CV-15 was named for "a famous old vessel in the Navy bearing th[e] name [Randolph]." (Very special thanks to Robert J. Cressman, Naval History & Heritage Command.)

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 10 July 1776, by Wharton and Humphreys at Philadelphia. Captain Nicholas Biddle was appointed commander of the Randolph on 11 July, and he took charge of the frigate in mid-October.

Early work on Randolph (CV-15) in May 1943. Outer hull shell has been started for a ship that would serve the US Navy for nearly 26 years.

US Navy photo now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, # 80-G-474210.

Chalk notes and diagrams adorn this internal piece for Randolph (CV-15) as it is lowered into place in May of 1943.

US Navy photo now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, # 80-G-474213.

Mrs. Guy M. Gillette, wife of the senator from Iowa, christens the future USS Randolph (CV-15), Wednesday, 28 June 1944.

"Associated Press Wirephoto NEWPORT NEWS, VA. June 30, 1944. The Navy's newest aircraft carrier USS Randolph CV 15, is floated in dry dock following her Christening yesterday, by the Ship's Sponsor Mrs. Guy M. Gillette, wife of Senator Gillette of Iowa."

Official U.S. Navy photo of USS Randolph (CV-15) at anchor, probably taken during her shakedown cruise, November 1944. Camouflage is Measure 32 Design 17A (I). Photo by H.G. Nelson, 311 Grandby St. Norfolk 10, VA.

USS Randolph (CV-15) on 5 November 1944, outside of Norfolk, wearing camouflage 32/17A version one. The six vertical colors should be dull black, navy blue, ocean gray, haze gray, light gray and pale gray. Photo taken by Naval Air Station, Norfolk.

National Archives and Records Administration Photo, # 80-G-289866.

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).

Bedding rigged properly for airing on board USS Randolph (CV-15), 2 December 1944.

National Archives photo, # 80-G-466627.

A series of nine photos taken at Pier 1, Naval Air Station Alameda, California, by Hunters Point, San Francisco, on 18 January 1945, showing alterations, including starboard 40mm mounts and rearrangement of portside 40mm and 20mm mounts.

Most of the photos were taken from another carrier, which appears to be USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24), across the pier.

On this day Air Group (CVG) 12 reported for duty aboard Randolph, replacing CVG-87.

USS Randolph (CV-15) underway, probably in early 1945.

From: H-2 SHORE STATION

Date: 26 JAN 45

WELCOME TO PEARL AND AIR FORCE PACIFIC FLEET

Date: 26 JAN 45

CINCPAC BIDS YOU WELCOME TO PEARL AND TO THE PACIFIC FLEET

Quoted from the ship's War History:

After an accelerated loading program of stores and ammunition, on 20 January the ship got underway in compliance with orders from Commander Western Sea Frontier, sortieing in company with Task Unit 12.7.5. Each day battle and damage control problems as well as routine drills were carried out. On 26 January the ship moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, T.H. The stop-over lasted less than three days, no longer than the time required to take on additional supplies. During this time 20 mail sacks of war plans and intelligence material were brought aboard, while the Air Group went ashore for special escape and evasion briefings. Randolph departed Pearl Harbor 29 January, this time as a part of Task Group 12.2.

From: COMTASGR 12.2

Date: 6 FEB 45

WATCH YOUR SMOKE

This SB2C-4 Helldiver (BuNo 20831) assigned to Bombing Squadron (VB) 12 crashed while trying to recover on the flight deck of USS Randolph (CV-15), 17 February 1945. Planes from Randolph and other carriers had attacked Japanese factories near Tokyo, withdrawing shortly before noon.

Pilot was CDR Ralph A. Embree, USN (USNA 1936), commanding officer of VB-12. He became Randolph's CAG (Air Group Commander) in mid-April 1945, when CDR Charles L. Crommelin was killed. CDR Embree was in turn killed in action (KIA) on 12 May 1945, when the F6F Hellcat he was flying was hit by flak. Then LT Embree had been awarded a Navy Cross "for extraordinary heroism [...] during the occupation of French Morocco in 1942; Ralph A. Embree was also awarded, posthumously, a Silver Star "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity [...] on 16 and 17 February 1945" and a Distinguished Flying Cross "for heroism and extraordinary achievement [...] during the period 16 February to 4 May 1945."

