USS Randolph (CVA-15) aircraft carrier in the Med 1954-55 [Re-Edit] - Airailimages National Archives

The USS Randolph (CVA-15), a World War II Essex-class aircraft carrier, is seen in the Mediterranean, probably in 1954 or 1955, according to clues visible in the film from the National Archives. Some of the aircraft use the Navy's sea blue paint. Others are in the short-lived natural metal skin. The absence of an angled deck dates this film sometime before mid-1955 at the very latest.
The twin-engine propeller aircraft are North American AJ Savage bombers, with a pair of R-2800 engines on the wings augmented by a tail-mounted J33 turbojet. Sweptwing F9F Cougars and straight-wing F2H Banshees are seen. At least one of the aircraft carriers occasionally visible in the distance is listed as USS Coral Sea.
Italian military officers are identified as visiting USS Randolph in this film. Watch a Panther land, followed by the lowering of the ribbon Davis Barrier raised to prevent a wayward jet from rolling to the front of the deck, where Douglas AD Skyraiders have been parked.
USS Randolph was the primary recovery ship for John Glenn's orbital Mercury mission in February 1962. The ship served until early 1969, and was sold for scrap in 1975.
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(This is an edited version replacing the original video on Airailimages, and correcting an error in the time period when the original film was shot.)

[@airailimages]

This is a re-edit to correct some information, as we strive to bring you accurate and relevant historical film details and context.

[@Chilly_Billy]

👍 for striving towards accuracy.

[@airailimages]

Thank you! We try.

[@freedomforever6718]

Fantastic carrier footage! My father successfully flew the F9F Panther on many missions during the Korean War. He arrived home unscathed which is a good thing otherwise I would not have been born.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching. We always enjoy hearing from the families of veterans.

[@ChiefAUS]

I always like your historical films, especially when they involve prop planes and ships. Thanks for bringing them to us.

[@airailimages]

You are very welcome. It is satisfying to do a bit of research, and add some context to this silent footage from the archives.

[@silviog.4211]

Superb footage and accurate description ❤

[@airailimages]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your comments.

[@jebsails2837]

My brothers (AB) first ship. I believe it was '54 as on it's return from the Med, she rode a hurricane up the East coast of the US. He told as youngsters about life on the flight deck. When I served, my service was silent on Diesel Electric Subs. Narragansett Bay

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Always good to hear from veterans, and families of veterans represented in these films.

[@johnosbourn4312]

Great video, Fred.

[@airailimages]

Glad you enjoyed it, John.

[@micoma49]

The cruise was from Feb. to Aug. 1954.