Three Aircraft Carriers at Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard: An Aerial View of USS Ranger, USS Coral Sea, and USS Hancock on 25 August 1971

On August 25, 1971, an impressive and rare scene was captured from above at Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California. The aerial view showcased three of the U.S. Navy’s distinguished aircraft carriers docked side by side: the USS Ranger (CVA-61), the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), and the USS Hancock (CVA-19).

USS Ranger (CVA-61), was positioned in dry dock, undergoing maintenance and upgrades. This Forrestal-class supercarrier, commissioned in 1957, was a vital part of the Navy’s power projection during the Cold War and saw extensive service during the Vietnam War.

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), a Midway-class carrier, was also docked nearby. Commissioned in 1947, Coral Sea served in various significant operations, including the Korean War and Vietnam War, earning its reputation as a stalwart of naval aviation.

USS Hancock (CVA-19), a venerable Essex-class carrier, was situated to the left. Having been commissioned in 1944, Hancock played a crucial role during World War II and continued to serve in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

This gathering of three aircraft carriers at Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard symbolized the might and readiness of the U.S. Navy during a time of global tension, reflecting the ongoing efforts to maintain and modernize its fleet to meet the challenges of the era. The image of these powerful vessels side by side remains a significant historical moment, encapsulating the scale and importance of naval operations during the 20th century.