(More information about CDR Embree available here.)

NS021552: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-322066.

USS Randolph underway with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 12, seen from the back seat of an SB2C Helldiver that has just launched, February–March 1945, in the Pacific Ocean.

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).

Struck by a long range kamikaze on 11 March 1945, the hole in her flight deck is seen here.

Damage sustained by USS Randolph (CV-15) from a kamikaze attack while at anchor at Ulithi Atoll, 11 March 1945. The attack killed 25 of her crew.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-273768.

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 and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-344531.

USS Randolph (CV-15), damage to her after flight deck resulting from a kamikaze hit on 11 March 1945. Note the burned aircraft.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-274104.

USS Randolph (CV-15), damage to her after flight deck resulting from a kamikaze hit on 11 March 1945. Note the burned aircraft.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-274113.

Randolph's Captain Baker and Admiral Spruance inspect damage to the after flight deck on USS Randolph (CV-15), 14 March 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-466858).

USS Randolph (CV-15), 23 March 1945. Repair to the gaping hole left when a twin-engine Francis, kamikaze, struck her the night of 11 March 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-466859).

John Maxwell Walker (center) playing the "fiddle" with some buddies.

Robert Franklin Climes served aboard USS Randolph (CV-15) in World War II.

His son, Tom, explains: "[My father] had a piece of metal that he said was shrapnel from the kamikaze attack on March 11th, 1945. [...] He had hand inscribed the attack date and ship name on one side of the piece. He insisted that this was an actual piece of the kamikaze plane itself. The reverse side of the inscription has what he believed were blood stains."

As seen from USS Essex (CV-9), USS Astoria (CL-90), USS Randolph (CV-15), and other units of Task Force 58 steam in the Pacific, circa May 1945. Carrier in the background might be USS Bunker Hill (CV-17).

USS Randolph (CV-15) after rearming from USS Vesuvius (AE-15), possibly on 6 May 1945 in the Philippine Sea, Okinawa area of operations. Note light cruiser in the right distance. Other ships rearmed that day were USS Pasadena (CL-65), USS Wilkes Barre (CL-103), and USS Bataan (CVL-29).

USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) burns after being hit by two kamikazes, 11 May 1945, as seen from USS Randolph (CV-15). Bunker Hill and Randolph were part of Task Group 58.3, under RADM Frederick C. Sherman.

Air Group 12 departs USS Randolph (CV-15) on 17 June 1945, San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands. Air Group 12 was replaced by Air Group 16, skippered by CDR Ray Davis.

National Archives and Records Administration, photo # 80-G-466973.

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).

As above.

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).

Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitcher, USN, Commander, Task Force 58 (at left), with his Chief of Staff, Commodore Arleigh A. Burke, on the Flag Bridge of USS Randolph (CV-15), during operations off Okinawa in June 1945.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 54911).

Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, USN, Commander, Task Force 58 (at left), with his Chief of Staff, Commodore Arleigh A. Burke, on board USS Randolph (CV-15), off Okinawa in 1945.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 55804).

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).

U.S. ships operating off the coast of Japan in final stages of World War II, July 1945. USS Randolph (CV-15), an oiler and a destroyer seen from the USS North Carolina (BB-55). Photo by LT B. Gallagher.

National Archives and Records Administration photo (# 80-G-469986).

U.S. ships operating off the coast of Japan in final stages of World War II, July 1945. USS North Carolina (BB-55), and USS Randolph (CV-15) at left. Photo by LT B. Gallagher.

National Archives and Records Administration photo (# 80-G-469988).

USS Randolph (CV-15), Navy Press News, Thursday, 12 July 1945. "Report on Strike."

NS0215ar & NS0215ara: Two aerial views of USS Escalante (AO-70) refueling USS Randolph (CV-15) and USS Chauncey (DD-667) on 26 July 1945 in Task Group (TG) 38.3. The tin can on Randolph's quarter is USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697).

