finest State Silver Service ever presented to the Navy. The service was designed and made by Philadelphia silversmiths in 1904 and was originally placed aboard the USS Pennsylvania by the Commonwealth. The elaborate service was decorated in tradition with Neptune, sea horses and dolphins as well as historic scenes and personalities and a State seal. The service consisted of a huge centerpiece for flowers and candle; a punch bowl and cups; two large candelabra; a tea service; a coffee service; trays; candle sticks; compotes; covered dishes, gravy boats, dessert and salad dishes, a soup tureen, a loving cup, and a smoking set.
Sea-Ops and First Landing Underway 4 Jan 1947 to Yorktown, Virginia. After three days of loading 47 boxcars of "Ammo" proceeded to Norfolk for degaussing of the ship. Underway 13 Jan 1947 for sea operations and on 16 Jan 1947 Landed the first aircraft a F4U Corsair piloted by Commander H.H.Hirshey USN CO VF5B. There were 11 planes landed and launched that day. On 17 Jan 1947 (96) aircraft and personnel from Air Group 5 were taken aboard. Then out to sea and training exercises.
Shakedown Cruise 24 Jan 1947 Underway for shakedown cruise to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. More training exercises along the way. 17 Mar 1947 Underway for military inspection by ComAirLant Admiral Bogan, and ComTraCommLant Admiral Holden. 18 Mar 1947 on the final battle problem by CinClLantFlt Admiral Blandy senior observer. Anchored GTMO in PM Tuesday after final inspection. 19 Mar 1947 Underway for Norfolk, Virginia.
Happy Valley Nick-Name Wednesday Comments in plan of day: Executive Officer Commander Frank G. Raysbrook (Field Day Frankie) as the crew fondly called him, coined the nickname "Happy Valley". At the critique of the Military inspection and final battle problem, comments were made which should make every Officer and Man of this ship very proud. Admiral Holden: "The best ship of any type I have inspected". Admiral Began: "Congratulation for the excellent job done by this ship. The Military inspection was excellent. The personnel inspection yesterday was an Outstanding one by any standard". Admiral Blandy: "I haven't seen anything like it since Capt. King had the "LEX" and I'm sorry you are going to the Pacific Fleet". Captain Harris; "I wish to express my appreciation for a Helluva job!" END OF SHAKEDOWN.
21 Mar 1947 off loaded CAG-5 gear and personnel 27 Mar 1947 off loading of "Ammo" at Yorktown, VA. 30 Mar 1947 Underway Full Power Run and anchored off Delaware breakwater for the night. Monday morning arrived at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and moored Pier #3 for upkeep post shakedown overall.
On 21 Jul 1947 the Happy Valley got underway again with a bright new paint job and sea- ops were part of the schedule before returning to Norfolk, Virginia once more. On 30 July 1947 she was underway again, but this time the destination was the West Coast for duty and a new homeport in San Diego, California. On 5 Aug 1947 the Happy Valley Transited the Panama Canal and Message was sent to ComAirPac; USS VALLEY FORGE "reporting for duty".
New Home Port Newly based in San Diego, California she had to build her reputation and began an extensive period of flight and gunnery training off Southern California and on 30 Aug 1947 Captain Richard W. Ruble USN Assumed Command. On 9 Oct 1947 the Happy Valley got underway and stood out, setting a course westward to Hawaii. Arriving in Pearl Harbor, Oahu on 14 Oct 1947. The next two months were spent with more training for the crew, both day and night in the Hawaiian waters. Christmas and New Years holidays were spent in port.
Underway on 16 Jan 1948 for Auckland, New Zealand with TF-38 Rear Admiral H.H. Martin onboard CCD-5 as CTF-38 with escorts WM.M.WOOD DD-715, WM.C.LAWE DD-763, LLOYD THOMAS DD-764, KEPPLER DD-765 and MISPILLION AO-105. POC Changed to Sydney, Australia. On 21 Jan 1948 she crossed the equator and then the International Date Line on 23 Jan 1948. Arrived Sydney and exchanged a 21-gun salute upon entering the harbor on 30 Jan 1948 and moored Wooloomooloo Dock. While underway on 4 Feb 1948 the Valley transferred a stowaway to the HMS HOBART
Underway Again and World Cruise Heading North with escorts the ship passed New Guinea to the North and again crossed the equator this time on 11 Feb 1948. Destination was Hong Kong cruising passed the to the West of the Philippine Islands. The MISPILLION was detached for Guam. The Happy Valley arrived in Hong Kong, BCC on 18 Feb 1948 and anchored in the harbor after exchanging a gun salute.
Underway 21 Feb 1948 enroute to Tsingtoa, China. Joined with Cruisers DULUTH CL-87 and TOPEKA CL-67 for 3 days of sea exercises. Arrived Tsingtoa, China and anchored out. Commenced loading supplies. (4,000,000 lbs. liquid and solids in 45 hrs.) Underway 29 Feb 1948 USS WM.M.WOODS DD-715 AND WM.C.LAWE DD-763 were detached, and MISPILLION rejoined.
Underway 1 Mar 1948 orders read Return San Diego via Suez Canal, present destination now Singapore Vice Guam "OFFICIALLY" on World Cruise, Port-O-Call will follow. Leaving the Yellow Sea behind and entering the South China Sea she passed Luzon. On 8 Mar 1948 entered Keppel Harbor Singapore, and anchored at Man-of-war anchorage. 11 Mar 1948 underway for Trincomallee, Ceylon. After passage through the Malacca Straits, crossing the Adaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the ship entered Trincomallee Harbor and moored to no.1 buoy.
Halfway Around the World The Valley got underway on 17 Mar 1948 and on 21 Mar 1948 at 0800D posits 18-43'N - 64-33'E Halfway around the world. 24 Mar 1948 sailed through the Gulf of Oman, and then through the Straits of Hormuz, proceeding Northward into the Persian Gulf a yellow haze was encountered 100 miles out from shore. The Valley anchored off ARAMCO refinery, Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia for a gesture of goodwill by the U.S. Government.
On 25 Mar 1948 manned the rail for Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and his retinue, to inspect the ship and to observe flight operations. Underway with unfavorable conditions caused by a Shamal (sandstorm) the launching was limited to only two F8F aircraft. Officers attended a Banquet given by Crown Prince of Daman. On 26 Mar 1948 the Valley left the Persian Gulf and passed through the Straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. Heading South to the Arabian Sea and turning into the Gulf of Aden then through the Straits of Bab El Mandeb to reach the Red Sea.
Sailing North through the Red Sea and into the Gulf of Suez She anchored at the Southern end of the Suez Canal on 3 Apr 1948. After passing Straits of Jabal with a French pilot guiding the ship began transit of first leg of the canal and anchored in Great Bitter Lake. The two DD's proceeded ahead to Port Said. Views from the bridge revealed the curvature of the earth and as the ship proceeded through the canal it appeared to be going up hill, and after passing through it appeared to go down hill. The Valley Forge was the first large U.S. Carrier and the longest ship to transit the canal at that time. Underway at 0500 to complete transit of Suez Canal She passed, through the Port of Said and by the DeLasseps Monument.
Mediterranean and World Cruise On 6 Mar 1948 Joined with the MedFlt, Carrier; USS PHILIPPINE SEA CV-47, Cruisers; ROCHESTER CA-124, MANCHESTER CL-83, DAYTON CL-105, 6 destroyers for three days of sea exercises. On 9 Mar 1948 broke off exercises and on 11 Mar 1948 arrived Gibraltar and moored Starboard side to south mole. Our destroyers transported four large liberty parties to Tangiers and British tugs over 4 days. The 5-day stay was extended to 13 days and on 23 Mar 1948 underway with her new destination Bergan, Norway.
After entering the Atlantic Ocean, She set a northerly course past Portugal and Spain. Remaining in the Atlantic and cruising by the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel she sailed into St. George's Channel through the Irish Sea. The Valley rendezvoused on 27 Mar 1948 with TF-121 Cruiser; USS FRESNO and Destroyers; USS JOHNSON and USS WM R RUSH in the North Channel.
On 29 Mar 1948 Moored starboard side to dock, Bergan Norway, with assistance from "Pin Wheel" after a navigators nightmare a 25 mile trip from the sea of treacherous Fjords through snow squalls reducing visibility to less than 100 ft at times. Landed the Landing Party, and parade through the main part of the city, causing concern, as this was the way the German occupation entered in WWII. On 1 May 1948 a "Mayday" parade and celebration was held. All local pubs were closed. On 4 May 1948 underway at 0600 after "pin wheeling" away from the dock and after clearing harbor entrance, she re-spotted her planes for Flight quarters. Air Group-11 flew in parade formation over the Capital City of Oslo, spelling the name of King HAAKON VII.
England The ship was underway 4 May 1948 to a new destination Portsmouth, England. Sailing South in the North Sea and entered the English Channel after passing through the Strait of Dover. On 6 May 1948 1130 the Valley moored starboard side to the Pitch House Jetty, Royal Navy Dockyard, Portsmouth, England; the historic base of the British Home Fleet. After firing a 21-gun salute while passing the imposing HMS DUKE OF YORK. Tugs came alongside and assisted mooring. Near by was the World's oldest dry dock berthing of the HMS VICTORY, Admiral Nelson's Flagship. Com6thFlt declared 72-hour staggered liberty pass for all hands.
Return to USA Underway 13 May 1948 1500 to a new destination, the Panama Canal. At 1900 Orders were received changing destination to New York, NY. On 22 May entered the Lower New York Bay into Hudson River up the East River and moored to north side of pier 32 N. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Louis Denfield, who was instrumental in initiating the World cruise, was welcomed aboard for a visit.
Heading Home Underway 27 May 1948 destination Cristobal, Panama, Canal Zone. Cruising south along the East Coast, on 28 May sailed by Cape Hatteras and the 29 May reached Miami Florida. By 30 May turned at the southern tip of Cuba and passed by Guantanamo. By 31 May she was closing in on the Canal Zone and on 1 June 1948 moored to the dock at Cristobal, Panama, Canal Zone. On 4 June 1948 at 0600 got underway to commence transit of Panama Canal for the second time in a westerly direction. This was 3 days shy of 10 months from her first transit of the canal. At 1800 hours moored to pier at Balboa.
Last Leg of World Cruise On 4 June 1948 underway for San Diego, California, to end the "World Cruise. The last leg always seems longer with the waiting moments and anticipation of the ship's arrival at home after shipping out just over 10 months before. 5 June 1948 She was 350 miles away from the canal and on 6 June 1948 heading North along coast of Central America. On 7,8,9 June 1948 Cruising by Mexico. Field Day Frankie was having a field day and there were continuous smokers on the Fantail. 10 June 1948 Cruising along the Baha Peninsula with every thing shipshape, planes were spotted and the hanger deck glistened. 11 June 1948 Passed by Point Loma and entered the channel to San Diego Bay. At1330 hours Moored pier O-P, NAS, North Island San Diego.
Award of Excellence For the excellence of the year's operations, the Valley Forge won the coveted Battle Efficiency Pennant for the Pacific Fleet. Possession of the pennant ranked the Valley Forge as first among carriers.
Off to the Yard Underway 14 June 1948 0800 the ship steamed out to sea and up the coast to Long Beach Navy Yard. 1600 moored to Pier 1, Terminal Island, Long Beach Navy Yard. The next thirty days included needed intensive yard maintenance because of the time the Valley had been continuously underway. The crew had alternate scheduled well-deserved leaves. After the yard work was completed She returned to San Diego.
Change of Command On 15 July 1948 Captain Truman J. Hedding USN took command of the Happy Valley. New personnel were coming onboard to replace transferees. The Navy's newly introduced aircraft, the Douglas AD Skyraider and the Navy's first jet fighters entering into the Navy Squadrons, the McDonnell F2H Banshee and the Grumman F9F Panther, were also coming aboard. These squadrons would give new capabilities to the Valley Forge and other carriers and at the same time presented more reason for training. Intensive air operations and maintenance problems had to be relearned with additional training and exercises.
