Namesake:
Vice Admiral Lawson P. Ramage
USS RAMAGE (DDG
61) honors naval war hero Vice Admiral Lawson P. Ramage who
distinguished himself as a submarine commander in World War II. For his
bold leadership of successful war patrols, he was awarded the Medal of
Honor and the Navy Cross (two awards).
His first command was the USS TROUT which engaged in successful war
patrols in the area of Midway, Truk, the Solomons and the South China
Sea. On August 28, 1942, Ramage intercepted a Japanese task group
consisting of the light carrier TAIYO (OTAKA), plus cruisers and
destroyers. Ramage closed TROUT to short range and fired five torpedoes
at the carrier, scoring several hits, the first ever on a Japanese
aircraft carrier.
He assumed command of the USS PARCHE (SS 384) in July 1943 and led her
through four war patrols in the Southern Pacific theater. He was
awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during a pre-dawn attack by
the PARCHE on a Japanese convoy on July 31, 1944.
During the remainder of his naval career, he served in numerous key
Navy leadership positions including Commander First Fleet and
Commander-in-Chief of the Military Sea Transportation Service. VADM
Ramage retired from service in the Navy in 1970. He died on April 15,
1990 at his home in Bethesda, Maryland.
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Ship's Crest:
 The Shield:
Dark blue and gold are the
colors traditionally associated with the Navy, sea, and excellence. Red
is emblematic of sacrifice and valor. Red, white and blue are our
National colors. The jagged wedge recalls "Red" Ramage's tactical
penetration of enemy controlled waters, sinking two enemy vessels and
damaging several others. The Inverted star commemorates the Medal of
Honor awarded to Commander Ramage for his daring action. The trident
symbolizes sea prowess and RAMAGE's vertical launch capabilities, with
three tines representing anti-submarine, surface, and air warfare.
The Crest: The lion embodies
strength,
courage, and noble bearing; it is to underscore Commander Ramage's nom
de guerre "Red". The laurel represents achievement and honor, while
palm, which is indigenous to the Pacific, is expressive of victory.
Motto: Par Excellence
indicates the
high standards of the men stationed onboard USS RAMAGE
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