NS0215arb: Escalante refueling Randolph and Charles S. Sperry, with USS Black (DD-666) on the carrier's port quarter.

Photos by George Silk, LIFE magazine. Used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

At 1630 on this date CAPT Felix L. Baker, US Navy, Commanding Officer, USS Randolph, was relieved by CAPT Jackson R. Tate, USN. The fleet was operating in theWestern Pacific, south of Japan.

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).

View of the ship's band playing in the hangar of USS Randolph (CV-15), 1945.

U.S. Navy photo from the Randolph World War II Cruise Book.

Originator: CINCPOA ADV BASE

(Date: 15 August 1945)

FLEET ADMIRAL C W NIMITZ TRANSMITS TO THE PACIFIC FLEET AND PACIFIC OCEAN AREA WITH THE GREATEST SATISFACTION AND PRIDE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM SECNAV: "MY WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A GREAT TASK X PLEASE SEND TO THE COMMANDERS OF THE FLEETS AND FORCES THROUGHOUT THE PACIFIC AND ALL HANDS IN THEIR COMMANDS MY PERSONAL CONGRATULATIONS AND THE DEEP PRIDE WHICH AMERICA HAS IN THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS X LET US KEEP IN REVERENT RECOLLECTION THE MEMORIES OF THOSE OF OUR COMRADES WHOSE SACRIFICE HAS GIVEN US OUR FREEDOM" X JAMES FORRESTAL X

Originator: SECNAV

Date: 15 August [1945]

ALL HANDS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY MARINE CORPS AND COAST GUARD MAY TAKE SATISFACTION IN THE CONCLUSION OF THE WAR AGAINST JAPAN AND PRIDE IN THE PART PLAYED BY THEM IN ACCOMPLISHING THAT RESULT X PARA X THE DEMOBILIZATION OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE RETURN TO CONDITIONS OF PEACE WILL CREATE PROBLEMS TAXING PATIENCE AND CONTROL ALMOST AS GREAT AS THE TENSIONS OF WAR X I ASK THAT THE DISCIPLINE WHICH HAS SERVED SO WELL TO BRING THIS DEMOCRACY THROUGH HOURS OF GREAT CRISIS BE MAINTAINED TO THE END THAT NOTHING SHALL MAR THE RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT AND GLORY THAT NOW BELONGS TO THE NAVY MARINE CORPS AND COAST GUARD X JAMES FORRESTAL   XXX

Originator: THE ALLIED POWER (MACARTHUR)

[Date: 15 August 1945]

FROM THE ALLIED POWER,X TO THE JAPANESE EMPEROR X TO THE JAPANESE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT X TO THE JAPANESE IMPERIAL GENERAL HEADQUARTERS X
OPERATIONAL PRIORITY X I HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS THE SUPREME COMMANDER FOR THE ALLIED POWERS THE UNITED STATES THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA THE
UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS X AND EMPOWERED TO ARRANGE DIRECTLY WITH THE JAPANESE AUTHORITIES FOR THE
CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AT THE EARLIEST PRACTICABLE DATE X IT IS DESIRED THAT THE RADIO STATION IN THE TOKYO AREA BE OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED
FOR CONTINUOUS USE IN HANDLING RADIO COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN JAPANESE HEADQUARTERS AND OUR HEADQUARTERS X YOUR REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE SHOULD
GIVE X PROPER CALL SIGNS X FREQUENCIES AND DATA --- IT IS DESIRED AS THE RADIO COMMUNICTES WITH MY HEADQUARTERS IN MANILA --- IN ENGLISH
TEXT. PENDING DESIGNATION BY YOU OR A STATION IN THE TOKYO AREA FOR
USE AS ABOVE INDICATED STATION JUM REPEAT JUM FREQ 13705 KILOCYCLES WILL BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE -- MANILA WILL REPLY ON 15965 KILOCYCLES UPON RECEIPT OF THIS MESSAGE ACKNOWLEDGE/SIGNED/MACARTHUR X