Captain Harry B. Temple USN took command of the Valley Forge on 9 July 1949 and on 1 Oct 1949 set forth from San Diego Harbor once again, this time, acting as flagship for "Operation Miki," the largest amphibious operation in the Pacific since the surrender of Japan. After the "Unified Conquest of Oahu from the Army's Aggressor Corps, She returned to her California port. Again the Valley Forge won the coveted Battle Efficiency Pennant (Two years in a row).
On 21 April 1950 Captain Lester K. Rice USN took command of the Valley Forge. She was deployed to the Far East with the first port stop of Pearl Harbor on 1 May 1950. Her ultimate orders were to relieve the carrier USS Boxer and carry out a continuing presence in the Far East. The change of command took place in Guam on 28 May 1950 and the Boxer was relieved to return to the United States.
The Valley proceeded to Manila and anchored in the bay on 1 June. In a ship movement on 6 June she tied up to the long pier at Subic Bay to take on stores. Underway again the next port of call was Hong Kong, BCC. On 19 June 1950 entered the harbor after exchange of gun salute she moored to no.1 buoy. Other ships present were the USS RADFORD DDE-446, USS FLETCHER DDE-445, USS NANTUCK APD-125 and various units of the British Fleet also anchored in the Harbor.
Subic Bay, Philippine Islands The VALLEY FORGE was underway on 25 June 1950 enroute to Subic Bay, Philippines with the USS RADFORD DDE-446, and USS FLETCHER DDE-445 as escorts. Alarming information was received that Communist North Korean Forces were crossing the 38th Parallel and were invading the Republic of Korea. She arrived at Subic Bay on 26 June 1950 and moored at long pier. USS KARIN AF-33 came alongside to transfer provisions and the USS NAVASOTA AO-106 transferred fuel oil and aviation gas.
28 June 1950 Underway USS Valley Forge CV-45 embarked, operating as a unit Seventh Fleet and Task Force 77. Ships present USS ROCHESTER CA-124, USS BUSH DD-745, USS FLETCHER DDE-45, USS RADFORD DDE-446, USS SHELTON DE-407, USS EVERSOLE DE-404, USS TAUSSIG DD-746 en route to Sasebo, Japan. Steaming in formation enroute to Sasebo received new order of destination to Buckner Bay, Okinawa. On 30 June 1950 the new Task Force 77 rendezvoused with Royal Navy including the British Cruiser JAMAICA the CVE Carrier HMS TRIUMPH and two British destroyers, under the command of Rear Admiral Andrews, RN.
Korea Baptism Under Fire After orders were issued to start the attack on the North Koreans, on 3 July 1950, it wasn't long before events proved that Admiral Hoskins had been right-very right-in wanting to take his jets planes into the Far East. The USS VALLEY FORGE CV-45 launched the first carrier aircraft from her flight deck to support the outnumbered and poorly guarded South Korean defenders. F9F jet fighters flew cover as waves of AD Skyraiders and F4U Corsair fighter-bombers were sent against the North Korean Pyongyang airfield. Hangar, fuel storage, parked airplanes, and railroad marshaling yards at Pyongyang were heavily hit. The escorting jets shot down two YAK propeller-driven fighters and damaged another. The world's first combat strike by jet aircraft had been successful. As a result no enemy planes ever attacked our forces at sea. Jets were here to stay.
On or about 10 July 1950 Vice Admiral Struble now under orders from the President Harry S. Truman returned to Washington and Admiral John M. Hoskins aboard the Valley Forge took Acting Command of the Seventh Fleet.
A steady pace of air support for the embattled Allied troops on the ground now followed, as the tide of war moved south to the Pusan Perimeter. The amphibious landing at Inchon in September, coupled with a breakout from the Perimeter to the north, cracked the grip of the North Korean forces and turned a stubborn defense into a swift offensive.
On 8 Oct 1950 the Valley Forge came off the line and returned to Sasebo, Japan and moored in the harbor. Captain Rice, needed medical attention, and was sent ashore by the medical doctor. Temporary command of the ship was taken over by Commander Ward T. Shields USN. On 9 Oct 1950 Captain Joseph M. Carson USN took full command of the Happy Valley and she returned to the line but this time escorting the USS LEYTE CV-32.
On 15 Sept 1950, the USS ENDICOTT DD-495 escorted a ROK LST to the Chang Sa Dong area, sometimes referred to as Yong Dok. The LST didn't hit the beach but hit a sand bar broaching sideways to the beach. Helpless she was attacked by enemy fire from the shore. The Captain of the Endicott called for air strikes because her fire control and lookouts couldn't locate the enemy guns. The VALLEY FORGE dispatched two AD Skyraiders which; located two tanks hidden by trees and quickly knocked out the tanks with bombs. This landing was a diversionary landing on the East Coast of Korea, while the landing at Inchon and Soeul was in full progress.
During the early stages of the United Nations Korean Campaign, Korean, American, and other allied troops rolled northward and crossed the 38th Parallel into North Korea in pursuit of the broken enemy. The Valley Forge's Carrier Air Group Five hammered steadily at the enemy. Troop concentrations, defensive positions, and lines of supply and communications were repeatedly bombed by the Skyraiders, and strafed and rocketed by the Panthers and Corsairs. Over five thousand combat sorties delivered more than two thousand tons of bombs between 3 July and 19 Nov 1950.
During these weeks and months the Valley Forge embarked on breaking her own operational records. She was never in port more than four days except once in Buckner Bay while standing by for a Marine landing at Pohang for ten days. She even refueled, not once, but seven times at sea, to replenish her supplies of food, ammunition and receive mail. The Happy Valley steamed up and down the coast of Korea, a distance equal to twice around the world. Air Group Five operating from the USS Valley Forge, a division of the Seventh Fleet under the command of Carrier Division Three and Command Task Force Seventy Seven had flown 3279 offensive and 1682 defensive sorties against North Korean targets. CVG-5 flew 130 sorties on 3 July (First Day) and 131 sorties on 15 Sept 1950 (Inchon Invasion). Having been relieved on the line it was time to go home again.
Returning Home On Friday 1 Dec 1950, the Happy Valley past Point Loma and entered San Diego Harbor. Assisted by the tugs, tied up to Pier "0" at 1400 hrs. Bands from ComAirPac, Camp Pendleton and Coronado met the Valley Forge. The welcoming committee consisted of wives, children and dignitaries. Vice Admiral T. L. Sprague of the Fleet Air Forces dispatched greetings and sends 'WELL DONE'. The Valley Forge Crew was invited to the Enlisted Men's Club for a beer party. The Commanding Officer, Officers, and men of the Naval Air Station San Diego, were hosts to the Valley Forge Sailors. Among the many gala events planned for the returning "Happy Valley" was a dance held Monday night at Pacific Square, with the Harry James orchestra, "Miss Valley Forge" Doris Day, and movie star Marilyn Maxwell.
The increasing tempo of the war and setbacks suffered by the United Nations Forces in Korea since the Valleys departure dictated a change in the ship's up coming overhaul schedule. On 3 Dec 1950 an emergency loading program was initiated to prepare for another war cruise to the combat zone. Air Group Five quickly offloaded and was replaced by Air Group Two. Over 1000 tons of provisions and stores and 850 tons of ammunition were loaded in record time of three days. About 100 planes and 10 helicopters boarded the "flat top".
On 6 Dec 1950 with tug assistance The Mighty Valley Forge was guided into the harbor, her engines turned and she sailed quietly into the channel. She passed Point Loma and then into the deep Pacific Ocean. Final destination was Yokosuka, Japan via Pearl Harbor. On 16 Dec 1950 ComCarDiv Three with Rear Admiral John M. Hoskins USN hauled down his flag at Yokosuka and departed for the United States.
Back On the Line On 22 Dec 1950 the USS VALLEY FORGE rendezvoused with Task Force 77. The first offensive air operations consisting of close air support missions in the Hamhung area were conducted 23 Dec. commencing a renewed effort against hostile forces. The New Year found the Valley continuing its relentless air operations with Air Group Two up and down the war torn coastal regions of Korea. Daily air assaults were launched against such familiar towns and cities as Seoul, Wonsan, Hungnam, Chungjin, Kojo, Chosin Reservoir, and many villages where the Corsair and Skyraider pilots struck at troop concentrations, supply dumps, bridges, gun emplacements and railroad equipment. The United Nation forces were able to move north again on the Korean Peninsula and up to the 38th parallel.
Going Home Again On 28 March 1951 Air Group Two off loaded and Air Group Eleven boarded the ship. On 29 Mar 1951 the proud Happy Valley then turned east, began her voyage back home again to San Diego, after spending almost ten continuous months in Korean waters. After returning home to San Diego, the Air Group disembarked. The Valley needed long awaited yard repairs, sailed to Bremerton, Washington and entered the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where she underwent a major overhaul.
New Assignment She returned to San Diego on 10 Aug 1951 and awaited a new assignment with the Pacific Fleet. Air Group One embarked, and once again she stood out to become the first U.S. carrier to return for a third Korean deployment. On 11 Dec 1951 she launched her first strikes. Her new mission was to destroy rail lines, junctions and rolling stock, and keep supplies from reaching enemy front lines. Finishing her period of service in June of 1952 her planes succeeded in cutting North Korean railroad lines 5346 times. Again the Happy Valley returned to her homeport in San Diego on 3 July 1952.
During the summer of 1952 the Valley went through a period of in port maintenance and her ships company took alternated leaves from her. She then began a series of different types of training off the California coast. She participated in amphibios training by air lifting assault landing parties of Marines by helicopters to Camp Pendleton, and in antisubmarine maneuvers exercises demonstrated her future in the Fleet.
Back On the Line and Redesignation CVA-45 After a period of maintenance and training, the Valley Forge's designation was changed to (CVA-45). Again, in October of 1952 she stood out and headed for the Far East. She now had become the only U.S. carrier to return to the Korea combat zone four times.
The Valley Forge began the New Year of 1953 with strikes against Communist supply dumps and troop-billeting areas just behind the front lines. During the next five months, "The Valley's" jet fighters and propeller attack planes teamed up to hit enemy targets in close support of Allied ground troops. The jets would suppress antiaircraft fire with rockets and cannon fire while the bombers went about their heavy work. Main supply arteries along Korea's East Coast were regularly hit, while close support missions were flown almost daily against such targets as Finger Ridge, Capital Hill and Jane Russell Peak on the bitterly contested battle line. Over 3,700 tons of bombs were delivered to the enemy before the Valley Forge returned to San Diego 25 June 1953.
After a brief maintenance period, she transited the Panama Canal on 29 July. This was her third passage though the canal. The Valley reported for duty with the Atlantic Fleet at Norfolk, Virginia.
Return to the East Coast and Redesignation CVS-45 In August 1953 the "Happy Valley" was redesignated an Antisubmarine Warfare Support Carrier (CVS-45). After providing underway training to Naval Academy midshipmen in a voyage to Halifax, Nova Scotia, she returned to Norfolk Naval Shipyard in September to be overhauled and refitted for her new role.
The Valley Forge rejoined the Fleet in January 1954. After refresher training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, she became flagship of an antisubmarine task group assigned to training exercises and hunter-killer operations along the East Coast and in the Caribbean. In September 1954 the VALLEY FORGE sailed for the eastern Atlantic to take part in NATO antisubmarine maneuvers off the Straits of Gibraltar. This assignment completed, she set her course for England. Visiting Bangor, she conducted ASW exercises with the Royal Navy. After calling at Barcelona, Spain and Gibraltar she turned back across the Atlantic and returned to Norfolk 11 November 1954 for a period of maintenance.
The Valley departed Norfolk 3 Jan 1955 for fleet exercises in the Caribbean. After completing antisubmarine operations off the Virgin Islands, she returned to Norfolk 14 February. During the months to follow, "The Valley" carried out hunter-killer training off the Virginia Capes. On 20 June she made another Naval Academy training voyage to Halifax, the days underway gave the midshipmen a working introduction to shipboard life and to air operations at sea. As an antisubmarine warfare carrier she operated a composite air group of hunter-killer airplanes and helicopters, making her particularly valuable by providing a comprehensive indoctrination.
