Claude V Ricketts (DDG 5) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 6 text:

Claude Vernon Rmketts

Page 5 text:

I USS QV. RICKETTS DDG-5

Page 7 text:

THE MAN - CLAUDE V. RICKETTS Claude Vernon Ricketts was born in Missouri on February 23, 1906, and was graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1929. For duty in World War Two he received a Letter of Commendation with Ribbon and the Legion of Merit with Combat HV . After instruction at various staff and war colleges he reported in June 1949 as Commanding Officer of USS ALSHAIN QAKA-555. In July 1952 he became Head, Amphibious Warfare Branch, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. After Commanding the USS SAINT PAUL QCA-735 and serving as Commander De- stroyer Flotilla Four, he became director of Strategic Plans, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. While serving as Vice CNO he devoted his enormous energy and talents to many projects of importance to the U.S. Navy and the NATO alliance. On July 6, 1964, Admiral Ricketts died of a heart attack. On July 28, 1964, USS BIDDLE was renamed and recommissioned USS CLAUDE V. RICKETTS QDDG-55 in memory of the former Vice Chief of Naval Operations. At the name-changing ceremony, the Honorable Paul H. Nitze, Secretary of the Navy, spoke of the appropriateness of renaming the ship in honor of Admiral Ricketts because of the great contributions and efforts the Admiral had given to the concept of mixed-manning and the Multilateral Force. 4