Heading: BULLETIN----SANFRAN 20TH-----

MANILA BROADCAST REPORTED BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SAID GENERAL DOUGLAS
MCARTHUR TOLD TOKYO THAT HE EXPECTED TO SIGN SURRENDER DOCUMENT IN
TOKYO WITHIN TEN DAYS PARA IN MESSAGE TO TOKYO MCARTHUR SAID,"I SHALL
SOON PROCEED TO JAPAN WITH ACCOMPANYING FORCES COMPOSED OF GROUND,
NAVAL AND AIR ELEMENTS STOP SUBJECT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS THAT WILL
PERMIT LANDING STOP IT IS EXPECTED THAT SURRENDER DOCUMENT WILL BE
SIGNED WITHIN TEN DAYS" PARA BROADCAST SAID MC ARTHUR STATEMENT WAS
ISSUED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DEPARTURE OF THE JAPANESE SURRENDER
ENVOYS FOR TOKYO TO REPORT TO THEIR EMPEROR STOP DELEGATES LEFT MANILA
AT ONE PM (MANILA TIME) AFTER SUPPLYING "ALL INFORMATION REQUIRED"FOR
OCCUPATION OF JAPAN WITHOUT INCIDENT STOP END ITEM

[25 August 1945]

Air Department, V-1-A Division.

Communications Department, K-1 Division.

Donna's father, Daniel Rosamonda, is in the third row.

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."

Roster of Officers, USS Randolph (CV-15) and Air Group Sixteen, 1 September 1945.

Originator: CTF 38

Date: 1 Sept. [1945]

I AM GLAD AND PROUD TO HAVE FOUGHT THROUGH MY LAST YEAR OF ACTIVE SERVICE WITH THE RENOWNED FAST CARRIER FORCE X VICTORY HAS FORGED A LASTING BOND AMONG US X IF YOU ARE TO BE AS FORTUNATE IN PEACE AS YOU HAVE BEEN VICTORIOUS IN WAR, I AM NOW TALKING TO ONE HUNDRED AND TEN THOUSAND PROSPECTIVE MILLIONAIRES X GOOD BYE, GOOD LUCK, AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU X XXXXXXX MCCAIN X

[Vice Admiral McCain died 6 September 1945, just after arriving back in the United States, and was later appointed Admiral effective that date.]

Originator: CINCPOA/CINCPAC ADVHED

Date: 7 SEPT [1945]

UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED AT ONCE NAVAL VESSELS SHALL BURN NAVIGATION LIGHTS AT FULL BRILLIANCY BY NIGHT AND SHALL NOT ZIGZAG X BLACKOUT REGULATIONS ARE CANCELLED XX

Quarters for Inspection, Presentation of Awards and Commendations, 9 September 1945.

Page -1-, Second Rank, #13 is Comdr. F. M. Larson. Fred Millard Larson was Christoper M. Larson's Great Uncle and died at sea on 13 October 1945.

The U.S.S. Randolph WWII Cruise Chronicle, by Dr. Richard Williams.

"'September 11, 1945—Aboard the U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15) just before entering Pearl Harbor on return trip from Japan'—Some men from Fighting Squadron 16"

"Homeward Bound," September–October 1945.

USS Randolph (CV-15), Navy Day, 27 October 1945, Baltimore.

Magic Carpet loading of US Army soldiers at Naples, Italy, 24 November 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration photo, # 80-G-466983.

The Homeward/Bounder, Vol. 1, No. 1, "Approaching U.S.A.," 1 December 1945.

Michael's father-in-law, Elmer Menke, was one of the soldiers who came home from World War II aboard USS Randolph (CV-15).

Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsairs of CVG-82 ready for launch from USS Randolph (CV-15), circa [1946]. Seen behind the Corsairs are Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldivers and Eastern TBM-3E Avengers. Photo Chuck McCandliss.

Photo and text taken from Carrier Air War In Original Color by Robert Lawson and Barrett Tillman

A U.S. Navy Vought F4U-4 Corsair of Bombing Fighter Squadron (VBF) 82 "Checkmates," piloted by Bud Geer, is preparing to take off from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Randolph (CV-15), 4 December 1946.

VBF-82 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 82 for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, 22 October–21 December 1946.

