Ernest King approved a major Ranger modernization in 1943. It would have replaced flight-deck supports, revised elevators, installed catapults, added hull blisters, and increased anti-aircraft armament. The Bureau of Ships opposed committing money and manpower while Essex-class and other carrier construction was underway. Ranger instead received a smaller refit at Norfolk in May 1944, including a strengthened flight deck, new catapults, and updated radar. Its subsequent night-fighter and interceptor training role gave the ship useful employment. New construction reduced the appeal of an extensive reconstruction, while limited improvements supported a practical training role.
Notable Point · 1:09:23-1:11:30
Ranger received a smaller refit for night-fighter training
A rejected major reconstruction and the smaller May 1944 refit explain Ranger's useful employment as a night-fighter training carrier.