20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
4. Admiral - It's (Not) The Enterprise
Star Trek IV features very little of the USS Enterprise, with the self-destruct of the original ship in the previous film. Though the Enterprise-A would appear that movie's close, there is in fact another little cameo - albeit one achieved with set dressing and design.
Chekov and Uhura discover that the USS Enterprise - the aircraft carrier - will be able to help them in their mission. They signal this in to Admiral Kirk, before beaming aboard. The interior of the Enterprise was in fact played by the 29-year USS Ranger, an aircraft carrier that stood in, while the Enterprise was out at sea.
The filmmakers recalled the professionalism of the crew, all of whom were very soldiers, during filming. During Chekov's run across the deck, the Marines order everyone else to drop to the ground. Production recalled that they were slightly taken aback at how everyone, from cadets to the higher ranks, complied without question - and were very glad not to have them chasing them for real.
The USS Ranger remained in active service until she was sent to the scrap yard in Texas in 2015.