Upon returning to Norfolk 9 July 1955, the Valley began a period of Naval Reserve training. Through the rest of the summer, she conducted two-week training cruises for Reservists, providing them with their annual refresher training in shipboard procedures and enabling them to put into actual practice the skills they had learned through the year in weekly drills ashore. With her task group, she sailed from Norfolk 7 Sept 1955 for the waters off the Iberian Peninsula. Here she joined Canadian, Portuguese, French and British warships for a NATO antisubmarine exercise. She then visited Lisbon, Portugal, before returning to Norfolk late in October of 1955.
November and December of 1955 were occupied with hunter-killer operations off the Virginia Capes. The "Happy Valley" visited New York in January 1956. Her visit was featured in LIFE Magazine. Returning to Norfolk, she loaded supplies and sailed south to the Caribbean for extensive fleet maneuvers, visiting the Virgin Islands, Panama, and Guantanamo Bay. After returning to Norfolk in April, the carrier resumed antisubmarine training exercises in the Capes area. These concluded on 22 May 1956 when the "Happy Valley" carried out "Operation Petticoat" a ten-hour orientation cruise for dependents, aimed at introducing them to the work done at sea by their husbands and fathers. This was the first such exercise by any Atlantic Fleet ASW carrier.
During the first week of June 1956 the Valley Forge hosted participants of the Global Strategy Conference and the Type Commanders' Conference, being held at the Naval War College in Newport, RI. While at Newport, she flew the flag of the Commander in Chief, of the Atlantic Fleet. After completion of these conferences, the Valley Forge returned to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for overhaul. Departing the shipyard in mid-October 1956 the Valley steamed to the Caribbean for six weeks of refresher training with her airplane and helicopter squadrons. She returned to Norfolk 26 November and devoted the remainder of 1956 to same type training in the Virginia Capes area.
1957 began with a voyage to the Caribbean for large-scale fleet exercises. Before returning to Norfolk, the carrier visited the Virgin Islands and Jamaica. After a period of antisubmarine training off the East Coast, contingents of midshipmen and West Point cadets embarked for training in the Western Atlantic. Shipboard training was provided for the Annapolis midshipmen. This operation was designed to familiarize the Army cadets with the problems and principles of carrier operations and antisubmarine warfare. The Valley Forge then resumed antisubmarine training. In September 1957, Commander Carrier Division Sixteen presented the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award for "outstanding safety in naval aviation" for the Fiscal Year 1956 to the Commanding Officer of the Valley Forge.
In October 1957, the Valley Forge carried out training operations out of Guantanamo Bay and embarked a Marine detachment. Here she accomplished another naval "first." in a test of the new concept of vertical envelopment as anamphibious assault technique. Steaming out to sea, she airlifted the Marines to a beachhead area in twin-engine Sikorsky HR2S-1 Mojave assault helicopters and then returned them to the ship. This was the first such ship-based vertical assault exercise. On her return to Norfolk, The Valley continued her antisubmarine exercises until December 1957, when she returned to port for the Christmas holidays and to prepare for spring maneuvers.
Antisubmarine training followed Caribbean maneuvers from late January to late February 1958 were followed by antisubmarine training. In March she again joined ships of the Amphibious Force for a major amphibious landing exercise, LANTPHIBEX 1-58. She off loaded nearly 1,400 Marines, landing them ashore from troop-carrying helicopters.
On 1 April 1958, the Valley Forge hoisted the flag of Rear Admiral John S. Thach and became the flagship of the new Task Group ALFA. This task group, built around the VALLEY FORGE CVS-45, included eight destroyers, two submarines, one squadron each of antisubmarine helicopters and airplanes, a detachment of airborne early warning airplanes called "guppies" because of their bulging ventral radomes, and a squadron of land-based P2V Neptune patrol bombers. This task group's function was to concentrate solely on ASW training, developing new devices and techniques for countering the submarine menace in a new era of nuclear propulsion and deep-diving submersibles. Underway training for Naval ROTC and midshipmen occupied the month of June, while a similar July voyage was canceled due to the crisis existing in Lebanon.
Antisubmarine training continued through August 1958, with a cruise for dependents called "Operation Petticoat" on 6 September. Two days later she entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a brief overhaul. Departing Norfolk 11 October she visited Boston, then steamed out into the Atlantic on the 19th for a month of training at sea. At Norfolk from the end of November until 29 December 1958 the Valley Forge departed for ASW training.
Observing the New Year at sea, the carrier was steaming in very heavy weather when she was forced to take evasive action to avoid collision with a merchant ship. Heavy seas severely damaged the forward portion of the flight deck, requiring her to proceed to the New York Naval Shipyard for repairs. To ready her for service as quickly as possible, a corresponding 30 by 90 foot section was taken from the flight deck of the inactive carrier FRANKLIN (CVS-13), berthed at Bayonne, NJ. The damaged section was cut away from Valley Forge's flight deck and the Franklin deck piece installed in its place. A bronze plaque was mounted on the newly replaced deck section to recall how the Franklin was brutally damaged in action off Japan in April 1945. Enemy bombs caused gasoline and ammunition explosions which, resulted in the most crippling damages a United States warship has ever suffered. Fourteen years after the Franklin wrote her name in our country's annals in blood and fire, a part of her was now to go back to sea with the USS Valley Forge CVS-45.
The Valley Forge returned to Norfolk 14 Feb 1959 and resumed Task Group ALFA operations. The Secretary of the Navy, Thomas B. Gates, visited her at sea on 28 February and observed ASW exercises. On 13 April 1959 the "Happy Valley" was again host to a distinguished visitor, this time Richard Jackson, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. From 30 June until 14 August 1959 the Valley Forge gave NROTC and midshipmen a first-hand experience of antisubmarine operations as she steamed the western Atlantic between Halifax and Bermuda before returning to Norfolk.
William B. Franke, the new Secretary of the Navy, visited the Valley Forge at sea 26-27 July 1959 to observe special ASW exercises. During the following month the carrier was presented the Battle Efficiency Pennant for excellence in antisubmarine operations. On 26 September Task Group ALFA's first commander, Rear Admiral Thach, hauled down his flag and departed. As a young fighter pilot in World War II, he had devised the famous "Thach Weave" a fighter tactic that enabled Navy pilots, in their slower F4F Wildcats, to hold their own against the faster and nimbler Japanese Zero fighter. Now, as a flag officer, he had shaped the combined surface and air organization that was to make telling contributions to the science of antisubmarine defense.
From early October until 18 Nov 1959 the Valley Forge underwent repairs at New York before returning to Norfolk for the same type training through late December. She spent the New Year of 1960 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard carrying out electronic alterations and on 21 January departed for maneuvers in the Caribbean. During this operation she took part in "Operation Skyhook." This widely-publicized scientific experiment involved the launching of three of the largest balloons ever fabricated; a crew of civilian scientists sent them aloft with payloads of devices designed to measure and record primary cosmic ray emissions at altitudes of 18 to 22 miles above the earth's surface. On 2 April the Valley Forge hoisted the flag of Commander, Task Group BRAVO, another antisubmarine task group organized to help carry on the work begun by ALFA.
On 9 June 1960 the Valley Forge got underway for a three-month training period in the eastern Mediterranean, visiting ports in Spain, Italy, and France. She returned to Norfolk 30 August, and resumed normal operations. She once again hoisted the flag of Commander, Task Group ALFA, on 10 September. Through the fall, the Valley Forge continued her pace of antisubmarine training exercises. On 19 Dec 1960 she took part in "Operation Mercury," her helicopters recovering the nose cone from a space shot fired from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Two days later she was called to assist the stricken merchant tanker Pine Ridge, breaking up in heavy seas. Speeding to the scene of the tanker's mishap, off Cape Hatteras, the Valley Forge began rescue operations. By this time the ship had broken in two, and her survivors were clinging to the still-floating stern section. Shuttling her helicopters back and forth between the wreck and her flight deck, the Valley Forge plucked twenty-eight seamen from the threatened seas and carried them to safety. A message soon arrived from the Chief of Naval Operations: PLEASE CONVEY MY "WELL DONE'" TO ALL HANDS. "MERRY CHRISTMAS". ARLEIGH BURKE. The rest of the winter of 1960-61 was devoted to normal training operations.
Modification and Redesignation LPH-8 The Valley Forge entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard 6 March 1961 for overhaul and modification to suit her for a new role as an Amphibious Assault Ship. On 1 July she was formally redesignated, receiving the new hull number (LPH-8). Three weeks of refresher training at Guantanamo Bay helped the ship and crew to regain their familiarity with each other, dulled by the period of shipyard inactivity. Returning to Norfolk early in September 1961, the Valley Forge trained with troop-carrying helicopters.
The new transport departed Norfolk 26 Sept 1961 as part of the Atlantic Fleet's Ready Amphibious Squadron. Her new experience and new equipment would soon be needed in the Dominican Republic. The Trujillo regime was overthrown and a period of crisis and instability followed. There was a strong possibility that U.S. citizens might have to be evacuated if the situation flared up into violence. During the periods 21 - 25 October and 18 - 29 November the Valley Forge operated in the waters off Hispaniola, with her "choppers" ready for an emergency airlift.
The Valley Forge sailed from Norfolk 6 Jan 1962 for duty with the Pacific Fleet. After her fourth transit through the Panama Canal the Happy Valley anchored on the 23rd at her new homeport in Long Beach, CA. After three months of West Coast amphibious training, she steamed westward for service with the Seventh Fleet in the Far East. On 7 May 1962 she hoisted the flag of Commander, Seventh Fleet Ready Amphibious Task Group. The Communist Pathet Lao forces had renewed their assault on the Royal Laotian Government, and the government of Thailand asked President John F. Kennedy to land troops to head off what they feared would develop into a full-fledged invasion of their own country. The Valley Forge closed the Thai coast and, on 17 May1962 landed her Marine team. The crisis abated in the weeks that followed, and in July 1962 her helicopters were sent ashore to assist in lifting out the Marines.
While on duty in the western Pacific the Valley Forge visited Manila, Okinawa, and Hong Kong before returning to Long Beach in December 1962 for Christmas. The first half of 1963 was spent in amphibious training off the West Coast, interrupted only by landing exercises "Steel Gate" off Camp Pendleton (28 February-12 March); "Dirt Road" off Hawaii (1-19 April); and "Windsock" off Pendleton (3-14 June). On 6 June 1963 the Valley Forge took part in a large amphibious demonstration off Camp Pendleton.
The Valley Forge entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard 1 July 1963 for a nine-million-dollar FRAM II (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) overhaul. This refit, designed to extend "Happy Valley's" life by about five years, included fitting of improved electronics and facilities for transporting and handling troops and troop helicopters. This consumed the next six months. Ready for sea again on 27 Jan 1964, the Valley Forge departed Long Beach for San Diego and four weeks of refresher training. She returned to Long Beach only to steam back to San Diego 2 March for another week of amphibious training. She sailed from Long Beach 20 March 1964 for a second deployment in the western Pacific. Visiting Pearl Harbor and Okinawa en-route to Hong Kong. She then proceeded to Kaohsiung, Taiwan. From 29 May to 7 June 1964 the Valley Forge joined ships of the other SEATO nations for a joint amphibious exercise before being honored by a visit from President Macapagal of the Philippines. During the following month she received the coveted Battle Efficiency Pennant for excellence during Fiscal Year 1964.
Vietnam War At the beginning of August 1964, North Vietnamese torpedo boats were reported to have attacked destroyers MADDOX (DD-731) and TURNER JOY (DD-951) in the Tonkin Gulf. On 5 August the Valley Forge and the other ships of the Amphibious Ready Group put to sea to take station in the South China Sea. After spending 57 days at sea off the Vietnamese coast, ready for whatever might befall, she returned to Subic Bay. She then continued on to the United States with short pause en-route at Okinawa and Midway, anchoring at Long Beach 5 Nov 1964.
