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- The best support a Captain could ever have, Commander George Vanderwater and Commander ‘Snake’ Morris.
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- Another decision time.
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- A memento still held by former shipmate ABE-3 Jim Gardner
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- Full power available.
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- Touring the spaces and meeting with the crew.
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- Admiral Bill Harris congratulates CAG ‘Bud’ Edney’s 1,000 trap
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- Sharing a ‘Sea Story’ with a guest from New Zealand.
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- Promoting Commander George Vanderwater to Captain.
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- Hosting the French fleet in San Francisco.
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- Hangar Bay One, Alameda, November, 1974.
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- The beauty of flight. F4, Phantom, over South China Sea, 1976
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- Departing Coronado for WestPac deployment, 1976.
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- General Quarters on the bridge.
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- Russian “Bear’ overflight being escorted by Ranger fighter aircraft
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- RA-5, Vigilante, ready to launch
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- Astronauts visiting off the coast of California, 1975.
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- Captain ‘EC’ Grayson, USNR future Under Secretary of the Navy. 1974
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- Relieving Capt. ‘Boot’ Hill, USN as Commanding Officer USS Ranger (CVA-61), Nov, 1974.
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- Promoting Commander Jim Webb to Captain.
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- Celebrating a birthday with the youngest member of the crew.
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- Underway replenishment off the coast of California, 1975.
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- Sad resting place for such Noble Ladies.
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- Another cake cutting and sharing a milestone.
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- Highlight of the day – visiting the troops.
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- Preparing for final voyage. Photo: Kerry Truax.
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- The best of the best!
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- Shipmates poetry
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- On a dark night even the best miss the wires. Mike “Pig” Penn checking out the peanut gallery after his bolster. Future RADM Bob Nutwell seated in the front.
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- Indian Ocean refueling, 1976.
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- Hosting Les Brown and Lemoore Navy League in Alameda, 1975.
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- Admiral Baldwin, Commander Naval Air Pacific, flies aboard. 1975..
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- Presenting 1000 Hr in the A-7 mugs to Bob Nordman and Frank Wesh. Group shot with Skipper Pete Ogle.
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- Being briefed by the inspection team, 1975.
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- Ready to launch off #1 catapult.
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- Reading my orders at Change of Command in Coronado, Sept, 1976
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- Reading orders.
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- Departing San Diego, 1975
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- Bobby Unser, Indy 500 hero, preparing for his first ever catapult launch and arrested landing.
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- Final voyage. Photo: Kerry Truax
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- Admiral Gayler (left), Commander Pacific, retiring in Pearl Harbor aboard USS Ranger, 1976.
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- Commander Bob Taylor relieving Commander Bill Mercer, 1976.
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- F4, Phantom, airborne in Indian Ocean.
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- Returning to Alameda from sea trials. Dec, 1974.
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- Photo courtesy of PO3 Kerry Truax
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- Hosting the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, England and the Captain of the ‘Golden Hinde’ in Alameda, 1974.
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- Even a cake on the bridge.
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- A very loyal and true friend, Commander Bill Mercer.
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- Getting an update from the Air Wing Commander, ‘Bud’ Edney, 1975.
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- Sea trials off San Francisco, 1975
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- Reception after Change of Command, 1974.
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- The privilege of thanking a crew member for exceptional performance.
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- Operating off the coast of California, 1975.
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- Final voyage. Photo: Kerry Truax
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- The finest!
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- VA-25, A7, Corsair, landing at sunset.
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- Preparing to enter Singapore to celebrate the Bicentennial.
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- Admiral Weisner, Commander Pacific Fleet, prepares to depart. 1975
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- Contemplating the next evolution.
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- All from Lemoore, California, 1975. Bob Taylor, Pete Ogle, Mel Munsinger.
