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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


Courtesy of CAPT Gene Oleson, CHC, USN (Ret)
(bluejacket.com)

USS HANCOCK   (CV-19)
(later CVA-19 and CV-19)

U.S.S. HANCOCK
Courtesy of Al Grazevich

Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons


Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Navy Unit Commendation (5) / Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (4) / China Service Medal (extended)
2nd Row: American Campaign Medal / Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (4 stars) / World War II Victory Medal
3rd Row: Navy Occupation Service Medal ("Asia" clasp) / National Defense Service Medal (2) / Vietnam Service Medal (11 stars)
4th Row: Humanitarian Service Medal (2) / Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (6) / Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
5th Row: Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm) / Philippine Liberation Medal (2 stars) / Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Whiskey - Lima - Delta
Tactical Voice Radio Call: "RAMPAGE"


CLASS - ESSEX (Long Hull) AKA TICONDEROGA
Displacement 27,100 Tons, Dimensions, 888' (oa) x 93' x 28' 7" (Max)
Armament 12 x 5"/38AA, 32 x 40mm, 46 x 20mm, 82 Aircraft.
Armor, 4" Belt, 2 1/2" Hangar deck, 1 1/2" Deck, 1 1/2" Conning Tower.
Machinery, 150,000 SHP; Westinghouse Geared Turbines, 4 screws
Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 3448.

Operational and Building Data

Built by the Bethlehem Steel Co., Quincy, Mass. Laid down as Ticonderoga 26 Jan 1943; renamed Hancock 1 May 1943; launched 24 Jan 1944 and commissioned 15 Apr 1944. Decommissioned to reserve 9 May 1947.

Reconstructed to SCB-27C design by the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Wash. Work began on 15 Dec 1951; redesignated as an "attack carrier" (CVA-19) on 1 Oct 1952 and recommissioned on 15 Feb 1954. Decommissioned again 13 Apr 1956 she received further modernization (project SCB-125) at the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, Cal., and was back in service on 15 Nov 1956.

Reclassified as a "Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier" (CV-19) on 30 June 1975. Decommissioned for the last time on 30 Jan 1976 and struck from the Navy list the following day, she was sold for scrap by the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) on 1 Sep 1976.


Click On Image
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Name
Frigate Hancock
NS021927
21k

CV-19 was named for "two famous old vessels in the Navy bearing th[e] name [Hancock]." (Very special thanks to Robert J. Cressman, Naval History & Heritage Command.)

Continental frigates Hancock and Boston capturing British frigate Fox, 7 June 1777.

Previous ships named Hancock:

  1. A Continental Navy schooner.
  2. A Continental Navy frigate.
  3. A transport.
Naval History & Heritage Command
The Early Years — World War II
CV-19 Hancock
NS021948a
156k

"Quincy, Massachusetts (24 Jan 1944) — Named for John Hancock, Revolutionary War hero, the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Hancock, third naval vessel christened in his honor [sic], was launched today at the Fore River Shipyard of the Bethlehem Steel Company. Left to Right, Mrs. DeWitt C. Ramsey, wife of Rear Admiral Ramsey, Chief of Aeronautics, Navy Department, Washington, sponsor of the huge fighting ship; Rear Admiral Ramsey, and Mrs. Paul F. Clark, wife of the President of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of the International News Photos."

Bill Gonyo
CV-19 Hancock
NS021948
322k

Official US Navy Photograph of the launching of USS Hancock (CV-19). The photo was taken on 24 January 1944 as Hannah was being launched from Bethlehem Steel Company at Quincy, MA. The photo is from the Bureau of Aeronautics, #BuAer-230239.

Robert M. Cieri
Larger copy submitted by Michael Mohl
CV-19
NS021941
102k

As completed, USS Hancock (CV-19) was camouflaged in Measure 32, Design 3A.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-19
NS0219ao
385k

Aerial view of the soon-to-be USS Hancock (CV-19), 14 April 1944, at Bethlehem Steel Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.

National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) photo, # 1996.488.054.022.

Mike Green
CV-19
NS021988
469k

USS Hancock (CV-19) underway on 15 April 1944, the day of her commissioning. The paint scheme is Measure 32, Design 3A; note the small hull number on the Dull Black bow area. Hancock was the only "long bow" Essex to wear Design 3A, and since all the Pattern Design Sheets had been prepared for "short bow" Essexes, there were a number of noticeable differences in the bow area with respect to Intrepid (CV-11), Hornet (CV-12), and Franklin (CV-13)—compare, for example, to this photo of Intrepid. Two 40-mm quad AA mounts were fitted on the extended forecastle of the "long hull" ships. Hancock had two more 40-mm mounts on the fantail but none on the starboard side, amidships. There were four deck-edge masts.

Official US Navy photograph from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 91546.

Wolfgang Hechler
CV-19
NS0219an
304k

Immediately after commissioning, USS Hancock (CV-19) is easing her way down Fore River in April 1944.

NS0219an: National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.054.024.

NS0219ana: National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.054.025.

NS0219anb: National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.054.023.

