08.07.2008, 03:20
Actually, the Ranger didn't stay in the ETO very long, but she did participate in a very little known series of raids on the coast of Norway in late '42 or early '43. Her Air Group sank a couple of ships and downed a few transports and bombers, while losing a few of her own planes. After this operation I believe that she went back to the states for training and transportation duties.
Another interesting period for US Naval carrier operations was during the invasion of the south of France. Operation Dragoon involved a bunch of CVEs covering the invasion, three of which were US Navy. They had TBF/Ms and F6Fs embarked, and shot up quite a bit of rolling stock in southern France as well as downing a couple of night intruders - JU-88s I believe. One of the CVEs had a night fighter squadron of F6Fs aboard. Google Operation Dragoon if you'd like some background for mission building.
Another interesting period for US Naval carrier operations was during the invasion of the south of France. Operation Dragoon involved a bunch of CVEs covering the invasion, three of which were US Navy. They had TBF/Ms and F6Fs embarked, and shot up quite a bit of rolling stock in southern France as well as downing a couple of night intruders - JU-88s I believe. One of the CVEs had a night fighter squadron of F6Fs aboard. Google Operation Dragoon if you'd like some background for mission building.