Photo Submissions from fellow shipmates:
From Bob Kennedy, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Re: your kind request for a sea story from me. I do believe my very favorite one would be about our first night together underway, although I can’t recall the exact date. I was relaxing in my inport/at sea cabin, rereading Mahan’s theory of seapower when the good old engineer, Dave, leaned against the wrong circuit breaker panel and out went the lights on the whole ship, followed by what might be described as a plaintive call on the 1 MC: “Ops Officer to the bridge!!” Being an old night fighter pilot, I had little trouble bounding up 8 levels in the pitch black, arriving on the bridge lit by flashlights, one of which was directed at my smiling countenance. “George,” you said, “the lights are out,” to which I readily agreed, wanting above anything to cement a good relationship with my new boss. Going even a step farther, I suggested: “Captain, why don’t we call the Engineer?” I’ll never forget the look on your face, discernible even in the dim glow of the OOD’s flashlight and your heartfelt admission. “George, that’s right. You’re the Ops Officer. I’ll give Engineering a call.” Dave too, agreed with your analysis, remarking that he was doing his best and that his repair team would have the circuits alive within the hour. Meanwhile, our whole bridge team was adapting to the starlight and the dim horizon, very happy that no other navigation lights were in sight. And it worked out. The lights came on, we were all pleased and the Engineer retained his job.
Hello Captain V,
I came across this site from just surfing the internet looking at old photo of Navy Ships. I was a bit shocked. When I seen Captain Nicholson’s Name also — I remember him well also while I was on the Ranger being the Head Coffee Maker in the Ops office. Fond Memories for many years of my Life, now 68 , almost 69 on Feb 1. When i think of the Ranger and the WestPac Cruise of 1976, it always bring back great memories and the wonderful People i served with. One i remember well is when we were in Port on Coronado Island and your Daughter came aboard to visit you and she brought in a pan full of Chocolate Brownies for you, of which you said you were going to share with everyone in the office. I use to have the 1976 Cruise Book but since Hurricane Katrina of 2005 hit me hard and lost 98% of everything i owned, i not long have it. But I still have a Signed photo by Captain Nicholson.
George, no editing required! Glad you now officially understand that in an emergency – especially at night – I always relied on my most qualified shipmate!
Press On, Nick
Capt. John,
Though I never got to serve with you on the Ranger, I was there earlier (72/73 , 74) with VA-25; but before VA-25, you were my CO in Lemoore at VA-122. I would have loved to sail under your command. Lights on or off you were one of the best officers I ever served with.
Hello Captain Nicholson, hope you are well and enjoying Navy Retirement.
Kevin,
Thank you for your comments. This is Michael, a Grandson of Captain Nick. Unfortunately he passed away this March at the age of 92. https://greyeagle1.com/obituary/ Granddad led an amazing life and we are all grateful for the stories everyone shares here. Thank you for reaching out.
Hi Michael I just seen your post just after I posted below- So Very Sorry for you loss, he was truly a Great Captain and Human Being. GOD rest his Soul. 🙁
Captain Nick , I remember first time on 76 cruise when I first heard your voice over PA when you sounded like JohnWayne. You were a Great Captain who always looked out for your men. Hope you are still with us and well. Gary Smith VF-154 AE
Gary,
Thank you for your message and kind words. Captain Nick passed away in March of 2023. https://greyeagle1.com/obituary/ He would have loved reading your message. Take care.
My memories of my service on the Ranger include seeing Hong Kong, Singapore and Manila in 1976 as a tourist ( I wasn’t much for hanging out in Bars) and being grateful for the challenging coursework I did which enabled me to do well at the University of Oregon following my discharge. I also remember standing behind the plastic board on the Bridge with my wax pencil tracking the surrounding ships and eavesdropping on you and the other officers on the Bridge. Pretty educational at times! I also tried to use your management “style” when I became a manager. I learned that obtaining the loyalty and candor of subordinates while still retaining their respect is a pretty difficult task. SO, thank you for that lesson.
John Matney
Good afternoon Captain. Hope this e-mail finds you in good health and high spirits. I stopped by the Ranger today to bid her a farewell. I talked with the Spokeswoman from Inactive Fleet, Bremerton, and she told me the Ranger gets underway tomorrow 0930 for her final trip to the scrap yard in Texas. Thought you would like to know. Thank you Captain for keeping us safe and being the best Captain anybody could’ve served with.