From 23 Feb to 12 March 1965 the Valley Forge took part in the West Coast's largest peacetime Navy-Marine Corps exercise "Exercise Silver Lance." Upon its completion, the carrier steamed to Hawaii to embark Marines and aircraft for delivery to Okinawa. Then she sailed on to Yokosuka before returning to Long Beach 17 April. On 24 May the busy ship again embarked Marines, supplies, and aircraft for Yokosuka and Okinawa, returning once more to Long Beach 1 July1965. Exercises off Camp Pendleton (20-22 July) provided afloat amphibious training for Marine units, and trained shipboard personnel in the handling and evacuation of casualties from a beachhead. During the month of August, the Valley Forge prepared for another Westpac deployment, departing in September1965 for Japan and then operation with the Seventh Fleet in the South China Sea. Her Marine landing force embarked and flying the Flag of Commander, Amphibious Squadron Three, an intensive round of training exercises was initiated. Two major practice assaults on Philippine beaches during October and November added the finishing touches, and on 6 November 1965 the Happy Valley departed Subic Bay for South Vietnam.
During the next two weeks, the Valley Forge stood by the Vietnamese coast in reserve during "Operation Blue Marlin." On 26 Nov 1965 she was once again steaming off the coast of Vietnam, airlifting her Marines ashore to take part in Operations "Dagger Thrust" and "Harvest Moon." These tasks were completed 19 Dec 1965, and "The Valley" set her course for Okinawa. She spent Christmas and New Year's Day in what her ship's newspaper appreciatively referred to as "the crisp freshness of an Okinawan winter." With a refreshed Marine battalion landing team and a medium transport helicopter squadron on board, she sailed for Vietnam on 3 January 1966. Pausing at Chu Lai, she then proceeded to Subic Bay for upkeep and maintenance before steaming south on the 20th for amphibious training exercises off Mindoro. Loading up with supplies and provisions, the Valley Forge sailed 27 Jan 1966 to a point off the Vietnamese coast.
The carrier's Marines landed 29 Jan 1966 to take part in "Operation Double Eagle," The Valley Forge remained on station offshore to provide logistic and medical support. A steady shuttle of helicopters kept food and ammunition supplied to the men ashore, and casualties were swiftly flown back to the ship for medical treatment. The landing team was boarded by 17 February 1966 for a needed rest, and the Valley Forge steamed up the coast to make ready for further operations. The second phase of "Double Eagle" began two days later as the Valley Forge Marines again landed to attack enemy concentrations. By the 26th this operation was over. The Valley Forge off loaded her Marines at Da Nang 27-28 Feb 1966 and sailed to Subic Bay, where she landed her helicopter squadron. On 5 March she loaded another squadron on board for transportation to Da Nang before steaming to Manila. Two days later she sailed for Yokosuka and a brief maintenance period. She departed Yokosuka 27 March, pausing at Pearl Harbor before arriving at Long Beach 9 April 1966.
The rest of April and May were devoted to upkeep and shipboard training exercises. For two days at the end of June, the Valley Forge provided a realistic training for 700 Marine Reservists, who boarded at Long Beach. They were sent in a helicopter assault against San Clemente Island. On 1 July the Valley Forge became flagship of Amphibious Squadron Eleven, and on 12 Aug 1966 she was presented another Battle Efficiency "E" in ceremonies at Long Beach. She served as flagship on the 17th for "Exercise Silver Point III," the year's biggest West Coast landing exercise. Heavy CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters landed Marines, NROTC and midshipmen at Camp Pendleton. The Happy Valley then returned to Long Beach where she embarked a Marine landing team and helicopter squadron.
Sailing west across the Pacific by way of Pearl Harbor and Wake Island, the carrier off loaded the landing team at Okinawa before landing the helicopters at Da Nang on 1 Oct1966. The Valley Forge returned to Okinawa, embarking another battalion landing team and helicopter squadron and broke the flag of Commander, Amphibious Squadron One. On 8 Oct 1966 she joined the Seventh Fleet's Amphibious Ready Group at Subic Bay for landing exercises there and off Mindoro. The Happy Valley was anchored at Subic Bay in the early morning hours of 23 Oct 1966 when she received a message from Manila Bay. Two ships had collided and were calling for assistance. Five of Valley Forge doctors and a chaplain boarded a helicopter and flew to the scene of the accident to render assistance.
Two days later the Valley Forge departed Subic Bay for Da Hang to off load equipment. After operating off the northern coast of South Vietnam for some days, she sailed for Okinawa to off load her landing team before continuing on to Hong Kong. Pausing again at Okinawa, she set her course eastward across the Pacific and dropped anchor at Long Beach 1 Dec 1966. On the 13 Dec she began an overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard.
The Valley Forge's first major overhaul since her 1963 Frame refit, was completed by 14 July 1967. Her hull and machinery had been renewed and a series of sea trials proved her once more fully ready for service. Through the rest of July and August she underwent refresher training and readiness inspections. Finishing touches were added through September and early October 1967. Shipboard training was conducted off Long Beach; supplies were loaded, and a squadron of Marine CH-46D Sea Knight helicopters was embarked at Long Beach for transit to Vietnam. At San Diego the Valley Forge loaded planes, helicopters, and small craft for transportation before sailing for the western Pacific.
After a brief visit to Pearl Harbor, the Valley Forge off loaded her cargo of small craft and aircraft at Subic Bay, then proceeded on to Phu Bai, Vietnam. She anchored there on 29 Nov 1967, off loading her helicopter squadron and joining the Amphibious Ready Group BRAVO. The next day she became it's flagship, embarking a battalion landing team and helicopter squadron. On 2 December 1967 the Valley sailed for Subic Bay to have additional equipment installed and to carry out a special amphibious exercise. Returning to Da Nang on the 19 Dec 1967, she made last-minute preparations, and two days later launched amphibious "Operation Fortress Ridge." This "search and destroy" effort was air-landed just south of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as the Valley Forge provided continuous supply and medical evacuation (MedEvac) support through the close of the operation on 24 Dec 1967. From the 26th of Dec through 2 Jan 1968 the Valley Forge's landing team took part in "Operation Badger Tooth," an over-the-beach landing operation near Quang Tri in northern South Vietnam.
The Valley Forge now steamed to Da Nang for upkeep. On 9 Jan 1967 she got underway for her new station off Dong Hoi province, where she provided supplies and MedEvac support for Allied troops in this coastal area. "Operation Badger Catch," near the Cua Viet River south of the DMZ, followed from 23 Jan through 18 Feb 1967. The Valley Forge then sailed for Subic Bay and a period of maintenance. "Badger Catch II" 6 March - 14 April followed. During this period the Valley Forge acted as "Helo Haven" for Marine helicopter squadrons considered in danger of enemy attack at their land bases. The "choppers" flew out to the carrier while their base areas were being cleared of enemy forces. A ten-day availability at Subic Bay ensued, then the Valley Forge returned to Vietnamese waters for "Badger Catch III" from 28 April to 3 June 1967. The ship now returned to Da Nang and quickly prepared for "Swift Saber" - a long week of operations beginning 7 June.
The Valley Forge and an embarked battalion landing team steamed to Subic Bay on completion of "Swift Saber" for upkeep and a landing exercise named "Hilltop XX" (1-3 July). This completed, the Valley Forge's Marines and helicopters were shifted to TRIPOLI (LPH-10), and the "Happy Valley" got underway for Hong Kong and a welcome recreation period. Weighing anchor again 13 July, The Valley steamed north to Okinawa to off load ammunition. After brief visits to Yokosuka and Pearl Harbor enroute, she returned to Long Beach on 3 Aug 1968.
The next month was spent in shipboard training and upkeep. The Valley Forge off loaded her remaining ammunition 17 Sept 1968, and on the 23rd began an extensive overhaul at Long Beach. On its completion, she underwent a period of training and preparation for further Far East service.
Once more ready for sea, the Valley Forge departed Long Beach 30 Jan 1969. At San Diego she embarked Marine CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters for delivery to transport squadrons in Vietnam. At Pearl Harbor "The Valley's" officers were briefed on their forthcoming operations. The ship paused near Guam while one of her helicopters carried a stricken crewman ashore for urgent surgery. She loaded special landing force equipment at Subic Bay, and embarked the Commander, Special Landing Forces BRAVO and a squadron of Marine CH-46 transport helicopters. On 10 March 1969 the Valley began operating in support of "Operation Defiant Measure," steaming off Da Nang as her helicopters flew missions on the beach. This was completed by the 18 Mar 1969, and the Valley off loaded her helicopters before steaming to Subic Bay for upkeep.
After her return to Da Nang on 3 May 1969, the Valley Forge re-embarked her helicopters as well as part of a battalion landing team of Marines who had been taking part in fighting ashore. The carrier continued to operate in the Da Nang area during the weeks that followed, her helicopters flying frequent support missions and her Marines preparing for further combat landings.
During late May and early June 1969 the Valley Forge received visits from the Secretary of the Navy John Chafee and Vice Admiral William F. Bringle, Commander Seventh Fleet. She off loaded her Marine companies at Da Nang 10 June 1969 and embarked a battalion landing team for transportation to Okinawa, where she arrived on the 16 June 1969. The landing team conducted amphibious exercises with Valley Forge for eleven days, then boarded the Valley for transport to Subic Bay where they continued the training process. The Valley Forge returned to the Da Nang area 8 July 1969 and resumed flying helicopter support for Marine ground forces in the northern I Corps area. The ship took evasive action to avoid an approaching typhoon, and then began preparations for an amphibious operation.
"Operation Brave Armada" began 24 July 1969 with a helicopter-borne assault on suspected Viet Cong and North Vietnamese positions in Quang Ngai-Chu Lai area to support this attack which was completed on 7 Aug1969. She then steamed to Da Nang to off load her Marines. General Leonard F. Chapman, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, visited the USS VALLEY FORGE LPH-8 that same day. The ship sailed for Okinawa on the 13 Aug 1969, arriving four days later and off loading her helicopter squadron before getting underway again to evade another typhoon. The proceeded to Hong Kong, dropping anchor there on 22 Aug 1969. The same day the Happy Valley received a message announcing her forthcoming inactivation. She returned to Da Nang 3 Sept 1969 to load materials for shipment to the United States, departed that evening for Yokosuka for three days of upkeep before leaving the Far East forever.
Decommissioning The USS Valley Forge LPH-8 got underway from Yokosuka 11 Sept 1969, and anchored at Long Beach on the 22 Sept 1969. After a leave and upkeep period, she off loaded ammunition and equipment at Seal Beach and San Diego. The carrier returned to Long Beach 31 Oct 1969 to prepare for decommissioning. This process continued through the New Year and on 15 January 1970, USS VALLEY FORGE CV /CVA / CVS-45 /LPH-8 was placed out of commission. Her ensign and commissioning pennant were hauled down for the last time, and she was turned over to the Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility at San Diego. Her name was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on the same day.
"THE HAPPY VALLEY" was sold on 29 October 1971 to the Nicolai Joffe Corporation Beverly Hills, CA.
Epilogue The Valley Forge was, in truth, a magnifcent and happy ship. Citizens of Phildelphia who patriotically purchased the War Bonds to build her, the Craftsmen of the Philadelphia Navy Yard who constructed her, and the Officers and Men who sailed her can justifiably take pride in her performance and contribution to our country.
There are many things that make a great ship. Some are tangible-- some intangable. In the name Valley Forge are embodied many of the ideals for which we should all aim: Steadfastness of purpose in times of great difficulty; Love of this country and all the great things it stands for; To hold high the torch of freedom and to fight for that which we know is right.
The Valley Forge was the inheritor not only of an honorable name, but also of a great naval legacy illuminated by the names of many great men and many great ships. She carried forward both her name and that legacy with honor and distinction. Number one in her class with an extended service record she will long be remembered for First in War, First in Peace and First Around the World but above all as the "Happy Valley."
Rear Admiral John W. Harris, U.S. Navy (Retired) First Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Valley Forge
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation ... Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation territories in this area are as follows: Italy: November 8, 1945 to December 15, 1947, Trieste: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1954, Germany (exclusive of Berlin): May 9, 1945 to May 5, 1955, Berlin: May 9, 1945 to October 2, 1990, Austria: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1955, Asiatic-Pacific Area: September 2, 1945 to April 27, 1952. Units performing service in the Korean area during the period of June 27, 1950 to April 27, 1952, inclusive, and which are eligible for the Korean Service Medal, will not be credited with eligibility for the Navy Occupation Service Medal for the same period. MoreHide
From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships, published by the Naval Historical Center Full-screen images are linked from the images in the text below.