During that cruise, VBF-82 was re-designated Fighter Squadron (VF) 18A and CVG-82 was re-designated Attack Carrier Air Wing (CVAG) 17, 15 November 1946.

"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.

Two photos of USS Randolph (CV-15), with Attack Carrier Air Group (CVAG) 17, entering Portsmouth, UK, during the Midshipman's Cruise in the summer of 1947. Note the removal marks of the three 40mm sponsons.

In the Cruise Book of 1947, the itinerary states that Randolph arrived on the 9th July and departed on the 18th July.

Portsmouth Harbour, 9–18 July 1947: USS Randolph (CV-15) alongside Victory Jetty, USS New Jersey (BB-62) alongside South Railway Jetty and HMS Victory to the left.

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.

Four McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee aircraft of VF-41 "Black Aces" in flight formation over USS Randolph (CVA-15), circa 1954.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 1996.253.7242.001. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Photo of gunnery drills aboard USS Randolph (CVA-15) on 30 March 1954 in the Mediterranean. US Navy photo.

File name: CVA 15 642907-3-54 TH.

Crew of USS Randolph (CVA-15) muster on the flight deck while the ship was in Naples, Italy on 8 May 1954.

File name: CVA 15 647437-5-54, US Navy Photo, 5/8/54.

"A perfect landing on the flight deck of the USS Randolph (CVA-15) for one of the [SB2C-5 Helldiver dive bombers and] F6F Hellcat fighters belonging to the French Naval Air Arm. The two Landing Signal Officers (left to right) LT. Lionel Marmier, 'Skipper' of the 54-S Squadron, and LT. Jacques Degermann, Landing Signal Officer Instructor."

"With U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean"

File name: CVA-15-531-6-54. Date: 8 June 1954.

USS Randolph (CVA-15) 1953–1955. (Still from a video.)

USS Randolph (CVA-15) as she appeared circa 1955, by RAF aircrew officer Wg. Cdr Ian Allan MBE.

A large crowd gathers to welcome USS Randolph (CV-15) to the Norfolk Navy Yard on 18 June 1955. The carrier had been on deployment to the Mediterranean for six months of Fleet and NATO exercises. Randolph would be dry docked at the shipyard for a refit and installation of an angled flight deck.

Norfolk Public Library (VA), Sargeant Memorial Collection.

This photo is stamped on the back: "USS Randolph and overhauling machinery at Naval Shipyard Portsmouth Virginia"

A rubber stamp reads: "New York N.Y., U.S.S. Nantahala, Mar 6 1956"

A U.S. Navy Douglas A4D-1 Skyhawk (BuNo 139941, modex L201) of Attack Squadron (VA) 72 "Hawks" is loaded aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolph (CVA-15), circa 1956. VA-72 was redesignated from Fighter Squadron (VF) 72 on 3 January 1956, when it transitioned from the Grumman F9F-5 Panther to the A4D-1.

Partly visible in the background are: the bow of the guided missile cruiser USS Canberra (CAG-2), the attack transport USS Capricornus (AKA-57) and an Iowa-class battleship. Canberra was recommissioned on 15 June 1956, and homeported at Norfolk, Virginia. Note the unusual coloring hull number of Capricornus.

Official U.S. Navy photo from the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # K-22723 (original is a color photo).

An SSM-N-8 Regulus I cruise missile is launched from USS Randolph (CVA-15), February–March 1956. Randolph was the first U.S. Atlantic Fleet carrier to launch a Regulus missile. Guided Missile Group 2 Det. 36 (with three missiles) then deployed aboard the Randolph to the Mediterranean Sea, 14 July 1956–19 February 1957.

US Navy photo # 181002-N-TG517-005, by Max Lonzanida.

An F2H-4 Banshee (Fighter Squadron [VF] 102 "Diamondbacks") recovers aboard USS Randolph (CVA-15) during training operations of the US Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, 5 September 1956.

File name: CVA 15 699215-9-56, US Navy Photo, /5/56.

Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum photo.

F2H-4 Banshee of Fighter Squadron (VF) 102 "Diamondbacks" in flight over USS Randolph (CVA-15) in the Mediterranean Sea in October 1956, during the Suez Canal crisis.