God bless you,
OS2 Kerry Truax
OI Div
Reported aboard in Alameda. Next day Ranger went to sea for post overhaul shakedown Test firing the guns was a major item of the day. Five rounds rapid continuous fire to starboard, one round fired. Cease fire, five rounds rapid continuous fire to port, silence. “Chief Warrant Officer Siedschlag lay to the bridge,” and I was on the hanger deck observing. Will never forget that first meeting when you asked if I could do better than that, all I could say was not today. It was a high point in my career to be aboard Ranger as fire control officer/ gunnery officer. My men were the finest to have been desired, they made me proud in every way. CWO-3 SW Retired. My second career was equally as rewarding, 27 years as Pastor serving the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. I have been blessed in so many ways.
Speaking of technology, I wonder what a Sea and Anchor detail consists of these days in todays Navy. During Sea and Anchor detail my responsibility was nav plotter in CIC. The radar operator would simultaneously give range and bearings to three points in the harbor. I would then take the bearings and range, swing three arcs, and plot our position. I would then calculate set and drift, ships course and speed, distance to turn, time to turn, recommendation on when to turn and I’m sure more but don’t remember at the moment. Most intense hour and a half of my life. Talk about being drained both physical and mental. Loved it however. It would be interesting to see how it’s all done now, GPS and computers? I wonder if they even swing arcs and plot anymore. Would love to see how much CIC operations have changed.
OS2 Kerry Truax
I remember you, Roger Baker and maybe Amos McCoy having that detail. All the best to you and your family.
Good Evening Commanding Officer “Ranger” !
I trust this message finds you well sir.
Came across your webpage this evening while doing a random search before heading home. Was looking at my Westpac “Shellback Certificate” which hangs proudly my office wall, signed by one John L. Nicholson Jr. July 7 1976 and wondered, and hence found your page. I deployed twice on Ranger attached to VF-21 the latter being ’76 Cruise under your command. I recall you fondly to this day as the Captain of Ranger that sounded just like John Wayne on the 1MC.
I wish you “Fair Winds and Smooth Seas”
KJ Cole (AO2) CAG 2 Fighter Squardron 21
Skipper Nick, Had lunch yesterday with your good friend Malcolm Barrett here in Prescott and we shared many stories about you. I was in VA-25 74-76 and have wanted to find you for some time. I currently am president of the Fist of the Fleet Association representing the lineage of VA-25 and VFA-25. Take a look at our website listed below. I know there are several of our members who would love to correspond with you including my old roommate on Ranger Al Gorthy and RADM Bob Nutwell who manages our history site. Last time I saw you was at your Hanford address with none other than Greg “Dance” Wooldridge. We were both at 127 doing adversary flights. I have a few pictures I would love to send with you and Ranger. Hope this finds you well. All the best to the finest skipper I ever had the honor of serving under.
Dome
Gary L. Kerans
I did not see the email address for the Fist of the Fleet Association so if and when you see this, please send my regards to Mr. Al Gorthy. Served with him in VA25 on the 72/73 & the 74 cruise.
I worked in IWT at the time and was probably the only PO that chewed on him during a debriefing for not firing on a N. Vietnamese missile boat on his way back from a mission over the North. He took it with grace saying they wouldn’t give him clearance to fire. The others there I think were about to have a heart attack – especially the older chiefs.
Still have that memory 50 years later.
I joined the Navy right out of high school and started active duty in Nov 1974 at Great Lakes (nice place in the winter) and then onto A School in Meridian, MS. I remember the first time seeing the Ranger. It was at the NAS in Alameda, CA and I believe the ship was under repair/overhaul. My request sheet when leaving A school was a small ship on the East Coast – I guess this was about as close as they could get. I remember thinking to myself – WOW that’s a big ship. A couple of more memories for me on the ship: the night the jet hit the back of the flight deck in the wee hours of the morning and ripped a hole in the flight deck – I was in the Educational Service Office playing a friendly card game in the aft part of the ship when it happened – I thought we were being attacked. Sitting off the coast of Uganda as a show of force and sending new shipmates all over Ranger looking for things like the “port list” and “the special black paint they use on the flight deck to help with night landings”.
