The USS Randolph was a 32-gun frigate of the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. It was named after Peyton Randolph, the first President of the Continental Congress. Launched in 1776, the ship was heavily involved in the war, taking part in various naval battles and capturing British ships. The USS Randolph was known for its speed and agility, making it a valuable asset to the American forces. However, in 1778, during a battle with the British warship HMS Yarmouth, the USS Randolph exploded and sank, resulting in the loss of most of its crew. The exact cause of the explosion remains a mystery, with theories ranging from a stray spark igniting gunpowder to a design flaw in the ship's construction. Despite its tragic end, the USS Randolph played a significant role in the early naval history of the United States and is remembered for its bravery and service during the war.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.