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

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

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

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

A series of seven photos taken at Hunters Point, San Francisco, Calif., on 18 January 1945, showing alterations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, USN, (left), Commander Task Force 58, with his Chief of Staff, Commodore Arleigh A. Burke, on board USS Randolph (CV-15) during operations off Okinawa. Photograph is dated June 1945, but was probably taken in May.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-468931).

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

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

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

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

Two views of USS Randolph (CV-15), possibly taken in late August–September 1945. They were enclosed with the 5 October 1945 Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet letter FF39/S1, FF12-5/(15-on), serial 06820, on carrier markings, to illustrate how the ship's hull number should be painted on the structure of an Essex-class carrier. Numbers should be 8' (2.44 meters) high and should be applied to the port side of stack (top after portion) and to the starboard side of structure housing the aerological balloon room.

Source: Seattle NARA, Record Group 181, "Ship's Files ca 1940–1950."

"Electronic Manufacturers Cruise
20 – 22 May 1947
USS Randolph
D. Ward Harrigan
Captain, U.S. Navy
[Signature]"

Photo was taken in the British West Indies during the Second Fleet Tactical Maneuvers, 2 February–19 March 1947.

Official U.S. Navy photos of USS Randolph (CVA-15) after her SCB-27A modernization, with an interesting mix of F9F Cougars, AD Skyraiders and F4U Corsairs on deck. These photos were probably taken during her post-modernization shakedown cruise to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, August–November 1953, with Carrier Air Group 10 (CAG-10) aboard.

Official U.S. Navy photo of USS Randolph (CVA-15) underway on 2 October 1953, during her post-modernization shakedown cruise to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, with Carrier Air Group 10 (CAG-10) aboard.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Official U.S. Navy photo of USS Randolph (CVS-15) during an UNREP (UNderway REPlenishment) in the Atlantic, somewhere along the East coast, while conducting ASW (anti-submarine) operations, September 1960. She is replenishing from USS Marias (AO-57) along with USS Cony (DDE-508).

As above. Looking forward, from the island.

"Willie Fudd" (Grumman E-1B Tracer, VAW-12 "Bats" squadron) launch from starboard catapult, July 1963, off the coast of Virginia. Five-inch gun in the foreground.

Port side sponson, 5" gun mount. July 1963, off the coast of Virginia.

SH-3A Sea King helicopters, HS-7 "Big Dippers" squadron, on flight deck, July 1963, off the coast of Virginia.

Official U.S. Navy photograph of USS Randolph (CVS-15), serial number K-57262, received by DAVA Still Media Depository, Bldg. 168, N.D.W., Washington D.C. 20374, during September 1968.

This photo was possibly taken in the summer of 1967, since it shows Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group 56 (tail code "AU") aboard Randolph.

Welcome Aboard Card for USS Randolph (CV-15) celebrating Navy Day, 27 October 1945, at NOB Norfolk, Va.