Mike Green
CV-19
NS0219ana
458k
CV-19
NS0219anb
212k
CV-19
NS021979
62k

USS Hancock (CV-19) in a photo dated 4 June 1944.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-19 + DD-246
NS0524613
143k

USS Bainbridge (DD-246) refueling from USS Hancock (CV-19), during the carrier's shakedown cruise in the western Atlantic and Caribbean areas, 14 June 1944. Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-235276).

Fred Weiss
CV-19
NS021997
343k

USS Hancock (CV-19) at Trinidad, 7 July 1944, during her shakedown cruise. Water reflection on the flared bow makes the dull black panels appear to be much lighter.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-19
NS021950
518k

USS Hancock (CV-19) loading bombs at the Boston Navy Yard, July (?) 1944.

Pieter Bakels
CV-19
NS021983
655k

USS Hancock (CV-19) underway, painted in Measure 32, Design 3A, August (?) 1944.

David Buell
CV-19
NS021983a
612k
CV-19
NS021983b
94k

USS Hancock (CV-19) underway. Detail of island. Photo is dated 13 August 1944.

CV-19
NS021983a1
165k

Photo NS021983a, colorized by Yu Chu.

Yu Chu
CV-19 Hancock
NS021992
63k

The photo is simply labeled "USS Hancock (CV-19)."

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-19 Hancock
NS021901
104k Exact date unknown, but probably taken in the fall of 1944. USN
CV-19 Hancock
NS021916
118k

USS Hancock (CV-19) recovers a Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter, circa 1944. The ship is painted in camouflage Measure 32, Design 3A.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-K-1929-A).

Scott Dyben
CV-19 Hancock
NS021989
123k

Sailors take in the sight of the US Fleet at Ulithi Atoll near the forward twin 5"/38 mount of USS Hancock (CV-19), as she lies anchored at Berth 10 on October 5th or 6th, 1944. The carrier at the center of the photo is USS Essex (CV-9).

US Navy photo now in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, photo # 80-G-272750.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-19 Hancock
NS021912
88k

Crewmen on USS Hancock (CV-19) move rockets to planes, while preparing for strikes on Formosa, 12 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-281338).

Scott Dyben
CV-19 Hancock
NS021982
125k

Information from David Stubblebine:

"USS Hancock (CV-19) refueling from an oiler. The latter is believed to be USS Cache (AO-67) in the Philippine Sea (15 15.33N, 130 29.87E), 25 October 1944."

"This photo was possibly taken from USS Brown (DD-546)."

US Navy photo.

Robert Guttman for his father, Paul D. Guttman, PHoM2/c
CV-19 Hancock + AO-67
NS091906710
68k

USS Hancock (CV-19) drawing alongside USS Cache (AO-67) (pronounded "cash-AY"), 25 October 1944.

Robert Guttman for his father, Paul D. Guttman, PHoM2/c
CV-19 Hancock
NS0219ax
284k

Japanese cruiser Kumano is bombed by planes of Task Force 38 on 26 October 1944, following the Battle off Samar. She had lost her bow the previous day, and was further crippled by this attack, but was not sunk until 25 November. Photographed from a USS Hancock (CV-19) plane. Note SB2C Helldiver at right center.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-47012.

NARA
CV-19 Hancock
NS021913
85k

Carrier Raids on the Philippines, November 1944 — Flight Deck Officer on USS Hancock (CV-19) waves the "take-off" flag at a SB2C "Helldiver" bomber, during strikes on Manila Bay, 25 November 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-289604).

Scott Dyben
CV-19 Hancock
NS021913a
414k

Japanese dive bombers on USS Hancock (CV-19) as seen by USS Cabot (CVL-28), 25 November 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270877.

NARA
CV-19 Hancock
NS021917
152k

USS Hancock (CV-19) underway on 15 December 1944, during operations in the Philippines area.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (photo # NH 89281).

Note the flight deck was cut away just aft of the port catapult, to provide an unobstructed view for a third Mark 37 director that would have been mounted on the former hangar-deck catapult sponson. Only Ticonderoga and Hancock actually had the cut, and it was later eliminated as BuAer considered the cut "a serious hazard to aircraft taking off."

NHC
CV-19 Hancock
NS021915
115k

USS Hancock (CV-19) recovering aircraft during operations in the South China Sea, January 1945. Three F6F Hellcat fighters are flying overhead as a TBM Avenger torpedo plane approaches at left. Photographed from USS New Jersey (BB-62) by Lieutenant Commander Charles Fenno Jacobs, USNR.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-470280).

Scott Dyben
CV-19 Hancock
NS021940
86k

January 21, 1945.

1328: VT 124, Bu #23539 [a General Motors TBM-3 Avenger], pilot, LT(JG) C.R. Dean, 298954, and crewmen F.J. Blake, ARM3c, and D.E. Zima, AOM2c, made a normal landing and taxied forward. As the plane reached a point abreast the island a violent explosion occurred, believed to have been caused by the detonation of two (2) 500 lb. bombs adrift in the plane's bomb bay. The immediate results of the explosion were: casualties: killed - 62; critically injured - 46; seriously injured - 25; slightly injured - 20. A 10x16 foot hole in the flight deck, gallery deck area in the vicinity demolished, inboard side signal bridge wrecked. Three airplanes demolished. Numerous shrapnel holes throughout the island structure. Fires broke out on the flight, gallery, and hangar decks. Hauled clear of the formation and commenced maneuvering at various courses and speeds in an attempt to control the winds over the deck, and with high speed turns, to wash flooding water out of the hangar deck.

