Regarding the article, “USS Ranger leaving Puget Sound for Texas scrap yard”: The photo in the paper brought back memories of when I was in the Navy in 1961-63. I was aboard the USS Thomaston LSD-28. We were part of an amphibious assault group and were cruising in formation with an APA (troop ship), and a helicopter carrier. When ships are in formation they cannot change course without orders from the group commander. I was on forward lookout watch one night at about 0100 in the morning. I spotted a light on the horizon and reported it to control. Radar reported that it appeared to be an aircraft carrier doing flight ops. (Note, when a carrier is doing flight ops it cannot change course.)
As we were on a collision course with the carrier, the captain was notified. There were numerous attempts to contact the group commander but we never received a response. We kept getting closer and closer but still could not get a response from the group commander.
Our captain finally ordered us to break formation and turn to port to avoid a collision. As we turned, we were so close to the Ranger that as we went by I could read the names on the jackets of the sailors on the hangar deck.
I don’t know what the “official” results of this encounter were, (I was a lowly seaman) but it was quite an experience that I will not soon forget.
Richard Whitworth
Bothell
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