That month, Israel, Britain, and France invaded the United Arab Republic, precipitating the Suez Crisis. Randolph, joined by other elements of the Sixth Fleet, stood ready. Operating near the Suez Canal, her aircraft provided air cover and surface and air reconnaissance for the evacuation of U.S. nationals from Alexandria.

U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 1996.253.7245.029. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

USS Randolph (CVA-15), 1956–57. Underway, starboard bow, with aircraft on deck.

USS Randolph (CVA-15) underway with Air Task Group 202, circa 1956–1957.

"USS Randolph (CVA-15) island. Note the SPS-8 air search radar at top. Circa 1957ish."

Ray D. Bean Collection.

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F2H-4 Banshee of Fighter Squadron (VF) 22 "Cavaliers" landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolph (CVA-15), circa 1957. VF-22 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 4 aboard Randolph for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 1 July 1957 to 24 February 1958.

(VF-22 was disestablished on 6 June 1958.)

Photo Shuman, U.S. Navy. Photo from the Randolph 1957–1958 Cruise Book.

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).

A4D-2 Skyhawk aircraft of VA-86 "Sidewinders" conducting in-flight refueling in the Eastern Mediterranean. Ship is USS Randolph (CVA-15).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (#1039207), dated 24 September 1958.

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).

USS Randolph (CVA-15) anchored off Naples, Italy, late 1958–early 1959, during her last deployment as an attack aircraft carrier. Visible on deck are A4D‑2 Skyhawks of VA-72 "Hawks" (forward, port) and VA-86 "Sidewinders" (forward, starboard), an HUP-2 Retriever of HU-2 Det. 36 "Fleet Angels" (amidships, near the island), and FJ-3M Furies of VF-84 "Vagabonds" on the angled deck.

USS Turner (DDR-834) is in the background.

USS Randolph (CVA-15) anchored off Barcelona, Spain, possibly in late December 1958–early January 1959.

Photo Galilea.

USS Randolph (CVA-15), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, off Barcelona, Spain, in late December 1958–early January 1959.

Photo believed to have been taken by F. Ramón Payá.

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).

Another photo taken on 25 October 1959, apparently within minutes from the photo above.

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. (Naval History and Heritage Command photo, # NH 67959).

USS Randolph (CVS-15), New York City, August 1960.

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).

"(KWP2)GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA, April 24[, 1961]—CARRIER IN GUANTANAMO—The United States aircraft carrier Randolph stands ready in Guantanamo Bay in this photo made this morning. The carrier is off the United States Naval Base. (AP WIREPHOTO)(h22232stf) 1961"

Note this was just one week after the Bahía Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) fiasco.

File name: CVS 15 Gitmo 042461 AP TH.

Friday, 21 July 1961. Recovery of Liberty Bell 7, Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission. Left to right: HUS-1 Seahorse BuNo 148755 (modex ET32), Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (light) (HMR(L)) 262 Det. "Flying Tigers;" HSS-1N Seabat BuNo 147991 (AV52), Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 7 "Big Dippers."

Friday, 21 July 1961. A U.S. Marine helicopter attempts to retrieve the sinking capsule, Liberty Bell 7, of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission. The attempt failed and the capsule sank. The MR-4 mission, manned by astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, was the second manned suborbital flight boosted by the Mercury-Redstone vehicle.

The helicopter is a Sikorsky HUS-1 (redesignated UH-34D in 1962) Seahorse, BuNo 148755, modex ET32, of Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (light) (HMR(L)) 262 Det. "Flying Tigers." The recovery ship, USS Randolph (CVS-15) is visible in the distance in photo NS021550b.

The Liberty Bell 7 was eventually recovered from 15,000 feet (4,572 m) below the surface of the Atlantic on 20 July 1999.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) photo, # S61-02921.

Friday, 21 July 1961. A U.S. Marine helicopter attempts to retrieve the sinking capsule, Liberty Bell 7, of the Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission. The attempt failed and the capsule sank. The MR-4 mission, manned by astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, was the second manned suborbital flight boosted by the Mercury-Redstone vehicle.