1342: Fire in hangar deck under control.

1405: Fire in gallery deck under control.

1406: Hancock planes in the vicinity commenced landing on other carriers of the Task Group.

1500: Rejoined station in formation.

1510: Emergency repairs to the flight deck completed.

(Text from War History of USS Hancock, courtesy of the USS Hancock Association).

NS021940a–NS021940e: National Archives photos (College Park, MD)

Image courtesy of Riley Cecil Cannon.
CV-19 Hancock
NS021940a
56k Tracy White, Researcher @ Large.
CV-19 Hancock
NS021940b
68k
CV-19 Hancock
NS021940c
59k
CV-19 Hancock
NS021940d
85k
CV-19 Hancock
NS021940e
57k
CV-19 Hancock
NS021940f
1.27M

"USS Hancock Carries On—A bomb from an Avenger plane explodes suddenly over the USS Hancock, spreading death and destruction. A first aid and a fire crew quickly restore order. Note the twisted propeller, blown forward on the flight deck by the force of the blast. Repair costs are heavy in the Pacific when ships are far from Navy bases. Your heavier purchases of War Bonds will help keep these ships in the fight." Official U.S. Navy photo.

Nogales International, Nogales, Arizona, Friday, 3 August 1945.

Chronicling America,
Library of Congress,
via Michael Mohl
CV-19 Hancock
NS0219aq
31k

A Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver in tricolor scheme and tail markings of Bombing Squadron (VB) 80 newly assigned to USS Hancock (CV-19), February 1945.

Courtesy of ww2incolor.com,
via Robert Hurst.
CV-19 Hancock
NS0219aqa
114k

A U.S. Navy Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver from Bombing Squadron (VB) 80, Carrier Air Group (CVG) 80, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CV-19), flies over two battleships of the invasion fleet, during strikes on Iwo Jima on 19 February 1945. Note Hancock's geometric air group identification symbol on the SB2C.

Official U.S. Navy photograph now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-304721.

Robert Hurst.
CV-19 Hancock
NS021990
228k

Tracy thoroughly researched this photo and writes:

"Hancock's crew pushes a damaged F6F-5 Hellcat overboard on March 1, [1945,] the last day of strikes against the Amami Oshima in the Ryukyu islands area of Japan. This aircraft was damaged in a barrier accident during a strike recovery and there was not enough time to salvage or move the aircraft below for repair. Hancock launched two strikes against the area that day and one photo reconnaissance mission in between, with a regular refresh of Combat Air Patrol throughout the day. She reported three aircraft shot down by her fighters and a lack of significant targets that limited strike results to five small vessels sunk and four damaged. In addition to this Hellcat, one was shot down and the pilot later recovered by USS Tilefish (SS-307). Note the temporary patches to her flight deck in the lower right-hand corner of the photograph; this is from damage received on January 21, covered in photos NS021940–021940e. Hancock remained in action with these temporary repairs until being ordered to Pearl Harbor for repair in early April."

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-304022.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large.
CV-19 Hancock
NS021900
579k

A slightly faded and possibly shifted color photograph of USS Hancock (CV-19), front, and USS Wasp (CV-18), rear, in March 1945, at Ulithi, with Hancock wearing camouflage 32/3A. Photo taken from USS West Virginia (BB-48). The vertical colors should be dull black, ocean gray and light gray.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-K-3814.

Courtesy of C. Lee Johnson, (usndazzle.com),
via Mike Green
CV-13 Franklin
NS021374
1010k

"Probably the ultimate "Murderers' Row" photo with 10 Essex-class carriers plus the Enterprise in the anchorage. It must also have been taken on the 13th March 1945 shortly after the arrival of Task Group 12.2. The Randolph in berth #27 had been hit two days previously whilst at anchor by a long range kamikaze strike. The repair ship USS Jason (AR-8) is visible alongside (unknown source)."

"Ulithi Anchorage looking north: Berth #5: USS South Dakota (BB-57), #6 USS Massachusetts (BB-59), #8 USS Bunker Hill (CV-17), #101 USS San Jacinto (CVL-30), #27 USS Randolph (CV-15) and USS Jason (AR-8), #28 USS Hornet (CV-12), #29 USS Wasp (CV-18), #30 USS Bennington (CV-20), #26 USS Essex (CV-9), #25 USS Intrepid (CV-11), #24 USS Enterprise (CV-6), #23 USS Yorktown (CV-10), #22 USS Hancock (CV-19), #21 USS Franklin (CV-13). (All positions correlate with war logs of each ship and the mooring plan.)"

