Not the same Ricketts #21

Dear Ted,

Being a relative of Joe Ricketts (“Not the Same Ricketts, File #17”), I don’t have anything to do with Ricketts, Iowa either but feel compelled to comment on the USS Ricketts pictured on your website (“Not the Same Ricketts, File #4”).

The hull shown in the picture is that of the USS Biddle. The name is on the transom. The Biddle was renamed USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG 5) in 1964 after WW2 hero and former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, VADM Claude Vernon Ricketts after serving as USS Biddle (DD 955 / DDG 5) for over five years. The caption for the photo in your file actually describes the USS RICKETTS (DE 254), named for another WW2 hero LT Milton E. Ricketts. There were two “USS Ricketts” in the US Navy.

In addition to the two officers mentioned above, RADM Myron Ricketts also served with distinction in the Naval Sea Systems Command.

LCDR Steven D. Ricketts (USN, Ret)

Well whattya know?!

Thank you so much for the information Lieutenant Commander.
And thank you for your service to our country too.

Any body got a picture of the OTHER USS. Ricketts?
Or how about pictures or memories about Ricketts, Iowa? Send 'em and we'll post 'em. Meanwhile, we hope to see you at the Ricketts Kids Reunion this month. Steve, Milton, and Myron, you're all invited too- what the heck!