I left active due in January 1977 and using the GI Bill and the free tuition program for vets attending a state school in MA, I put myself through 4 years of college earning a degree in Business Management and graduating at the top of my class with a GPA of 3.9. I also played on the hockey team while in college. I was only an average student in high school who “got by”. I guess I grew up a lot while on the Ranger and gained focus and discipline. One of the best life decisions I made was joining the Navy. It taught me so many lessons and so many life long skills.
Captain Nick thank you again for all you have done for our great country. You are an American hero!
May God Bless you, your wife and your family.
Dear Captain Nicholson – I recently exchanged emails with my old friend and RANGER Shipmate Peter Richards. Peter shared with me your website and I could not resist shooting you a quick line. Needless to say RANGER was a defining time in my life as it was my first, of what would be many deployments. Like Peter, I was Personnelman Bob Kennedy during my first active duty tour. The places, people, events, and adventures left an indelible positive mark on my life. I am extremely thankful to all my USN leaders, superiors, Shipmates and subordinates who helped me through a long, wonderful journey which ended in 2012 with retirement after 37 years for Captain Bob Kennedy. As I was telling Peter, unfortunately I don’t have a picture in the 76 cruise book as I was mess cooking at the time, but thought it might be worth a laugh to include pictures of a very salty PN3 Kennedy in the RANGER personnel office and my last day as a slimy pollywog on RANGER. I believe I still have grease in my hair from that day! My Shellback certificate still proudly bears your signature. The third pic was a very special day as I was able to swear in our oldest daughter Kristen into the Navy Nurse Corps. My wonderful wife Paula is by my side, both in the picture and for the last 36 years. 4 total kids, countless duty assignments including 14 years overseas have been a part of a fabulous Navy life. We are truly blessed! I was sad to see RANGER towed to the breakers recently – believe its about the 10th ship I served in to share that fate. We now live in Jacksonville, FL. Well enough of the trip down memory lane. Please reply if you get the chance.
Very respectfully,
Bob Kennedy
Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Captain Nick, On the 1976 Ranger cruise I was a LTjg RIO in VF-154. Gary Kerans passed along pictures of his recent visit with you and your website link. Fantastic website and great stories/pictures! Under the Deployments/USS Ranger 1975-1976 tab there is a Russian Bear over flight picture; I was the photographer using a CVIC camera. I have other Bear pictures of that escort mission I’d like to share with you.
V/R Warren Zander
My 3rd cruise in a row aboard Ranger was the 76 deployment. I was in VF 154. Your professional and practical approach to your job and Ranger’s mission made the cruise my best. The Black Knights and the Fists of the Fleet try to have a reunion in conjunction with the Blue Angels homecoming in Pensacola periodically . We would love to have you come down to join us in our celebration. I remember you joining me in the fish pond outside the Pearl Harbor O’club spearing goldfish with Mai Tai swords and drinking them down with beer. Awesome memories.
Most warm regards, Reldon (Pork) Leininger.
Hello Capt Nicholson . I just wanted to let you know it was an honor to serve under you on the USS Ranger AE 3 John Wuorinen AIMD 1973 thru 1976
AE 3 John Wuorinen AIMD
Comm Dept 1975-1978… It was a great time in my life and thanks for taking good care of all of us….
RM3 David Dysart
Great to see you sir . I am David J. Jolly 1st Division. Boatswain mate. 1974 to 1977 . You are a great Captain.
David J. Jolly 1st Division
Good morning Capt. Nick, Serving on the Ranger with you in command was one of the most exciting periods of my life. I just watched several video interviews with you explaining what you were doing the same time I was enlisted. Your story about Operation Linebacker II really took me back to that time in my life. I had just arrived in Guam about December 22, 1972 as a non rated seaman deuce. I was 18 years old. That year I spent on Guam was tough on me for so many reasons. None worth repeating, just to young and stupid to see the opportunities that were offered to me. Later on, April 1975 I reported aboard the Ranger CVA-61 as a non rated Fireman and was assigned to A Division. Made the cruise in 1976 and finally felt like a real Sailor. Your leadership and personality planted the seed that helped me get my life on track. Thank you and I am proud to have served on Ranger and under your command. Respectfully, Mike Berry. Now retired from VA. Thanks again, best wishes and “Press On”
Respectfully, Mike Berry
Capt. Nick,
VF154 and VF21 flew Dan Gurney and Al Unser to the Ranger. Roger Kirkman, VF 154 CO, flew Dan Gurney and Chuck Schroeder, VF 21 XO, flew Al Unser. If memory serves me. Bill Muncy, a race boat driver, flew out also but I don’t recall who flew him out. I helped familiarize Dan Gurney with the F4 rear cockpit.