Darren Large
CV-13 Franklin
NS021374a
1.07M
CV-19 Hancock
NS021964
41k

"Suicider hits Halsey Powell alongside the Hancock on 20 March 1945. (San Jacinto [(CVL-30)] photo)"

On 20 March 1945 USS Halsey Powell (DD-686) was alongside USS Hancock (CV-19) when Japanese aircraft attacked. As the destroyer was getting clear the aircraft overshot the carrier and crashed Halsey Powell. Her steering gear jammed but alert action with the engines averted a collision. Fires were put out and although 9 were killed and over 30 wounded in the attack the ship reached Ulithi 25 March. (From DANFS, Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships).

NARA II College Park, Bureau of Ships General Correspondence Files, 1940–45.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large.
CV-19 Hancock
NS0219ad
503k

Ordnance men adjust fins on 5" rocket body on the forward deck of USS Hancock (CV-19) and prepare to load them on fighters for a sweep over Kyushu, Japan, 21 March 1945. Photographed by PHoM3/c Louis J. Kolb.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-316273.

NARA.
CV-19 Hancock
NS0219ada
742k

Aboard USS Hancock (CV-19), ammunition handlers fasten 5" rockets on the wing of an F4U Corsair prior to take off for strike on Kyushu, Japan, 21 March 1945. Photographed by PHoM3/c Louis J. Kolb.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-316282.

CV-19 Hancock
NS0219adb
509k

Serving planes aboard USS Hancock (CV-19) and preparing them for sweep over Kyushu, Japan, 21 March 1945. Seaman entering elevator surface of a TBF-3 Avenger badly damaged in raid over Japan but able to return to safety. Photographed by PHoM3/c Louis J. Kolb.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-316287.

CV-19 Hancock
NS0219adc
736k

Aboard USS Hancock (CV-19), ammunition handlers fasten 5" rockets on the wing of an F4U Corsair prior to take off for strike on Kyushu, Japan, 21 March 1945. Photographed by PHoM3/c Louis J. Kolb.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-316289.

CV-19 Hancock
NS021905
102k As seen from the USS Essex (CV-9), smoke pours out of the Hancock's hanger deck after being struck by a kamikaze and its bomb on April 7, 1945. USN
CV-19 Hancock
NS021905a
66k

Planes on the stern of USS Hancock (CV-19) afire after being hit by a kamikaze off Okinawa, 7 April 1945. Image part of an album of photographs collected by Captain Carlos W. Wieber during his command of the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9) during 1944–1945. Image mounted on a piece of paper on which appears the original typewritten caption.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 1983.046.010.135.

Mike Green
CV-19 Hancock
NS021905b
224k

USS Hancock (CV-19) burning furiously after being hit by a kamikaze, 7 April 1945. Fires were soon brought under control, however. Seen from USS Essex (CV-9).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-19 Hancock
NS021905c
912k

This page from the USS New Jersey War Log (World War II) misidentifies the carrier in the top photo as USS Yorktown (CV-10), which was camouflaged in Design 10A. In fact, she is USS Hancock (CV-19), in Design 3A.

Tom Armstrong,
via Michael Mohl
CV-19 Hancock
NS021906
73k The Hancock is seen here burning fiercely as the Essex follows her, hiding in the smoke from any other kamikazes that might be in the area. USN
CV-19 Hancock
NS021907
112k As the fires are being extinguished, crewmen examine the remains of burnt out planes on the flight deck. USN
CV-19 Hancock
NS021907a
143k

Damage on the hangar deck.

From the collection of LT(JG) Winston C. Dudley, USNR.

Brian Dalton, for his father-in-law Winston C. Dudley
CV-19 Hancock
NS021907b
257k

Firefighters aboard USS Hancock (CV-19) hosing down damage caused by a Japanese Kamikaze attack six days into the battle for Okinawa, 7 April 1945. The impact seriously damaged Hancock and killed sixty-two of her crew. The casualties were buried at sea two days later.

Photo Time Life Pictures.

Robert Hurst
CV-19 Hancock
NS021914a
356k

"U.S.S. Hancock services 'One-Two Punch.' Hit and set aflame by a bomb and the crash of the Jap plane which loosed the bomb, the Navy carrier U.S.S. Hancock was stunned and shaken—but resumed limited operations within 4 hours. Shrouded in flags, the bodies of men killed in the double-blow lie on the hangar deck amidships as shipmates pay their last respects before sea burial."

File Number 328570. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy BUMED Library and Archives 09-7938-10.

Bill Gonyo
CV-19 Hancock
NS021914b
193k

Same as above, but cropped differently.

"On April 7, 1945, the ship experienced a Kamikaze attack [...] [t]hat [...] left 29 dead and 34 missing—total 63—and 82 wounded."

"The Burial at Sea service conducted by Chaplain Parker and Chaplain Doyle took place on 9 April. These hallowed dead were committed to the sea with full honors."

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany,
1971–1973
CV-19 Hancock
NS021914
104k

Casualties are buried at sea on 9 April 1945. They were killed when Hancock was hit by a "Kamikaze" while operating off Okinawa on 7 April.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-328574).

Scott Dyben
CV-19 Hancock
NS0219ap
558k

Newspaper clips, World War II.