The sixth Ranger (CV 4), the first ship of the Navy to be designed and built from the keel up as an aircraft carrier was laid down 26 September 1931 by Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Newport News, Va.; launched 25 February 1933, sponsored by Mrs. Herbert Hoover; and commissioned at the Norfolk Navy Yard 4 June 1934, Capt. Arthur L. Bristol in command.
Ranger conducted her first air operations off Cape Henry 6 August 1934 and departed Norfolk the 17th for a shakedown training cruise that took her to Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo. She returned to Norfolk 4 October for operations off the Virginia Capes until 28 March 1935, when she sailed for the Pacific. Transiting the Panama Canal on 7 April, she arrived San Diego on the 15th. For nearly four years she participated in fleet problems reaching to Hawaii, and in western seaboard operations that took her as far south as Callao, Peru, and as far north as Seattle, Wash. On 4 January 1939, she departed San Diego for winter fleet operations in the Caribbean out of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. She then steamed north to Norfolk, Va., arriving 18 April.
Ranger cruised along the eastern seaboard out of Norfolk and into the Caribbean Sea. In the fall of 1939, she commenced Neutrality Patrol operations, operating out of Bermuda along the trade routes of the middle Atlantic and up the eastern seaboard up to Argentia, Newfoundland. She was returning to Norfolk from an ocean patrol extending to Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Arriving Norfolk 8 December, she sailed on the 21st for patrol in the South Atlantic. She then entered the Norfolk Navy Yard for repairs 22 March 1942.
Ranger served as flagship of Rear Adm. A. B. Cook, Commander, Carriers, Atlantic Fleet, until 6 April 1942, when he was relieved by Rear Adm. Ernest D. McWhorter, who also broke his flag in Ranger.
Steaming to Quonset Point, R.I., Ranger loaded 68 Army P-40 planes and men of the Army's 33d Pursuit Squadron, put to sea 22 April, and launched the Army squadron 10 May to land at Accra, on the Gold Coast of Africa. She returned to Quonset Point 28 May 1942, made a patrol to Argentia, then stood out of Newport 1 July with 72 Army P-40 pursuit planes, which she launched off the coast of Africa for Accra the 19th. After calling at Trinidad, she returned to Norfolk for local battle practice until 1 October, then based her training at Bermuda in company with four escort aircraft carriers that had been newly converted from tankers to meet the need for naval air power in the Atlantic.
The only large carrier in the Atlantic Fleet, Ranger led the task force comprising herself and four Sangamon-class escort carriers that provided air superiority during the amphibious invasion of German dominated French Morocco which commenced the morning of 8 November 1942.
It was still dark at 0615 that day, when Ranger, stationed 30 miles northwest of Casablanca, began launching her aircraft to support the landings made at three points on the Atlantic coast of North Africa. Nine of her Wildcats attacked the Rabat and Rabat-Sale airdromes, headquarters of the French air forces in Morocco. Without loss to themselves, they destroyed seven planes on one field, and 14 bombers on the other. Another flight destroyed seven planes on the Port Lyautey field. Some of Ranger's planes strafed four French destroyers in Casablanca Harbor while others strafed and bombed nearby batteries. The carrier launched 496 combat sorties in the three-day operation. Her attack aircraft scored two direct bomb hits on the French destroyer leader Albatros, completely wrecking her forward half and causing 300 casualties. They also attacked French cruiser Primaugut as she sortied from Casablanca Harbor, dropped depth charges within lethal distance of two submarines, and knocked out coastal defense and anti-aircraft batteries. They destroyed more than 70 enemy planes on the ground and shot down 15 in aerial combat. But 16 planes from Ranger were lost or damaged beyond repair. It was estimated that 21 light enemy tanks were immobilized and some 86 military vehicles destroyed ? most of them troop-carrying trucks.
Casablanca capitulated to the American invaders 11 November 1942 and Ranger departed the Moroccan coast 12 November, returning to Norfolk, Va., on the 23d.
Following training in Chesapeake Bay, the carrier underwent overhaul in the Norfolk Navy Yard from 16 December 1942 to 7 February 1943. She next transported 75 P-40-L Army pursuit planes to Africa, arriving Casablanca on 23 February; then patrolled and trained pilots along the New England coast steaming as far north as Halifax, Nova Scotia. Departing Halifax 11 August, she joined the British Home Fleet at Scapa Flow, Scotland, 19 August, and patrolled the approaches to the British Isles.
Ranger departed Scapa Flow with the Home Fleet 2 October to attack German shipping in Norwegian waters. The objective of the force was the Norwegian port of Bodö. 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 Wildcat fighters. 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 Bodö roadstead.
A second Ranger attack group of 10 Avengers and six Wildcats destroyed a German freighter and a small coaster and bombed yet another troop-laden transport. Three Ranger planes were lost to antiaircraft fire. On the afternoon of 4 October, Ranger was finally located by three German aircraft, but her combat air patrol shot down two of the enemy planes and chased off the third.
Ranger returned to Scapa Flow 6 October 1943. She patrolled with the British Second Battle Squadron in waters reaching to Iceland, and then departed Hvalfjord on 26 November, arriving Boston 4 December. On 3 January 1944, she became a training carrier out of Quonset Point, R.I. This duty was interrupted 20 April when she arrived at Staten Island, N.Y., to load 76 P-38 fighter planes together with Army, Navy, and French Naval personnel for transport to Casablanca. Sailing 24 April, she arrived Casablanca 4 May. There she onloaded Army aircraft destined for stateside repairs and embarked military passengers for the return to New York.
Touching at New York 16 May, Ranger then entered the Norfolk Navy Yard to have her flight deck strengthened and for installation of a new type catapult, radar, and associated gear that provided her with a capacity for night fighter interceptor training. On 11 July 1944 she departed Norfolk transited the Panama Canal 5 days later, and embarked several hundred Army passengers at Balboa for transportation to San Diego, arriving there 25 July.
After embarking the men and aircraft of Night Fighting Squadron 102 and nearly a thousand Marines, she sailed for Hawaiian waters 28 July, reaching Pearl Harbor 3 August. During the next 3 months she conducted night carrier training operations out of Pearl Harbor.
Ranger departed Pearl Harbor 18 October to train pilots for combat duty. Operating out of San Diego under Commander, Fleet Air, Alameda, she continued training air groups and squadrons along the California coast throughout the remainder of the war.
Departing San Diego 30 September 1945, she embarked civilian and military passengers at Balboa the Canal Zone, and then steamed for New Orleans, arriving 18 October. Following Navy Day celebrations there, she sailed 30 October for brief operations at Pensacola. After calling at Norfolk, she entered the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard 18 November for overhaul. She remained on the eastern seaboard until decommissioned at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard 18 October 1946. Struck from the Navy list 29 October 1946, she was sold for scrap to Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Chester, Pa., 28 January 1947.
Ranger received two battle stars for World War II service.
Description The European-Mediterranean-Middle East Theater was a major theater of operations during the Second World War (between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946). The vast size of Europe, Mediterranean and MThe European-Mediterranean-Middle East Theater was a major theater of operations during the Second World War (between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946). The vast size of Europe, Mediterranean and Middle East theatre saw interconnected naval, land, and air campaigns fought for control of the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The fighting in this theatre lasted from 10 June 1940, when Italy entered the war on the side of Germany, until 2 May 1945 when all Axis forces in Italy surrendered. However, fighting would continue in Greece – where British troops had been dispatched to aid the Greek government – during the early stages of the Greek Civil War.
The British referred to this theatre as the Mediterranean and Middle East Theatre (so called due to the location of the fighting and the name of the headquarters that controlled the initial fighting: Middle East Command) while the Americans called the theatre of operations the Mediterranean Theatre of War. The German official history of the fighting is dubbed 'The Mediterranean, South-East Europe, and North Africa 1939–1942'. Regardless of the size of the theatre, the various campaigns were not seen as neatly separated areas of operations but part of one vast theatre of war.
Fascist Italy aimed to carve out a new Roman Empire, while British forces aimed initially to retain the status quo. Italy launched various attacks around the Mediterranean, which were largely unsuccessful. With the introduction of German forces, Yugoslavia and Greece were overrun. Allied and Axis forces engaged in back and forth fighting across North Africa, with Axis interference in the Middle East causing fighting to spread there. With confidence high from early gains, German forces planned elaborate attacks to be launched to capture the Middle East and then to possibly attack the southern border of the Soviet Union. However, following three years of fighting, Axis forces were defeated in North Africa and their interference in the Middle East was halted. Allied forces then commenced an invasion of Southern Europe, resulting in the Italians switching sides and deposing Mussolini. A prolonged battle for Italy took place, and as the strategic situation changed in southeast Europe, British troops returned to Greece.
The theatre of war, the longest during the Second World War, resulted in the destruction of the Italian Empire and altered the strategic position of Germany resulting in numerous German divisions being deployed to Africa and Italy and total losses (including those captured upon final surrender) being over half a million. Italian losses, in the theatre, amount to around to 177,000 men with a further several hundred thousand captured during the process of the various campaigns. British losses amount to over 300,000 men killed, wounded, or captured, and total American losses in the region amounted to 130,000.... More
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
A town and a sound in North Carolina and a county in Virginia. All three were named for General George Monck, the first Duke of Albemarle and one of the original Carolina proprietors.
(AV-5: dp. 8,761; l. 527'4"; b. 69'3"; dr. 21'11"; s. 19.7 k.; cpl. 1,195; a. 4 5", 8 .50-cal. mg.; cl. Curtiss)
The third Albemarle (AV-5) was laid down on 12 June 1939 at Camden, N.J., by the New York Shipbuilding Corp.; launched on 13 July 1940; sponsored by Mrs. Beatrice C. Compton, the wife of the Honorable Lewis Compton, Assistant Secretary of the Navy; and commissioned at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on 20 December 1940, Comdr. Henry M. Mullinnix in command.
Albemarle remained at Philadelphia, fitting out, through mid January, 1941. Underway for Newport, R. I., on the morning of 28 January, the seaplane tender arrived at her destination on the 30th, and loaded torpedoes. She sailed the following day for Norfolk, arriving on 1 February, and over the ensuing days remained in that area, loading bombs and pyrotechnics and calibrating her degaussing gear, before she sailed on her shakedown cruise on the afternoon of 6 February, setting course for Guantanamo Bay.
The seaplane tender shifted thence to Havana on the morning of 18 February, and over the days which followed her captain made the usual formal calls dictated by diplomatic protocol. In Havana harbor, Albemarle dressed ship for Washington's Birthday, her 21-gun salute to the American national holiday returned gun-for-gun by the Cuban gunboat Yara. On the morning of 24 February, the ship got underway for the Canal Zone.
Diverted while en route, Albemarle anchored in the harbor at San Juan, Puerto Rico, on the morning of 28 February, and that afternoon received the official call of Rear Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, Commandant of the 10th Naval District. That same day, she embarked 91 men from VP-51 and VP-61 from VP-52 for temporary duty and transportation, and sailed for Norfolk on the morning of 2 March. While en route, Comdr. Mullinnix was relieved as commanding officer by Comdr. H. B. Sallada.
Albemarle moored at Pier 7, Naval Operating Base (NOB), Norfolk, on the afternoon of 5 March, but lingered there for less than a day, getting underway the following afternoon for Philadelphia. She returned to the Philadelphia Navy Yard and spent the rest of March there, undergoing post-shakedown repairs.
The seaplane tender departed Philadelphia on 6 April, and arrived back at Norfolk the following afternoon, there she took on board depth charges and depth bombs. She sailed for Newport on the morning of 10 April, and soon after standing out into international waters past the Virginia capes, met her escort for the trip -- six "flush-deck" destroyers, one of which was the ill fated Reuben James (DD-245). That afternoon she fueled two of her escorts, Sturtevant (DD-240) and MacLeish (DD- 220) at the same time, the former to starboard, the latter to port.
