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WHALE LANDINGS
Hit Counter

CV-61 USS RANGER

Effective date: 4 December 1996, U.S. NAVY
Description: Aircraft carriers provide a wide range of possible response for the National Command Authority.

THE CARRIER MISSION

To provide a credible, sustainable, independent forward presence and conventional deterrence in peacetime.
To operate as the cornerstone of joint/allied maritime expeditionary forces in times of crisis.
To operate and support aircraft attacks on enemies, protect friendly forces and engage in sustained independent operations in war.

FEATURES:

The aircraft carrier continues to be the centerpiece of the forces necessary for forward presence. Whenever there has been a crisis, the first question has been: "Where are the carriers?" Carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat, and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea; and engage in sustained operations in support of other forces.

Aircraft carriers are deployed worldwide in support of U.S. interests and commitments. They can respond to global crises in ways ranging from peacetime presence to full-scale war. Together with their on-board air wings, the carriers have vital roles across the full spectrum of conflict.

The Nimitz-class carriers, seven operational and two under construction, are the largest warships in the world. USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will undergo its first refueling during a three-year Refueling Complex Overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., in 1998.

FORRESTAL CLASS

Units:

USS Forrestal (CV-59); Mayport, FL
USS Saratoga (CV-60); Mayport, FL
USS Ranger (CV 61) --decommissioned 10 July 1993, in reserve at Bremerton
USS Independence (CV-62); San Diego, CA

Displacement: 75,900 to 79,300 tons full load

Length: 1,063 to 1,086

Beam: 129 feet

Flight Deck Width: 252 feet

Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour)

Power Plant: Eight boilers, with Forrestal's plant approximately 50 percent lower in pounds per square inch than those of other ships in class; four geared steam turbines, four shafts 260,000 shaft horsepower for Forrestal, 280,000 for others

Aircraft: Approximately 75

Armament: Sea Sparrow missiles; three Phalanx close-in weapons systems being installed in each during SLEP overhauls Complement: 3,019 ship's company; 2,480 in air wing

Builders: CVs 59, 61, Newport News Shipbuilding; 60, 62, New York Naval Shipyard.

AIR WINGS

There are 10 Carrier Air Wings (CVW) in service. Standard makeup is the following:

1 Fighter Squardon (VF) with 14 to 16 F-14 Tomcats
3 Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA/VMFA) each with 10 to 12 F/A-18 Hornets
1 Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ/VMAQ) with 4 EA-6B Prowlers
1 Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) with 5 E-2C Hawkeyes
1 Sea Control Squadron (VS) with 6 S-3B Vikings
1 Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) with 6 SH-60F and 2 HH-60H Seahawks
1 Electronic Reconnaissance Squadron Detachment (VQ Det.) with 2 ES-3As