Ron Reeves
Post-World War II
CV-19
NS0219ak
167k

USS Hancock (CV-19). During a period in dock which ended in June 1945, Hancock was repainted in Measure 12. The photograph shows the ship shortly after the end of the war with a medium-sized white identification number on the superstructure. Five starboard side 40 mm quad AA mounts were added in this period, plus another two on the port side at hangar deck level. Hancock kept her SK radar antenna until first taken out of service. Two of her deck-edge masts have been removed.

Photo from the National Naval Aviation Museum, # 1996.488.054.033.

Text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

Mike Green
Robert Hurst
CV-19
NS0219ah
765k

USS Hancock (CV-19) officers and enlisted men enjoying a game of baseball on the flight deck. Note the soft-ball diamond. Photograph released 23 March 1946.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-366232.

NARA
SCB-27C Modernization
CV-19
NS021969
77k

NY8-6365—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—28 March 1952—USS Hancock (CV-19)—Forward airplane crane machinery being removed through access in shell.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-19
NS021969a
91k

NY8-6367—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—28 March 1952—USS Hancock (CV-19)—250 KW diesel generator from forward auxiliary mach. room being removed through bulkheads 79 & 67 and out forward gasoline tank plug.

CV-19
NS021970
61k

NY8-6533—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—21 May 1952—USS Hancock (CV-19)—Removing section of flight deck bow ramp.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-19
NS021971
72k

NY8-6736—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—12 June 1952—USS Hancock (CV-19)—View looking aft, port side, showing shell plate ripout between 3rd and main decks.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-19
NS021971a
87k

NY8-6737—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—12 June 1952—USS Hancock (CV-19)—View looking forward, port side. Blister construction showing installation of side frame extensions to fourth deck.

CV-19
NS021972
104k

NY8-6845—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—11 July 1952—USS Hancock (CV-19)—Ripout of after centerline elevator showing ripout at flight deck, and installation of beams for main deck.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-19
NS021972a
151k

NY8-6846—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—11 July 1952—USS Hancock (CV-19)—Flight deck area adjacent to island showing installation of additional stiffening and S.T.S. blanket.

CV-19
NS021973
111k

NY8-6879—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—17 July 1952—USS Hancock (CV-19)—Flight deck extension showing after ramp in place.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-19
NS021974
91k

NY8-6909—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—7 August 1952—USS Hancock (CV-19)—Ripout of after island structure.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-19
NS021974a
83k

NY8-6914—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—7 August 1952—USS Hancock (CV-19)—Island structure forward showing ripout above pilot house.

CVA-19
NS021975
101k

NY8-7111—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—7 October 1952—USS Hancock (CV[A]-19)—3"/50 cal. gun sponsons in place on the fantail.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CVA-19
NS021976
73k

NY8-7193—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—3 November 1952—USS Hancock (CVA-19)—Prefabricated Secondary Conning Station in place under the flight deck forward.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CVA-19
NS021976a
107k

NY8-7201—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—3 November 1952—USS Hancock (CVA-19)—Forward 1000 KW Diesel Generator being landed on the ship.

CVA-19
NS021976b
65k

NY8-7203—Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—3 November 1952—USS Hancock (CVA-19)—New transverse bent under the flight deck, installed at frame 42.

CVA-19
NS021965
143k

"'BEFORE AND AFTER'—Model of USS Hancock (CVA-19) (right), with angled flight deck, is shown alongside Essex-class carrier, USS Boxer (CVA-21)."

"Futuristic" view of what Hancock might look like after addition of an angled deck, from All Hands magazine, March 1953 issue, page 38.

Stanley Svec
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021924
57k

USS Hancock (CVA-19), 45 ° off bow portside, 4 March 1954. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard photo NY8-10774.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives, Record Group 181.

Tracy White
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021925
56k

USS Hancock (CVA-19), broadside view, 28 April 1954. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard photo NY8-11091.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives, Record Group 181.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021994
439k

F7U-3 Cutlass. This may be BuNo 129637, during Project Cutlass, June–July 1954.

David Buell
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021920
475k

An XSSM-8 Regulus guided missile taken aboard USS Hancock (CVA-19) for tactical training mission at Naval Air Station, North Island, California, 1 August 1954.

U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-648762.

NARA
CVA-19 + DD-682
NS0568204
87k

USS Porterfield (DD-682) refueling from the recently converted USS Hancock (CVA-19), 1954. From a report and series of photos documenting shortcomings in the refueling system: note hoses dragging in the water.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives, Record Group 181.

Tracy White
CVA-19 + DD-682
NS0568205
106k
CVA-19 + DD-682
NS0568206
102k
CVA-19
NS021984
347k

These photos were obviously taken after the SCB-27C modernization (elevator #3 moved to the deck edge) and before the SCB-125 upgrade (there is no angled deck). If you have more info, please let us know.

NS021984b: Photo by Richard A. Kirsch, PH3, USNR (Ret.).

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany, 1971–1973
CVA-19
NS021984a
299k
CVA-19
NS021984b
181k
CVA-19
NS021991
192k

Another view similar to the ones above. Circa 1954.

Note the two Marine F4U Corsairs parked aft, with markings of VMF-232 (tail code "WT") and VMA-251 ("AL") squadrons.

Ray D. Bean,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021980
119k

US Navy photo of the launching of a Regulus I missile from USS Hancock (CVA-19) off the coast of California, circa 1955.