Your Pearl fishing buddy,
Reldon (Pork) Leininger
Captain Nick,
On the 1976 Ranger cruise I was a LTjg RIO in VF-154.
Gary Kerans passed along pictures of his recent visit with you and your website link. Fantastic website and great stories/pictures! Under the Deployments/USS Ranger 1975-1976 tab there is a Russian Bear over flight picture; I was the photographer using a CVIC camera. I have other Bear pictures of that escort mission I’d like to share with you. I can put them in my Dropbox and send you the link, or email them directly to you.
V/R Warren Zander
Captain John L. Nicholson
Captain Nick ,
I too had the honor of serving under your command aboard Ranger during the 1976 Westpac cruise, I was a PRAN in VA-25 who joined the ship on 29Apr.1976 in Subic Bay. That deployment was full of many firsts for a young man from the Nutmeg State, Shellback initiation, heading to the land of Kilimanjaro and waiting upon what might be next . Thank you for your leadership, steady hand and your service to our nation and your crew.
I also want to thank you for the wonderful work you did at Sanger H.S. and the JNROTC, reading about those young scholars on their way to the USNA filled me with gratitude for your continued service. I had the honor of serving our community while serving as a Sheriff’s Deputy with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. I wish you Fair Winds and Calm Seas . V/R Kevin G. FitzGerald
Ooh. From the 1976 Bi-Centennial cruise. I’ve waited many years to again apologize for running (literally) into you one morning while you were entering the Captain’s Bridge. I was just getting off my station at the status board and had grabbed a styrofoam cup of hot coffee on my way down to CIC. Not looking, the whole cup hit you chest high. You said something like “I hope this doesn’t mean it’s a bad day for flight ops” and then turned around to head back for a change of clothes. You were kind enough not to have me killed and I do appreciate that. I was glad to hear from Kerry Truax that he had visited you recently in San Luis Obispo County. I am honored to have served under you. You are a great Captain! I wish you continued good health and a lifetime of happiness. Sinecerely, Dale (Dale Baird OSSN at the time)
Great pictures Captain. I remember the time Ranger was tied up pier side in Olongapo, end of the evening, a group of us walking down the pier to the afterbrow. Low and behold, a few feet away from us was Captain Nick. You turned and walked with us up the pier. We had a nice chat. That next morning muster in CIC, we were big news. “Hey Truax, heard you chatted with the Captain last night”. You were like a rock star to us. Hand Salute.
Kerry
Proudly served as a boiler technician in #2 main machinery room which powered one of the four propellers on the carrier that was known as hotel 61, USS Ranger.
Joined on the buddy plan with Mike Laster, Mike Eskina and myself, Anthony Del Percio 74 to 77
Captain Nick How are you ? I think of you often and tell some wonderful stories of you when we were on Ranger together. I was your Flight deck Officer on our 76 Cruise. You also gave me the opportunity to Fly GREY EAGLE 600, Often. My last cruise was in Kitty Hawk,1981 and Captain Bob Taylor was our Commanding Officer. I retired from the Navy in 1986 and was fortunate to be hired by American Airlines. I flew the B 737, S-80, DC 10 and the B 757 and B 767. I followed your example of how to Always take care of your crew. Captain Nick, you were a huge inspiration to the entire crew of the RANGER.
Skipper Nick,
I had the honor to see you in Lemoore 2 years ago. Tonight I am in Tampa, Florida preparing for the launch of a new airline…Breeze Airways. At our celebratory dinner tonight, we all shared a story of someone who was influential and a role model in our life. Congratulations…. when it was my turn, you won.
Along with you, those on this email are and will always be special in my life!
Hope you are well and happy!
VA-25
John Ross “Goat”
Served 3 cruises to WESTPAC on Ranger and one on IKE to the Med. The Ranger, under you on your watch, was by far the best ever. Thanks for taking care of us.
