Claude V. Ricketts
Encyclopedia
Admiral Claude Vernon Ricketts (1906–July 6, 1964) served in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...

 as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations
Vice Chief of Naval Operations
The Vice Chief of Naval Operations is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Navy. In the event that the Chief of Naval Operations is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCNO assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CNO. The VCNO may also perform other duties...

.

Originally enlisted in the Navy, Ricketts attended the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...

 and became an officer upon his graduation in 1929. As a lieutenant, he was the gunnery officer
Gun
A gun is a muzzle or breech-loaded projectile-firing weapon. There are various definitions depending on the nation and branch of service. A "gun" may be distinguished from other firearms in being a crew-served weapon such as a howitzer or mortar, as opposed to a small arm like a rifle or pistol,...

 on board the during the attack on Pearl Harbor
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941...

. When West Virginia threatened to capsize after taking several torpedo hits, Ricketts led 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.

Ricketts commanded during 1955. He later became Commander Second Fleet and then assumed duties as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

The was named for him, as is Ricketts Hall at the Naval Academy.

Claude's son Rear Admiral Myron Ricketts, USN Ret. designed and engineered many ships. Myron is quoted in the New York Times August 11, 1987 issue on building ships with steel in lieu of aluminum, because of how easily aluminum cracks.
The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
x
OK