Albemarle then anchored in the harbor of refuge, off Block Island, late on the afternoon of 11 April and, accompanied by the destroyer Truxtun (DD-229), calibrated her radio direction finders. She then set out to finish her voyage up the eastern seaboard to Newport arriving at her destination late on the afternoon of 13 April. She there joined a host of warships ranging from the battleship Texas (BB-35) and the heavy cruisers Tuscaloosa (CA-37) and Wichita (CA-45) to old and new-type destroyers and the destroyer tender Prairie (AD-15).
While Albemarle had been on her shakedown, the United States determination to aid the British in the Battle of the Atlantic had resulted in the establishment, on 1 March, of the Support Force, commanded by Rear Admiral Arthur LeRoy Bristol, to protect the vital lifeline between the United States and Great Britain in the North Atlantic. It was formed around destroyers and patrol plane squadrons; the latter would be tended by small seaplane tenders (ex-destroyers and ex-minesweepers) and Albemarle.
Over the next few days, the seaplane tender operated in local waters, at Narragansett off Martha's Vineyard and Quonset Point, running drills of various kinds and conducting target practices. Rear Admiral Bristol came on board briefly on 28 April and wore his flag in Albemarle; that same day, she embarked her former commanding officer, now Capt. Mullinnix, who was now Commander, Patrol Wing, Support Force; men of VP-56 reported on board in connection with advanced base operations, as did men from VP-55. The following day, the planes from those two squadrons commenced night-flying operations.
Albemarle, after again wearing Rear Admiral Bristol's flag on 2 May, departed Newport for Norfolk on 4 May, arriving the following day. The seaplane tender then cleared the Virginia capes on the morning of 9 May for Newport, and arrived there the following morning. She embarked of officers and men of VP-52 on 12 May and then sailed the following morning (13 May) for Argentia, Newfoundland. Ultimately anchoring in Little Placentia Bay, Argentia, on the morning of 18 May, Albemarle was soon laying 13 seaplane moorings and gathering data on the weather of the region, establishing the advanced base for VP-52's operations from Argentia
Over the days that followed in addition to tending the planes assigned to her, she also fueled a succession of destroyers. On 20 May, she received a visit from not only Rear Admiral Bristol his first visit to Argentia which he later made his headquarters but Rear Admiral John H. Towers, the Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics, who both arrived separately in planes from VP-56. Both flag officers departed the following morning.
Twelve PBYs of VP-52 arrived at Argentia from Quonset Point on 18 May, and immediately commenced familiarization flights in the region activities which were suddenly canceled on 24 May. On that day, the German battleship Bismarck, which had left Norwegian waters shortly before in company with the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen on what was to be a raiding cruise into the Atlantic, encountered and destroyed the British battle cruiser HMS Hood. An anxious Prime Minister Winston Churchill, concerned over the convoy routes that lay open to the powerful German battleship, immediately cabled President Roosevelt and requested American help.
Albemarle quickly refueled the aircraft that had been flying training missions that morning and readied others for the urgent mission. At 1440 the first group of four PBYs Lifted off, followed a little less than three hours later, at 1720, by a second flight of seven. The pilots of the "Catalina" were briefed for a long reconnaissance mission that would take them some 500 miles southeast of Cape Farewell, Greenland. They encountered foul weather and very dangerous flying conditions in the course of their extensive searches, did not find their quarry in the murk, and were compelled by the fog and darkness to seek haven at various bays in Newfoundland, Labrador, Quebec, and adjoining islands.
Albemarle remained at Argentia until 12 June, when she sailed for Norfolk, arriving on the 15th. There she loaded supplies stores, ammunition and gasoline, before getting underway to return to Newfoundland on 20 June. Escorted there by the destroyer MacLeish, Albemarle touched at Halifax en route (22 June) and then proceeded on to Argentia, screened by MacLeish and Cole (DD-155), arriving on 24 June. The seaplane tender supported the operations of VP-71, VP-72, and VP-73 until she sailed again for Norfolk on 19 July, in company with Dallas (DD-199). Mooring at Pier 7, NOB Norfolk on the morning of the 25th, she shifted to the Norfolk Navy Yard later that same day and remained there, undergoing an availability, until 12 August.
Underway on that day Albemarle, screened by the destroyer Broome (DD-210), sailed for Argentia once more, and reached her destination on the 16th, resuming her support of VP-73. She provided support for seaplane and flying boat operations out of Argentia through October, 1941. Clearing Little Placentia Harbor on 1 November, Albemarle sailed for Casco Bay, Maine, arriving there on the 3d, she then pushed on for Norfolk, arriving there on the 7th.
On the day that Japanese planes attacked the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941, Albemarle lay at NOB Norfolk embarking passengers before she was scheduled to get underway for anchorage at Lynnhaven Roads. On Christmas Day, 1941, the seaplane tender got underway for Newport and Argentia.
Ultimately, the ship proceeded to Reykjavik, Iceland, where she would encounter the most severe weather she would see in her career. One particular day, 15 January 1942, was memorable. She set her special sea, anchor and steaming watches and put out both anchors with 120 fathoms of chain on the starboard and 60 to port, with her main engines turning over and steam up on all boilers. The winds were clocked at 71 knots, with occasional gusts of 95, forcing the tender to drag anchor.
The gale lasted until 19 January, and caused heavy damage among the ship's patrol planes. The ship nearly collided with Wichita on one occasion, and was in danger of fouling several other ships during that time. Her starboard anchor was fouled once, and she lost the port anchor. She ultimately left Reykjavik on 19 January, steaming initially at greatly reduced speed because of the tempest, shaping course for Argentia, where she would embark passengers for transportation to Norfolk.
Reaching Norfolk on 29 January, Albemarle then proceeded to Narragansett Bay, and there provided tender services to VP-73 as that squadron worked with torpedoes there. On 5 March, Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll, Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet, made an unofficial call and inspected the ship informally. Albemarle completed her work with VP-73 and remained at anchor in Narragansett Bay until 3 April, when she proceeded to the Boston Navy Yard South Annex for an availability. Her overhaul lasted until 1 May 1942.
Upon completion of her refit, Albemarle got underway for Newport, on 5 May, and there, over the next few days, degaussed calibrated her direction finders, and loaded aircraft for transportation to Bermuda. Underway on 15 May with Mayo (DD-422) and Benson (DD-421) as escorts, the seaplane tender reached her destination on the 17th, unloaded the planes she had brought, and immediately set sail for Narragansett Bay.
Relieving Pocomoke (AV-9) in connection with aircraft torpedo and submarine familiarization training, on the 19th, Albemarle remained anchored in Narragansett Bay until 12 August, providing torpedo services for a succession of squadrons: VP-94, VP-34, VP-33 and Torpedo Squadron 4. Underway on 12 August and escorted by the destroyers Livermore (DD-430), Kearny (DD-432) and Rowan (DD-405), the submarine tender sailed for Norfolk. After her arrival there, Albemarle conducted gunnery exercises in the Chesapeake Bay operating area.
Shortly thereafter, escorted by Fletcher (DD-445) and O'Bannon (DD-450), Albemarle sailed for the Canal Zone on 5 September 1942. Damaging her starboard screw at Coco Solo, the seaplane tender was ordered drydocked for repairs; after transiting the Panama Canal for the first time on 15 September, she entered dry dock at Balboa on the following day. Upon completion of repairs, she transported Army troops and marines to Rio Hato, Panama, for two days of joint Army-Navy maneuvers.
Over the next several months, Albemarle acted as fast transport of aeronautical material and men to naval air bases in the Caribbean and the Pacific coast of South America, as well as in the northern South Atlantic. During this time (September-November 1942), she visited Salinas, Ecuador, the air base at Seymour Island, in the Galapagos Islands San Juan and Bermuda primarily operating out of Colon and Balboa and escorted by the seaplane tender Goldsborough (AVD-5).
Relieved on station by the seaplane tender Pocomoke (AV-9) Albemarle sailed from the Canal Zone on 13 November 1942, escorted by Goldsborough and the small seaplane tender Matagorda (AVP-22). Proceeding via San Juan, Trinidad and Bermuda, the seaplane tender reached Hampton Roads on 30 November having completed her longest sustained tour of duty outside the continental Limits of the United States.
Over the next seven months, Albemarle shuttled between Norfolk and Guantanamo Bay, Trinidad, San Juan, and Bermuda, on eight round- trip voyages. She varied this routine only slightly on the sixth and eighth of these, visiting Recite, Brazil for the first time (17 to 21 April 1943) on the sixth cruise and putting into the Canal Zone on the eighth. Her cargo included aviation gasoline and ammunition. Upon completion of that cycle of operations she underwent repairs and alterations at the Boston Navy Yard between 15 June and 23 July 1943, departing on the latter date for Norfolk, whence she resumed her cargo-carrying and transport run to Trinidad, Recife, San Juan and Guantanamo Bay. On this voyage, her last on this run, she brought back 27 German prisoners of war survivors of a sunken U-boat.
Underway from Norfolk on 16 September 1943, Albemarle sailed for the British Isles, escorted by the destroyers Bulmer (DD-222) and Barker (DD-213). Proceeding via Argentia, the seaplane tender reached Swansea, Wales, with aeronautical cargo an passengers on 28 September, the men and freight she carried to support the newly inaugurated antisubmarine operations by patrol squadrons operating from the British Isles. Underway from Swansea on 4 October, she scraped a screw while leaving the harbor, and, after sailing via Argentia, reached Boston on 15 October. She was drydocked the following day, and the damaged propeller was repaired. Albemarle returned thence to Norfolk via the Cape Cod Canal, arriving at Norfolk on 18 October.
Underway on 22 October as part of a task group formed around the escort carrier Croatan (CVE-25) and three destroyers Albemarle sailed for Casablanca. Routed via Bermuda, the group reached its destination on 3 November. After discharging her cargo and disembarking her passengers, the seaplane tender then sailed for the United States on 10 November with another convoy, this one larger and formed around Croatan and the light cruiser Philadelphia (CL-41), escorted by seven destroyers, and containing Matagorda and three transports.
Albemarle made a second cruise to Casablanca before the year 1943 was out, underway on 28 November and escorted by the destroyers Barry (DD-248) and Goff (DD-247), and arriving on 7 December. She sailed on the 13th for Reykjavik and reached that Icelandic port on the 19th. There she embarked men from VB 128 for transportation back to the United States, and proceeded out of Reykjavik on 22 December for Norfolk. Battling heavy seas on the return voyage (making only five knots on Christmas Day), Albemarle returned to NOB, Norfolk, on the last day of the year 1943.
Proceeding thence to Bayonne, N.J., on 4 January 1944, for upkeep and availability, Albemarle returned to Norfolk on 17 January, and prepared for a voyage to San Juan. While outward-bound, however, on 18 January 1944, the seaplane tender fouled a buoy in a thick fog and put about for repairs. Drydocked on 20 January, Albemarle sailed again for her original destination, San Juan, the following day.
Subsequently touching at Trinidad and Recife, and retracing her path calling at Trinidad and San Juan on the return leg of the passage, Albemarle returned to Norfolk on 23 February for availability. She then steamed to Casablanca in company with the amphibious command ship Catoctin (AGC-5) and two destroyers and, among her passengers on the westward bound trip were 20 German U-boat sailors, prisoners of war. She arrived back at Norfolk on 1 April 1944.
After upkeep at NOB, Norfolk, Albemarle proceeded up to the Naval Supply Depot at Bayonne, where she loaded aviation cargo, between 7 and 13 April. She then sailed, via Norfolk, to Guantanamo Bay, Trinidad, the Brazilian ports of Recife and Bahia, and San Juan, ultimately making arrival back at Norfolk on 27 May for voyage repairs and upkeep. Loading cargo at the end of that period, including 29 dive bombers, Albemarle again shaped a course for North African waters, the seaplane tender making arrival at Casablanca on 20 June. She proceeded thence to Avonmouth, England, where she loaded cargo and embarked passengers for return to the United States. Underway for Boston on 6 July, she reached her destination on the 13th.
Albemarle spent the next month undergoing a 30-day availability for repairs and alterations at the Boston Navy Yard. Emerging from the yard on 15 August, the seaplane tender proceeded to Bayonne, to load cargo. Sailing via Norfolk, the ship visited the familiar bases at San Juan, Trinidad, Recife and Guantanamo Bay before returning to NOB, Norfolk on 29 September.