The helicopter is a Sikorsky HUS-1 (redesignated UH-34D in 1962) Seahorse of Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (light) (HMR(L)) 262 Det. "Flying Tigers." The recovery ship, USS Randolph (CVS-15) is visible in the distance.

Friday, 21 July 1961. Recovery of Liberty Bell 7, Mercury-Redstone 4 (MR-4) mission. HUS-1 Seahorse BuNo 148754 (modex ET30), Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (light) (HMR(L)) 262 Det. "Flying Tigers" rescues astronaut Virgil I. Grissom. HSS-1N Seabat BuNo 147991 (AV52), Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 7 "Big Dippers" in attendance.

Astronaut Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, pilot of the Mercury spacecraft, Liberty Bell 7, arrives aboard the recovery ship, USS Randolph (CVS-15), 21 July 1961, following his 15-minute 37-second suborbital space mission. He is flanked by military medical officers. Grissom's capsule sank soon after splashdown and was not recovered until nearly forty years later.

Reference Numbers:
DMA: Johnson Space Center (JSC)
DMA Number: S61-02894
Great Images In NASA (GRIN) DataBase Number: GPN-2000-001332.

On 20 February 1962 Lt Col John H. Glenn, Jr., USMC, became the first American to orbit Earth. An Atlas launch vehicle propelled a Mercury spacecraft (Friendship 7) into Earth orbit and enabled Glenn to circle Earth three times. The MA-6 mission flight lasted a total of 4 hours, 55 minutes, and 23 seconds before Friendship 7 splashed down in the ocean. Most major systems worked smoothly, and the flight was a great success as an engineering feat. Astronaut and capsule were actually recovered by USS Noa (DD-841) and later transferred to the Primary Recovery Ship (PRS), USS Randolph (CVS-15).

"Hundreds of Randolph sailors vie for viewing space on the recovery carrier's flight deck."

"Earl Hanson, representing the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, walks with John Glenn through Hangar Bay Two, after Glenn's physical examination in Sick Bay. Behind them is LCDR Bob Mullins, Mercury Medical Officer, assigned to the recovery force."

"Col Glenn and Admiral Eastwold admire one of the hundreds of gifts Glenn received after his historic flight. This one? A Task Group ALFA plaque."

From Randolph Mediterranean Cruise Book 1962.

USS Randolph (CVS-15) with S2F-3 (S-2D under the 1962 designation system) Trackers of Anti-Submarine Squadrons (VS) 26 "Lucky Tigers" and 36 "Gray Wolves," Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group (CVSG) 58, circa 1961–1962. Identifiable aircraft are, left to right: BuNos 147537, 147872, 148749, 147881, and 147882.

Randolph hams operating radios in ham shack. This was the first ham station on a USN combat ship and was set up by CDR Thomas B. Ray (seated), a pilot in HS-7 "Big Dippers" Helo Squadron, on board at the time. Photo is dated 22 February 1962 (Randolph was the primary recovery ship for spacecraft Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7, with astronaut John Glenn, on 20 February).

USS Randolph (CVS-15) anchored off Barcelona, Spain, probably in early July 1962, with Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group (CVSG) 58 aboard.

Photo Galilea.

As above. Looking forward, from the island.

Grumman S-2D Tracker, BuNo 147870, modex AV46, Antisubmarine Squadron (VS) 36 "Gray Wolves," Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group 58, aboard USS Randolph (CVS-15), sometime in 1963. Another Tracker, BuNo 147894, can be seen at the right bottom of the photo.

San Diego Air and Space Museum, René J. Francillon Collection, photo, ID:42766478, Catalog: 17_000139.

"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.

"The crew of the USS Randolph (CVS-15) proudly form their two 'E's, the Battle Efficiency 'E', awarded to the best Anti-submarine carrier, and the sixth consecutive Efficiency Award presented to the Engineering Dept. The USS Randolph is the first ship in the Atlantic Fleet to win the Engineering Award six consecutive years." Official U.S. Navy photograph, dated 25 July 1963.

