Claude V. Ricketts
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Admiral Claude Vernon Ricketts (1906 – 6 July 1964) served in the United States Navy as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
Originally enlisted in the Navy, Ricketts attended the United States Naval Academy and became an officer upon his graduation in 1929. As a lieutenant, he was the gunnery officer on board the USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the attack on Pearl Harbor. When West Virginia threatened to capsize after taking several torpedo hits, Ricketts lead a successful effort to initiate counterflooding and stabilize the ship. His quick action is widely credited with preventing West Virginia from sharing the fate of USS Oklahoma.[1]
Ricketts commanded USS Saint Paul (CA-73) during 1955. He later became Commander Second Fleet and then assumed duties as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
The USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG-5) was named for him as is Ricketts Hall at the Naval Academy.
[edit] References
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships history quoted at http://www.usswestvirginia.org/uss_west_virginia_history.htm
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