WEST PAC
1983-84

When USS Ranger pulled out of San Diego
under a bright July sun, everyone was 
looking forward to "The Best West Pac Ever."
Whether it was the best West Pac is open to 
debate among various sections of the crew.
However, they all agree this West Pac seemed 
forever.

One look at the original schedule had sailors
lining up for a chance to stay on board the 
ship for the "83-84" deployment to the Western 
Pacific.

Little did they know that this deployment would 
still turn out to be a West Pac not to be 
forgotten, but it wasn't because of the 
port visits. 

Shortly after clearing the harbor in San Diego,
Ranger was ordered South to support national
interest in waters off Central America.
There Ranger became a showpiece for Freedom
to many High ranking officials of the Republics
in the area.
Our tour will long be remembered, since the 
operating area now bears the name, "RANGER STATION"
honoring both the hydrographic ship and carrier
to carry the name RANGER.

After stops in Hawaii and the republic of 
the Philippines, ranger headed for a new
record, the most continuous days at sea
for a conventional carrier - 121 days.

This accomplishment was the result of 
our nations need to maintain a presence
in the Indian Ocean due to the Iran/Iraqi
war. 

When Ranger returned home, the men were 
elated. Not only had this cruise ended,
but Ranger had once again proven herself...

"TOP GUN OF THE PACIFIC FLEET"

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