USS Randolph (CVS-15) men, en route to New York, spell out a greeting to the sailing ships participating in the first Operation Sail, July 1964. Original planning for the gathering began in 1960. The late President Kennedy planned to participate in the event.

(Text adapted from Naval Aviation News, October 1964 issue, p.21.)

USS Randolph (CVS-15) in New York, mid-1960s, with the Tinschert twin brothers in the foreground.

USS Randolph (CVS-15) underway in February 1965, off Norfolk, VA. Randoo Can Do deployed to the Med, February–May 1965, with Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group (CVSG) 58. Aircraft on deck are S-2D Trackers of VS-26 "Lucky Tigers" and VS-36 "Gray Wolves," and an SH-3A Sea King of HS-7 "Big Dippers" (this particular helicopter, BuNo 149702, was later upgraded to the SH-3G standard, then SH-3H, then converted to an UH-3H).

USS Randolph (CVS-15) visited Northern Europe on a good will cruise, May–September 1966. Ports visited were: Belfast, Ireland (August 1966); Edinburgh, Scotland; Bergen, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark; Hamburg, Germany (July); Rotterdam, Holland; and Portsmouth, England.

E-1B Tracer, BuNo 148139, modex AW725, VAW-12 "Bats" Det. 15, Antisubmarine Air Group (CVSG) 60, aboard USS Randolph (CVS-15), Her Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth, 1966.

SH-3A Sea King, BuNo 149928(?), modex AW63, HS-9 "Sea Griffins", Antisubmarine Air Group (CVSG) 60, aboard USS Randolph (CVS-15), HMNB Portsmouth, 1966.

S-2D Tracker, BuNo 148742, modex AW32, VS-34 "Proud Tigers", Antisubmarine Air Group (CVSG) 60, aboard USS Randolph (CVS-15), HMNB Portsmouth, 1966.

S-2D Tracker, modex AW34, VS-34 "Proud Tigers", Antisubmarine Air Group (CVSG) 60, aboard USS Randolph (CVS-15), HMNB Portsmouth, 1966.

C-1A Trader, VRC-40 Det. 15 "Rawhides" (left); S-2D Tracker, modex AW14, VS-39 "Hoot Owls", Antisubmarine Air Group (CVSG) 60, aboard USS Randolph (CVS-15), HMNB Portsmouth, 1966.

USS Randolph (CVS-15) at sea, 26 August 1966. US Navy photograph by Fred Freidrich (USN 1121397).

At 1537, 21 January 1967, a Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King helicopter (BuNo 152690, modex AU-50) assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 3 "Tridents," Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group (CVSG) 56, crashed on the flight deck. No injuries to the three-men crew were recorded, but the helicopter was struck. USS Randolph (CVS-15) was at the time anchored in Great Sound, Bermuda Islands.

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. Photo taken in 1967–1968, with Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group 56 (tail code "AU") aboard the carrier.

USS Randolph (CVS-15) refueling the destroyer USS John W. Weeks (DD-701) in the Western Atlantic, circa 1967–1968.

USS Randolph (CVS-15) as she prepares to depart Norfolk for decommissioning, 13 February 1969.

"The Naval Historical Center / of / The Department of the Navy / presents / This / piece of deck planking from / the aircraft carrier / USS Randolph (CV-15) / commissioned October 9, 1944 / to plankowner / Jack D. Kerr, Lt.j.g., U.S.N.R."

The Jolly Roger, USS Randolph, Vol. 1, Ed. 8, Thursday, 28 June 1945.

The Dawn Alert, USS Randolph (CV-15), Tuesday, 14 August 1945.

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

"U.S.S. Randolph CVA-15 Recommissioning, Wednesday, 1 July 1953"

The Randoph, ship's newspaper, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1 July 1953.

Two Christmas cards, based on photo NS0215as.

"USS Randolph CV-15, 1944–1969, Gone but Not Forgotten"

"USS Randolph, CVA-15"

"USS Randolph, CVS-15, Centurion"

(A "Centurion" is an aviator who has made 100 landings on one carrier. Typically a "Centurion" patch is issued and proudly worn on the flight jacket.)

USS Randolph, CV-15 / CVA-15 / CVS-15