Courtesy of the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum (# CVA 19 25330-1955 TH).

Darryl Baker
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021944
189k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway, possibly in 1955: she spent that year conducting flight operations off California to test the Sparrow I and Regulus I (note missile on the port elevator) systems and Cutlass jets. Bow-mounted 3"/50 guns are still in place.

David Buell
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219ai

Tests with a Regulus I missile, circa 1955–1956.

Wolfgang Hechler

Ramp strike of a Vought F7U-3 Cutlass (BuNo 129595, modex D412) on the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) during carrier qualifications off the California coast, 14 July 1955. The pilot, LCDR Jay Alkire, USNR, of Fighter Squadron (VF) 124 "Stingrays," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 12, was killed. Two Boatswain's Mates and one Photographer's Mate were also killed.

Videos: (1)   (2)

Courtesy of U.S.S. Hancock CV/CVA-19 Memorial

CVA-19 Hancock
NS021958
367k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway, circa 1955–56, with one F9F Cougar, and seven F7U-3 Cutlasses from VF-124 "Stingrays" (Carrier Air Group 12), on deck.

David Buell
After SCB-125 Modernization
CV-19
NS021942
219k

Underway, circa 1957.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021945
161k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway, circa 1957.

David Buell
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021959
292k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway, apparently fresh out of her SCB-125 angled deck conversion, in a photo dated 1957.

David Buell
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021955
503k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway, circa 1957. CAPT Charles Joseph Odend'hal, Jr., Commanding.

AJ-2 Savages from VAH-6 "Fleurs" are amidships, AD Skyraiders aft.

Destroyers USS Samuel N. Moore (DD-747) and USS Maddox (DD-731) are to starboard and port of Hancock, respectively.

The Odend'hal Family
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021956
372k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway, circa 1957. CAPT Charles Joseph Odend'hal, Jr., Commanding.

The Odend'hal Family
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021986
1.03M

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway with Air Task Group 2 aboard, 1957. Visible on deck are AJ-2 Savages, F7U-3M Cutlasses, FJ-3M Furies, and some different versions of AD Skyraiders.

David Buell
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219az
532k

Another wiew of USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway with Air Task Group (ATG) 2 aboard, circa 1957. Visible on deck is a mix of Navy and Marine aircraft types.

David Buell
Photos courtesy of Corporal Pat Rowles, USMC, VMF(AW)-214 "Black Sheep," taken during USS Hancock (CVA-19) WestPac Cruise, 6 April–18 September 1957,
submitted by his son, Mike,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.).


CVA-19
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F2H-4 Banshee, VMF(AW)-214 "Black Sheep," recovering. Some squadron mates and an AJ-2 Savage, VAH-6 "Fleurs" Det. I, are on deck. VMF(AW)-214 was redesignated VMA-214 on 9 July 1957.
CVA-19
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1.73 Mb
FJ-3M Fury, VF-143 "Kingpins," launching. VF-143 was disestablished on 1 April 1958.
CVA-19
NS0219aab
1.75 Mb
FJ-3M Fury BuNo 141411, modex NB100 (but note #107 on the starboard wing!), VF-143 "Kingpins," ready to launch.
CVA-19
NS0219aae
1.80 Mb
HUP-2 Retriever helicopter, HU-1 "Pacific Fleet Angels" Det. I.
CVA-19
NS0219aaj
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FJ-3M Fury, VF-143 "Kingpins," recovering. Some F2H-4 Banshees, VMF(AW)-214 "Black Sheep," and an AJ-2 Savage, VAH-6 "Fleurs" Det. I, on deck.
CVA-19
NS0219aac
1.81 Mb
Continuation of photo NS0219aaj, left.
CVA-19
NS0219aad
1.79 Mb
Continuation of sequence, left.
CVA-19
NS0219aaf
1.48 Mb
VAH-6 "Fleurs" Det. I had three AJ-2 Savages for Hancock's 1957 cruise.
CVA-19
NS0219aag
1.86 Mb
Flight deck activity. TF-1 Trader being readied in the background.
CVA-19
NS0219aah
1.79 Mb
Continuation of photo NS0219aag, left.
CVA-19
NS0219aai
1.83 Mb
TF-1 Trader launches from Hancock's angled deck. Continuation of sequence, left.
CVA-19
NS0219aak
1.79 Mb
F7U-3M Cutlass, Attack Squadron (VA) 116 "Road Runners," Air Task Group (ATG) 2.
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021918
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USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway at sea on 15 July 1957. She was then serving with the Seventh Fleet in the western Pacific. There are seven FJ Fury, ten F2H Banshee (two different models); two F7U Cutlass, fifteen AD Skyraider and three AJ Savage aircraft on her flight deck.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (photo # NH 97539).

NHC
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021919
121k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) in San Francisco Bay, California, in September 1957. Her crew is spelling out "Our Town" on her flight deck.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (photo # NH 94312), courtesy of Robert M. Cieri, 1982.

