Did You Know…

Our entire project centers not just on bringing Ranger to Portland as an exhibit, but more so, as a job producing venue that will bring quality jobs to Portland and the surrounding area that are sustainable over the years.

This is about industrial jobs for the shipyard and their subcontractors involved in initial refurbishing the ship and contracted for follow-on maintenance and repair in subsequent years.

Contracts for mooring site, environmental assessment and cleanup will create jobs and result in improved water quality.

Pier Construction and/mooring platforms, facilities on-shore for utility hook ups will create jobs for marine architects and the construction firms.

Once opened the Ranger Museum and Memorial will required a paid staff of 60 to operate the museum functions and will create opportunities for private business to operate the on-board gift shop and cafe. The same is true for the visitor parking lot to be operated by a private business owner. Routine annual maintenance will create long term employment for contractors and suppliers.

The tourism industry, restaurants, hotels, the conventions center, airlines will all benefit by Ranger’s presence close to downtown Portland. This goes beyond just the direct spending flowing to business. Local and state government benefits by the increased tax revenue that flow to them which will ease the tax burden for local and state tax payers.

In 2008 Portland area visitor spending exceeded 3.8 billion dollars according to Travel Portland, the City of Portland’s official destination marketing office. While 2009 will likely reflect a decrease due to the recession, by the time Ranger arrives in Portland in 2011 or 2012 the economy will have improved. Ranger will be a new attraction that will generate more out-of-area tourism visitors to the City.

Ranger was the aircraft carrier used  in the 1980’s film “Top Gun”. It is anticipated Ranger will appear in future motion picture productions featuring the United States Navy and in particular Naval Aviation. This would not be limited to in-theater productions, but those made for television. Food Network has broadcast from the flight deck of Intrepid in New York City and NBC television covered the 2009 4th of July NYC fireworks from cameras onboard Intrepid. The opportunity will exist for local television and radio programs to originate from the ship.

Happy Thanksgiving America!

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is here already. We at the USS Ranger Foundation have a lot to be thankful for, and we were able to accomplish much.

USS Ranger under command of Captain Dan Pederson rescues Vietnamese Boat People

We’re well into our Phase II activities, and working hard to ensure this magnificent vessel is saved as a representative of all who sail the seas in defense of freedom, providing protection and assistance wherever and whenever needed.

We wish you and all your family and friends a joyous season. Keep checking back here to check on our progress, and support us in our efforts.

Remember to support our troops active and reserve who keep watch on behalf of all of us, whether Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and those civilians supporting them in faraway places.

USS Ranger’s crew spells out their message to those ‘back home’

Larry Schmuhl
Program Manager
USS Ranger Foundation