V/R
Reldon
VF154
Dear Captain,
O how I remember that morning we left San Diego for WestPac, you sure had your hands full. But that’s what a good skipper does, unties all the knots. And that’s what you did that day, and we were on our way to the Pacific! Nine months of good memories Captain, that last forever.
Respectfully,
ABH3 Larry McGinnis
What an honor to be remembered by those that flew off the deck of USS Ranger on our BiCentennial Deployment, 1976
“Xmas 2021
The gathering of aviators on this email string were, and still are, an uncommon, unforgiving, bombastic and funny-as-shit a group as any that ever existed in Naval Aviation. (I reference Grandpa Pettibone articles, which are true history, correct?).
Merry Christmas! I am proud to be part of this Navy family lead by Captain Nick!
Zman
Right on Reldon. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year. It truly was an honor serving with all of you and we are blessed with so many great memories that our civilian friends just can’t fully comprehend. And to the finest Commanding Officer ever, hand salute. Glad to see you corresponding after wrestling with the Docs and Nurses Skipper. Hanging in there and pressing on in Prescott.
Dome
Hope this Christmas finds you well and enjoying life in California.
I continue to tell friends about my honor serving under the finest officer and leader I ever encountered during my time in the Navy during our ’76 cruise on Ranger.
I would do it again in a heartbeat.
V/R Rick Blake aka Blackcloud
Thanks, brother. As I go down my list of things I am thankful for, right after immediate family comes my Navy family. What a privilege it was to serve with ye band of brothers under the constant caring boss who was Capt. Nick. I’m with him. I want to do it all over again. Merry Christmas to all.
Beef
Thanks Reldon. It was an honor to serve with all the outstanding people on Ranger, CAG 2 and 154. A week does not go by when I am not boring friends with sea stories about our exploits and especially the pleasure of serving under the finest officer I ever met, Captain Nick.
Yes we did! Still not sure if we are ever invited back to the Pearl Harbor Officer Club! Best Carrier Captain ever!!
Sent from my iPhone
John Ross
Aye, aye Sir. We had a great Captain giving us good steam, steady wind and leadership on the beach.
Well said Reldon, allow me to jump on board and wish all a Merry Christmas
It is an honor to be included in such a group
Doc
Capt Nick, as you can tell, where does the line form? We are right behind you, lead on, Press on.
V/R
Reldon
Reldon, when you muster a crew like this, a 91 year old is more than ready to single up all lines and do it one more time! To all, Merry Christmas and Press On, Vigorously, Nick”
Captain, you will not remember me but I was one of the wonderful scoundrels of this lot. What I do remember is that regardless of what happened during our cruise your voice and your presence steadied the day. And a steady day at sea is a tremendous thing. On this memorial day I reflect on what has been lost but maybe…and selfishly …more on what I gained in my service and my time with you is in my mind.
Ham Tallent, Ensign USNR, VF21
Capt Nicholson,, Just came upon this site ,, Impressive ! I served under you on the 76 cruise.. I walked aboard Ranger in Manila Bay April 6 1976 as a 19 y.o. ,,AOAA ,,flew out of Travis after air launched weapons school at NAS Alameda.. Was assigned to Weapons Dept WG Div, Bomb assembly,
I was originally looking to replace my shellback certificate which I lost many years ago .. I found out Tiffany publishing is the company that makes them.. Well ,, I just want you to know ,In my humble opinion you left a huge impression on me .. You are the Capt whom when I discuss my navy career ( (4 ) active, to my peoples ,, The Best I served under … Thank You Sir .. Sincerely AO 2 Herget..
I also did the 79:cruise ..
Thank you for your comment on Capt. Nicholson’s website. That’s very kind of you.
Captain John L. Nicholson passed away on March 15, 2023. We are in the process of updating his website to include this news and create ways for everyone to share stories. Please be on the lookout for that soon.
It was comments like this that kept Granddad engaged for so many years. Thank you for reaching out.
-Michael Gyura (Grandson).
WOW, So Sorry to hear this Michael — he will always be a Great Captain, Leader and Confidant 🙁