NHC
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021967
53k

A Grumman F11F-1 Tiger assigned to VA-156 "Iron Tigers," modex NL111, on the starboard catapult of USS Hancock (CVA-19), November 1957, as plane NL110 is on the forward elevator. VA-156 was one of the first fleet units to fly F11F's, and, skippered by CDR Jack C. Fruin, was conducting CarQuals aboard Hancock along with VF-154 "Grand Slammers" (equipped with F8U-1 Crusaders) and VA-113 "Stingers" (A4D-1 Skyhawks).

San Francisco Naval Shipyard—Hunters Point, Historical Shipyard Photographic Collection 1904-74, NARA Pacific Region (San Francisco).

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021928
130k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) about to cruise, outbound, under the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, 1958.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219ab
356k

USS Hancock (CVA-19), USS Midway (CVA-41), and USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) berthed at Naval Air Station Alameda, California, 10 January 1958. Note the Convair R3Y-2 Tradewind seaplane on the water.

National Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.054.048.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021977
149k

U.S. Navy aircraft of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15 flying past Mt. Fuji, Japan, in 1958. Visible aircraft are (l-r): a Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 4 Det.D "Fourrunners," a Vought F8U-1 Crusader of Fighter Squadron (VF) 154 "Black Knights," a Douglas F4D-1 Skyray of VF-23 "Flashers," a Douglas A4D-1 Skyhawk of Attack Squadron (VA) 153 "Blue Tail Flies," and a Grumman F9F-8P Cougar from Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 61 Det.D "Eyes of the Fleet." All squadrons were assigned to CVG-15 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) for a deployment to the Western Pacific, from 15 February to 2 October 1958. U.S. Navy photo from the USS Hancock (CVA-19) 1958 cruise book.

Robert Hurst
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021966
228k

USS Hancock (CVA-19), USS Midway (CVA-41), and USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), Alameda, California, circa 1958.

Paul H. Wilson, PH3, USS Bon Homme Richard, 1957–59
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021987c
131k

A U.S. Navy Vought F8U-1 Crusader (BuNo 143796, modex NL407), flown by LT(JG) W. John Miottel of Fighter Squadron (VF) 154 "Grand Slammers," after a barrier landing on the flight deck of USS Hancock (CVA-19), 20 June 1958. Note how deep the barrier webbing has cut into the tail of the aircraft.

VF-154 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15, aboard USS Hancock (CVA-19), for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 15 February to 2 October 1958.

(Photo NS021987c courtesy of Air & Space Magazine, courtesy of W. John Miottel.)

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany, 1971–73
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021987
483k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021987b
817k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021987a
188k
CA-73 + CVA-19 Hancock
NS0407374
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USS Saint Paul (CA-73) escorting the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) while two Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 4 Det. D "Fourrunners" are flying overhead. VAH-4 Det.D was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15 aboard Hancock for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 15 February to 2 October 1958.

Yu Chu
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219ba
367k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15, circa 1958.

David Buell
CV-19 Hancock
NS021902
173k Post SCB-125 Overhaul, which added the angled flight deck. USN
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021926
157k

Photo by Russ Meek, date and location unknown.

Pete Harlem
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021968
68k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway, circa 1959–60.

Tommy Trampp
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219at
1.45M

"This is the first official photograph transmited via the moon from Hawaii to the continental United States. It shows officers and men on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Hancock spelling out 'Moon Relay' in Pacific waters—Special U.S. Navy Photo."

The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., Friday, 29 January 1960.

Chronicling America,
Library of Congress,
via Michael Mohl
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243ah
891k

Aerial view of three aircraft carriers, USS Hancock (CVA-19), USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), and USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), at Naval Air Station Alameda, California.

Note a former escort carrier, converted into an aircraft transport, on the upper left—possibly USNS Breton (AKV-42).

Although the photo is dated 1966, it is believed to have been taken in the first half of 1960.

Courtesy of the USS Coral Sea Tribute Site, via Bob Canchola
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021963
146k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway in the Pacific with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 11, circa 1960–1961.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection, photo no. 1996.488.054.056.

Mike Green
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219bc
391k

USS Hancock (CVA-19), circa 1961.

Courtesy of Samuel Hale,
via Yu Chu
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021957
146k

Stern view of USS Hancock (CVA-19) in a dry dock at Yokosuka, Japan. Photo is dated 2 January 1961. Planes closest to camera are a couple of AD-7 Skyraiders from VA-115 "Arabs" (BuNos 142012 and 142075), and an F11F-1 Tiger from VF-111 "Sundowners" (side number 109). Air Group was CVG-11.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection, photo no. 1996.488.054.060.

Mike Green
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021961
197k

This picture was taken by Mr. Leo Barnecut in 1961 as USS Hancock (CVA-19) was headed for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.

Leland Barnecut
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021936
90k

An F3H-2 Demon, assigned to VF-213 "Black Lions," preparing to launch, August 23, 1962. F3H-2's were redesignated F-3B under the new, September 1962 joint designation system.