After loading cargo at Bayonne (12 to 17 October), Albemarle headed south for the supply run to San Juan, Trinidad and Recife.
Outward-bound the voyage proved uneventful; however, while loading ammunition and cargo at San Juan for the return leg of the voyage, an electrical fire damaged the ship's main distribution board, putting Albemarle's lighting and ventilation systems out . of commission Underway for Hampton Roads on 22 November the seaplane tender reached Hampton Roads on the 25th, and moored at NOB, Norfolk, on the 26th to commence an availability.
Underway for Guantanamo Bay on the last day of 1944 Albemarle dropped anchor there on 4 January 1945. Reporting to Commander, Fleet Air Wing 11, for temporary duty, she tended VPB-201 and VPB-210 at "Gitmo" until 17 January, when the seaplane tender sailed for Coco Solo arriving at her destination on the 19th. Thence she sailed for Trinidad where she tended VPB-213 from 1 to 11 February.
Shifting back to the Canal Zone soon thereafter? Albemarle commenced tending operations for VPB-214 at Almirante Bay, Panama on 18 February, and remained engaged in that duty until Washington's Birthday. On 25 February, the ship was designated as flagship for Commander, Air Force? Atlantic Fleet the day after she cleared Limon Bay for the Galapagos group.
There, Albemarle tended VPB-74 and VPB-209 from 27 February to 6 March, when the seaplane tender got underway to return to the Canal Zone. She steamed thence to Guantanamo Bay and Norfolk, arriving at the latter place on 17 March for an availability that lasted through mid- May 1945
Albemarle cleared Norfolk on 18 May for New York, laden with cargo, escorted by the destroyers Bernadou (DD-153) and Dallas. Two days later, the seaplane tender sailed for the British Isles in CU-71, a convoy formed around the venerable USAT George Washington. Albemarle's mission was to bring back to the United States those patrol squadrons whose task in the Atlantic had been completed with the end of the war in Europe and whose presence was required in the still-active Pacific theater. Ultimately, Albemarle reached her destination Avonmouth, on 30 May, and brought her passengers -- men of Fleet Air Wing 7 -- back to Norfolk on 14 June
Albemarle made a second voyage to Avonmouth, sailing from Hampton Roads on Independence Day 1945 and reaching her destination on 13 July. There she embarked 772 sailors and soldiers, the majority of the latter repatriated prisoners of war. Underway on the 17th, the seaplane tender arrived back at Norfolk on the 26th.
Entering the Norfolk Navy Yard on 28 July for repairs and alterations to fit her out for duty in the Pacific, Albemarle was m the midst of this availability when the war in the Pacific ended in mid-August 1945. The Japanese capitulation suspended the work; and, soon thereafter, the orders to the Pacific to tend seaplanes were cancelled.
Shortly thereafter, however, Albemarle underwent alterations of a different kind, to fit her out for different duty. With repairs carried out to the ventilation and berthing arrangements, the seaplane tender departed Norfolk on 25 September with 2,000 Navy replacements embarked, bound for the Canal Zone. She soon reported for duty as a transport under the Naval Transport Service.
Albemarle cleared Coco Solo, for Pearl Harbor, but while transiting the Panama Canal suffered damage to her port screw. Reduced to proceeding with a single propeller, the seaplane tender put into San Francisco for repairs. Assigned to the "Magic Carpet" fleet -- the ships given the job of returning American veterans home for rotation or discharge -- upon completion of her repairs, Albemarle sailed westward, arriving at Pearl Harbor on 1 November before pushing on for New Caledonia, arriving there on 13 November, eventually arriving at NAS, Alameda, on 28 November.
Following a second round-trip voyage to Samar, in the Philippines and back Albemarle underwent a three-month overhaul at the Naomi Shipyard Terminal Island, Calif., in preparation for her participation in Operation "Crossroads". The seaplane tender arrived at the Marshall Islands on 4 May 1946 to provide laboratory and base facilities for the technical staff for the operation. On the date of the first test (Able), an air detonation of an atomic device, Albemarle lay 155 miles to the southeast, moored in Kwajalein lagoon. Departing there on 3 July? the ship reached Bikini Atoll the following day, and, except for a rehearsal exercise on 19 July remained moored at Bikini until she departed the lagoon there on the 25th. She observed the second test (Baker) on that day and after spending a brief period at Bikini departed Kwajalein Atoll for Pearl Harbor, reaching her destination on 5 August 1946, her part in "Crossroads" completed. She continued on to the west coast, reaching San Pedro on 12 August, and remained there until she sailed for Norfolk on 29 October.
Arriving at Norfolk via the Panama Canal on 15 November, Albemarle underwent a six-week overhaul at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. She remained m the Norfolk area until she sailed on 3 March 1947 with Commander Training Command, Atlantic embarked. Stopping briefly at Key West, Fla., from 6 to 8 March Albemarle proceeded on down to Guantanamo Bay, reaching her destination on 10 March for a week's operations there. Clearing "Gitmo" on 18 March, the seaplane tender returned to Norfolk on the 21st.
Departing the Hampton Roads area on 9 April, Albemarle sailed for Boston, arriving at the naval shipyard there on the 11th. She remained there until the 21 April, at which time she sailed for Newport, making arrival the same day. Departing Newport on the 23d with ComTraComdLant embarked Albemarle returned to Norfolk on the 24th, remaining in that vicinity, conducting refresher training and routine upkeep, until 30 June, when she sailed for Boston.
Spending the 4th of July at Boston, Albemarle remained at that port for over a month, shifting to Newport on 5 August and then back to Boston on the 14th, remaining until 2 September when she sailed for Norfolk. She then conducted one more trip to Newport (22 to 31 October 1947) before coming back to Norfolk on 1 November. She then underwent a restricted availability at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard from 1 December 1947 to 15 January 1948, for "special temporary alterations" in connection with her next operation.
Albemarle sailed from Norfolk on 16 January 1948 for the Canal Zone, and upon completing the transit of the isthmian waterway reported for duty with Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet, for temporary duty with Joint Task Force "Switchman." Steaming thence to Terminal Island for final fitting out for her next task at hand, and arriving there on 4 February 1948 Albemarle sailed for Pearl Harbor on 1 March, in company with the radar picket destroyer Rogers (DDR-876), proceeding thence to the Marshall Islands, arriving at Eniwetok on 16 March, to take part in Operation "Sandstone." Specially altered for the task, Albemarle served as the laboratory ship during "Sandstone"-- three-detonation nuclear atmospheric test series-- shots "X-Ray" (15 April 1948), "Yoke" (1 May 1948) and "Zebra" (15 May 1948). Departing Eniwetok on 21 May 1948 Albemarle arrived at Pearl Harbor on the 27th, en route to Oakland, Calif. which she reached on 4 June. Sailing for Norfolk on 11 June, she transited the Panama Canal on 20 -21 June, and reached her ultimate destination on the 26th. She remained there undergoing overhaul at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard until 23 August, when she sailed for Guantanamo Bay, reaching "Gitmo" on the 27th for a three-day stay. Over the two weeks following her departure from Cuban waters, Albemarle visited Key West, Boston, and Newport before returning to Norfolk on 14 September.
Following an overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Albemarle stood out of Hampton Roads on 8 February, and over the ensuing weeks visited a succession of ports and operating areas: Key West, Port-au- Prince, Haiti, Kingston, Jamaica, and Bermuda interspersing these port visits with training out of Guantanamo Bay.
Returning to the Norfolk Naval Base on 19 March, she remained there into the summer, ultimately sailing for Boston on 13 July for a port visit. Subsequently visiting Newport and New York, Albemarle returned to Norfolk on 27 July, and worked m the local operating areas into September. Further operations late in the summer and early fall of 1949 took the ship to Newport, New York, and the Norfolk local operating areas.
Standing out of Lynnhaven Roads on 2 March 1950, Albemarle subsequently worked out of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and Roosevelt Roads before she visited Martinique (15-17 March 1950), Grenada (17-19 March), Willemstad Curacao (20-22 March), and Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic (23-25 March). Stopping briefly at Guantanamo Bay, the ship returned to Norfolk on 31 March and remained there until 11 May, when she got underway for the New York Naval Shipyard, arriving there the following day. Attached to the New York Group, Atlantic Reserve Fleet, the ship was decommissioned on 14 August 1950 and berthed at Brooklyn.
Shifted to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in February 1956, Albemarle was earmarked for conversion to tend Martin P6M "Seamaster" jet flying boats. She was reassigned from the Atlantic Reserve Fleet to the Commandant, 4th Naval District for conversion, effective 6 February 1956. Equipped with stern ramps and servicing booms to handle the "Seamaster," as well as a semi-sheltered area and a Service drydock, the ship emerged from the conversion possessing the capability to serve as a highly mobile seadrome capable of supporting jet seaplanes anywhere.
Albemarle was recommissioned at Philadelphia on 21 October 1957, Capt. William A. Dean in command. After fitting out she sailed for Norfolk on 7 December, and arrived there on the 10th. The ship then sailed for Guantanamo Bay on 3 January 1958, made port there on the 7th, remaining there for ten days and carrying out shakedown training, before dropping down to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Proceeding thence back to Guantanamo, concluding her shakedown on 21 January, Albemarle steamed thence to San Juan and Trinidad, carrying out tending operations with four squadrons of Martin P5M "Marlin" flying boats and participating in "Springboard" exercises. Albemarle arrived back at Norfolk on 9 April, remaining there only five days before proceeding back to Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where she remained under overhaul through mid July. Returning to Norfolk on 20 July, the ship got underway for operations in the North Atlantic on 14 August, and ranged as far as the Azores before returning to Norfolk on 16 September. Over the next two months Albemarle operated between Norfolk and Bermuda, she rounded out the year at Norfolk, arriving there on 19 November and remaining until 2 March 1959.
Albemarle continued to operate out of Norfolk through 1959 and into 1960, although the cancellation of the "Seamaster" program meant that the ship would never service the aircraft for which she had been reconfigured. Her ports and places visited in 1959 encompassed the naval air facility at Patuxent River, Md. Pillsbury Sound, in the Virgin Islands, San Juan, and Savannah, Ga.; Halifax and Nova Scotia, Canada; New York City; Yorktown, Va., Port-au-Prince; Guantanamo Bay and Bermuda. The ship commenced the year, 1960, operating out of San Juan, then moved in succession to Bermuda, back to San Juan, thence to Pillsbury Sound and Grand Turk Island, in the West Indies thence to Guantanamo Bay and Pillsbury Sound again, thence to San Juan and Guantanamo, into March.
Unloading ammunition at the Naval Weapons Station at Yorktown, between 12 and 15 July, Albemarle moored at Norfolk, commencing preparations for inactivation, from 15 to 18 July before she proceeded to Philadelphia to unload material. Returning thence to Norfolk on 30 July, she continued inactivation preparations through the summer.
Placed out of commission, in reserve, on 21 October 1960 Albemarle was initially berthed with the Norfolk group of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet pending her transfer to the Maritime Administration (MarAd) James River Fleet. Placed in the custodial care of MarAd, Albemarle was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 September 1962.
On 7 August 1964, however, MarAd transferred the ship, earmarked for conversion to a floating aeronautical maintenance facility for helicopters, back to the Navy. On 27 March 1965, the ship received the new name and classification Corpus Christi Bay (T-ARVH-1), and was transferred to the Military Sealift Command (MSC) on 11 January 1966.
Converted at the Charleston (S.C.) Naval Shipyard, the ship emerged from the yard only faintly resembling her former self. Gone was the prominent seaplane ramp, aft, replaced by a built-up superstructure topped by a helicopter landing pad measuring 50 by 150 feet. Previously, damaged helicopters had had to be transported back to the United States for refit, with the advent of this "new" ship type, repairs could be accomplished near the forward areas, damaged helos barged out to the ship and lifted on board by two 20-ton capacity cranes.
