Claude Vernon Ricketts

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Claude Vernon Ricketts was born on 23 February 1906.

Ricketts originally enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After being appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, he was commissioned an Ensign after 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 led a successful effort to initiate counter-flooding and stabilize the ship. His quick action is widely credited with preventing West Virginia from sharing the fate of USS Oklahoma.

Ricketts commanded USS Saint Paul (CA-73) during 1955. He later became Commander, Second Fleet.

On 1 November 1961, Ricketts was promoted to the four-star rank of Admiral and assumed duties as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

Honors

The USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG-5) was named for him, as is Ricketts Hall at the Naval Academy.

Personal

Claude's son, Rear Admiral Myron Ricketts, USN Ret. designed and engineered many ships. Myron is quoted in the New York Times 11 August 1987 issue on building ships with steel in lieu of aluminum, because of how easily aluminum cracks.

Death and Burial

Admiral Claude Vernon Ricketts died on 6 July 1964. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.