Accepted by MSC in January 1966, Corpus Christi Bay's first commander was Capt. Harry Anderson, who had a crew of 129 men, a fraction of the ship's original complement, under him. Accompanying the ship on her first deployment in support of forces in Vietnam was the Army's 1st Transportation Corps Battalion (Seaborne), 308 aircraft technicians and specialists under the command of Lt. Col. Harry O. Davis, USA. The ship operated out of Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam, during 1966.
Ultimately determined by MSC to be "in excess of current and future requirements," Corpus Christi Bay was taken out of service and berthed in ready reserve status at Corpus Christi Texas. Corpus Christi Bay (T- ARVH-1) was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 31 December 1974. On 17 July 1975 the ship was sold to Brownsville (Texas) Steel and Salvage, Inc., and was scrapped subsequently.
Criteria The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west ... The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving between January 17, 1991, and November 30, 1995, in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including their air space and territorial waters) are also eligible; however, they must have directly supported combat operations (e.g., embassy guards are not eligible). MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Other Memories
The fourth USS Lexington (CV-2), nicknamed the "Gray Lady" or "Lady Lex", was an early aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. She was the name ship of the Lexington class.
Construction The Lexington is named after the Battles of Lexington and Concord that took place in Lexington, Massachusetts. She and her sister ship Saratoga were originally authorized in 1916 as battle cruisers of 35,300 tons with seven funnels and boilers disposed on two deck levels. After the war, and as a result of the lessons thereof, plans were to a large extent re-cast in 1919. Designated CC-1 and CC-3, they were laid down as smaller battle cruisers on 8 January 1921 by Fore River Shipbuilding Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Following the Washington Naval Conference, they were both redesignated and re-authorized to be completed as aircraft carriers on 1 July 1922. As such, they were reduced in displacement by 8,500 tons, achieved mainly by the elimination of eight 16-inch (406 mm) guns in four twin turrets (including mounts, armor, and so on). The main belt armor was retained, and the deck armor was heavily reinforced. The general lines of the hull remained unaltered, and the special system of underwater protection was adhered to. The flight deck was 880 feet (244m) long and 85 to 90 feet (25.9-27.4m) wide, mounted 60 feet (18.3m) above the waterline. The mean draught was 24 feet 1.5 inches (7.4m). The ships had a complement of 169 officers and 1730 men, including flying personnel. They carried eight 8 inch (203 mm)/55 caliber guns, twelve 5-inch (127 mm)/25 caliber anti-aircraft guns, and four 6-pounder (2.24-inch, 57 mm) saluting guns. These two ships were the last two built with a transverse catapult as part of the original design. The catapult had a travel of 155 feet (47 m), and was strong enough to launch the heaviest naval aircraft then in existence within 60 feet (18.3m). As built, these two ships had cranes for launching and retrieving seaplanes and flying boats, a capability removed during the war and replaced by additional anti-aircraft guns. The ships were designed to carry a maximum of 120 aircraft of various types, including fighters, scouts, and bombers. Each ship cost a total of $45,000,000 with aircraft.
Lexington was launched 3 October 1925, sponsored by Mrs. Theodore Douglas Robinson (wife of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy), and commissioned 14 December 1927, Captain Albert W. Marshall in command.
Lexington and Saratoga had turboelectric drive with 16 Yarrow boilers powering four General Electric steam turbines spinning generators that powered the four slower speed main drive motors. Lexington's engines provided electricity to Tacoma, Washington for thirty days during a power shortage in the winter of 1929/1930.
[edit] 1928-1941 After fitting out and shakedown, Lexington joined the Battle Fleet at San Pedro, California, 7 April 1928. Based there, she operated on the west coast with Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet, in flight training, tactical exercises, and battle problems. Each year she participated in fleet maneuvers in Hawaii, in the Caribbean, off the Panama Canal Zone, and in the eastern Pacific. On trials, Lexington achieved an average speed of 30.7 knots, and maintained a speed of 34.5 knots for one hour.
The Captain of the vessel in 1930 and 1931 was Ernest King, who was later to serve as the Chief of Naval Operations during the Second World War.
In 1931, Robert A. Heinlein, later science fiction writer, worked on radio communications, then in its nascent phase, with the aircraft carrier's planes. [1]
[edit] World War II
[edit] 1941 In the fall of 1941 she sailed with the battle force to the Hawaiians for tactical exercises.
On 7 December 1941 Lexington was at sea with Task Force 12 carrying marine aircraft from Pearl Harbor to reinforce Midway when word of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was received. She immediately launched search planes to hunt for the Japanese fleet, and at midmorning headed south to rendezvous with Indianapolis and Enterprise task forces to conduct a search southwest of Oahu until returning to Pearl Harbor on 13 December.
Lexington sailed next day to raid Japanese forces on Jaluit to relieve pressure on Wake Island; these orders were canceled 20 December, and she was directed to cover the Saratoga force in reinforcing Wake. When the island fell on 23 December, the two carrier forces were recalled to Pearl Harbor, arriving 27 December.
[edit] 1942 Lexington patrolled to block enemy raids in the Oahu¨CJohnston¨CPalmyra triangle until 11 January 1942, when she sailed from Pearl Harbor as flagship for Vice Admiral Wilson Brown commanding Task Force 11. On 16 February, the force headed for an attack on Rabaul, New Britain, scheduled for 21 February; while approaching the day previous, Lexington was attacked by two waves of enemy aircraft, nine planes to a wave. The carrier's own combat air patrol and antiaircraft fire shot down 17 of the attackers. During a single sortie, Lieutenant Edward O'Hare won the Medal of Honor by downing five planes.
Her offensive patrols in the Coral Sea continued until 6 March, when she rendezvoused with Yorktown's Task Force 17 for a thoroughly successful surprise attack flown over the Owen Stanley Mountains of New Guinea to inflict heavy damage on shipping and installations at Salamaua and Lae on 10 March. She then returned to Pearl Harbor, arriving 26 March.
Lexington's task force sortied from Pearl Harbor on 15 April, rejoining TF 17 on 1 May. As Japanese fleet concentrations threatening the Coral Sea were observed, Lexington and Yorktown moved into the sea to search for the enemy's force covering a projected troop movement; the Japanese had to be blocked in their southward expansion or sea communication with Australia and New Zealand would be cut, and the dominions threatened with invasion. The Battle of the Coral Sea was the result.
[edit] Battle of the Coral Sea On 7 May, search planes reported contact with an enemy carrier task force. Lexington's air group sank the light carrier Sh¨h¨. Later that day, 12 bombers and 15 torpedo planes from still-unlocated heavy carriers Sh¨kaku and Zuikaku were intercepted by fighter groups from Lexington and Yorktown, which shot down nine enemy aircraft.
On the morning of the 8th, a Lexington plane located the Sh¨kaku group; a strike was immediately launched from the American carriers, and the Japanese carrier was heavily damaged.
Lexington burning during the Battle of the Coral SeaHowever, enemy planes penetrated the American defenses at 11:00, and 20 minutes later Lexington was struck by a torpedo to port. Seconds later, a second torpedo hit her portside directly abeam the bridge. At the same time, she took three bomb hits from enemy dive bombers, producing a 7 degree list to port and several raging fires. By 13:00, skilled damage control had brought the fires under control and restored her to an even keel; making 25 knots (46 km/h), she was ready to recover her air group. Then suddenly Lexington was shaken by a tremendous explosion, caused by the ignition of gasoline vapors below, and again fire raged out of control. At 15:58, Captain Frederick Carl Sherman, fearing for the safety of men working below, secured salvage operations, and ordered all hands to the flight deck. At 17:01, he ordered "abandon ship" and the orderly disembarkation began. Men going over the side into the warm water were almost immediately picked up by nearby cruisers and destroyers. Admiral Aubrey Wray Fitch and his staff transferred to the cruiser Minneapolis; Captain Sherman and his executive officer, Commander Morton T. Seligman ensured all their men were safe, then were the last to leave.
Lexington blazed on, flames shooting hundreds of feet into the air. Destroyer Phelps closed to 1,500 yards (1,400 m) and fired two torpedoes into her hull; with one last heavy explosion, Lexington sank at 19:56, in 15¡ã20¡äS, 155¡ã30¡äE.
[edit] Honors Lexington received two battle stars for her World War II service.
In June 1942, five days after the Navy's public acknowledgement of the sinking, workers at the Quincy shipyard where the ship was built twenty-one years earlier cabled Navy Secretary Frank Knox and proposed a change in the name of a carrier currently under construction there to the USS Lexington (from the USS Cabot).[2] Knox agreed to the proposal, and by September 23, 1942 the fifth USS Lexington (CV-16) was launched.
As CA-74
30 Nov 44 - 08 May 59
Joining the Pacific Fleet, Columbus reached Tsingtao, China, 13 January 1946 for occupation duty. On 1 April she helped to sink 24 Japanese submarines, prizes of war, and next day sailed for San Pedro, California. For the remainder of the year, she operated in west coast waters, then made a second Far Eastern cruise from 15 January to 12 June 1947.
After west coast operations and an overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Columbus cleared Bremerton 12 April 1948 to join the Atlantic Fleet, arriving at Norfolk, Va., 19 May. Columbus made two cruises as flagship of Commander-in-Chief, Naval Forces Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, from 13 September 1948 to 15 December 1949 and from 12 June 1950 to 5 October 1951, and one as flagship of Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic, during parts of NATO Operation Mainbrace from 25 August to 29 September 1952. She cruised in the Mediterranean from October 1952 through January 1953, serving part of that time as flagship of the 6th Fleet. Now flagship of Cruiser Division 6, she returned to the Mediterranean from September 1954 to January 1955. Between deployments, Columbus received necessary overhauls and carried out training operations along the east coast and in the Caribbean.
Reassigned to the Pacific Fleet, Columbus cleared Boston, Massachusetts, on 8 November 1955 for Long Beach, California, where she arrived 2 December. Just a month later, on 5 January 1956, she sailed for Yokosuka, Japan, and operated with the 7th Fleet until she returned to Long Beach 8 July. Columbus made two more cruises to the Far East in 1957 and 1958. During the late summer of 1958, her presence was a reminder of American strength and interest as she patrolled the Taiwan Straits during the crisis brought on by the renewed shelling of the offshore islands by the Chinese communists. On 8 May 1959, Columbus went out of commission at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to begin her conversion to a guided missile cruiser.
[edit] As CG-12
30 Sep 59 - 31 Jan 75
Insignia Adopted in 1962, after conversion to CGOn 30 September 1959 the USS Columbus was retrofitted as an Albany class Guided Missile Cruiser, joining the USS Albany (CG-10) and USS Chicago (CG-11) as the only three ships of this line, and reclassified CG-12,. The USS Columbus (CG-12) was subsequently recommissioned on 1 December 1962, and her first deployment was to the western Pacific in August 1964.
The 1959 Albany-class refit of the USS Columbus left CG-12 with the following armaments:
RIM-8 Talos - 2 twin Talos SAM launch systems
Fore: Systems 1 & 2, with one launcher; Aft: Systems 7 & 8, with one launcher
RIM-24 Tartar - 2 twin Tartar SAM launch systems
Starboard: Systems 3 & 5 with MK11 launcher; Port: Systems 4 & 6 with MK11 launcher
Anti-Submarine - 1 eight-tube ASROC system
Torpedoes - 2 triple-tube Mk-32 torpedo systems
USS Columbus, CG-12, firing Tartar missile while on deployment to Mediterranean
[edit] Flagship
The Columbus served as Flagship COMCRUDESFLOT throughout 1966, after assignment to the Atlantic Fleet at the start of that year. From 1966 until 1974, Columbus deployed to the Mediterranean seven times.
Oct 66 - Apr 67
Jan 68 - Jul 68
Dec 68 - May 69
08 Oct 69 - 18 Mar 70
06 Sep 70 - 01 Mar 71
17 May 72 - 18 Oct 72
02 Nov 73 - 31 May 74
Unlike the other members of the class that had been converted to guided missile cruisers, the ship was not modernised in 1970. Upon return from her final Mediterranean deployment on 31 May 1974, she entered port and began preparations for deactivation and decommissioning. The ship was decommissioned on 31 January 1975, stricken from the Navy List on 9 August 1976 and sold for scrapping on 3 October 1977.