USS Hancock (CVA-19) deployed to WestPac with Carrier Air Group 21 (CVG-21, tail code "NP"), February 2–October 7, 1962.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021937
91k

An AD-6 Skyraider, assigned to VA-215 "Barn Owls," launches from USS Hancock (CVA-19), August 23, 1962. AD-6's were redesignated A-1H under the new, September 1962 joint designation system.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021938
107k

A WF-2 Tracer, assigned to VAW-11 "Early Eleven," prepares to launch, August 23, 1962. WF-2's were redesignated E-1B under the new, September 1962 joint designation system.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021939
121k

A WF-2 Tracer, assigned to VAW-11 "Early Eleven," launches from the port catapult, August 23, 1962.

An F8U-1 Crusader, assigned to VF-211 "Fighting Checkmates," awaits its turn on the starboard catapult. F8U-1's were redesignated F-8A under the new, September 1962 joint designation system.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219ay
2.12M

F-3B Demon, BuNo 143422 (modex NP304), nominally assigned to LT Willard H. Van Dyke, Jr., Fighter Squadron (VF) 213 "Black Lions," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 21, USS Hancock (CVA-19), 1963.

David was a plane captain in VF-213.

ADJ3 David Elfver,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021946
171k

Aerial view of USS Hancock (CVA-19) passing under the Golden Gate Bridge on April 17, 1963.

David Buell
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219ar
82k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) and "friend." Probably in the Gulf of Tonkin, date unknown.

Courtesy of the USS Hancock Facebook group,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Task Force 77
NS026119
739k

Task Force 77 operating in the South China Sea, March 1965 [Note: Although the official caption gives a date of "March 1965," the ships' deck logs show that Operation Candid Camera actually took place on 21–22 February]. It had recently launched strikes against North Vietnam. Carriers present are (clockwise from bottom): Ranger (CVA-61), Yorktown (CVS-10), Coral Sea (CVA-43) and Hancock (CVA-19). The guided missile cruiser Canberra (CAG-2) is in the center of the formation. The destroyer screen includes: England (DLG-22), Gurke (DD-783), Rogers (DD-876), Walker (DD-517), O'Bannon (DD-450), Somers (DD-947), Jenkins (DD-447), John A. Bole (DD-755), Higbee (DD-806), Buck (DD-761), Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) and Ernest G. Small (DD-838). This photograph was specially posed, and does not represent a normal operating formation.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1109915).

James Shriver, PHCM, USN (Ret), notes: "The photo [...] was taken in an exercise we called 'Operation Candid Camera.' On day one it was tried by a Vigilante photo plane. They missed. So the next day it was tried again and the photos were taken with a hand held camera from a HS-8 helicopter. The photographer was PH1 Elvin C. Conarty (now deceased). I was there... I processed the film and printed the photos."

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Task Force 77
NS026119a
1.64M

Operation Candid Camera, as above.

PH3 Phil Wayne Harrison,
via Bob Canchola
Photos taken by AE3 Stan K. Swanigan, VF-24 "Checkertails," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 21, during USS Hancock (CVA-19) WestPac/Vietnam Cruise, 10 November 1965–1 August 1966.
Submitted via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.).


CVA-19
NS0219ajb
492 Kb
A-4E Skyhawk, Attack Squadron (VA) 212 "Rampant Raiders," about to recover aboard. A propeller-driven A-1H Skyraider, VA-215 "Barn Owls," is on deck.
CVA-19
NS0219ajc
365 Kb
A-4E Skyhawk, BuNo 150097 (modex NP224), VA-212. (Hit by AAA, 20 July 1967, while attached to VA-163 "Saints" off USS Oriskany (CVA-34). Pilot, LT Russell W. Kuhl, ejected and was rescued.)
CVA-19
NS0219aj
220 Kb
A-4C Skyhawk, BuNo 148576 (NP681), VA-216 "Black Diamonds."
CVA-19
NS0219aja
695 Kb
A-4C Skyhawk, BuNo 148456 (NP685), VA-216. (Hit by AAA over Haiphong, 7 July 1966. Pilot, LCDR William J. Isenhour, ejected off the coast and was rescued by a Navy helicopter.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219ae
1.57M

"My Uncle, LTJG Wayne Veeneman and his personal aircraft 109 BN 149173 on the Hancock, VF-211. Well weathered! I’m thinking this was in 66."

LT(JG) Wayne Allen Veeneman was attached to Fighter Squadron (VF) 211 "(Fighting) Checkmates," part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19 aboard USS Hancock (CVA-19), during their 21 October 1964–29 May 1965 and 10 November 1965–1 August 1966 deployments to Vietnam. These photos show him with his F-8E Crusader, BuNo 149173, modex NP109.

(This particular aircraft, by then attached to Marine All-Weather Fighter Squadron (VMF(AW)) 235 "Death Angels," Marine Air Group (MAG) 11, was lost to small arms fire on 3 May 1968, northeast of Đông Hà, Quảng Trị province, South Vietnam. Pilot, Capt. Stephen William "Steve" Clark, was KIA.)

Mark Fisher for his uncle,
LT Wayne A. Veeneman,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219aea
1.16M
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219aeb
1.45M
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021954
243k

"Off the coast of Vietnam the USS Sacramento [(AOE-1)] transfers fuel and ammunition to the aircraft carrier USS Hancock [(CVA-19)]. The CH-46 Seaknight helicopters, used for transport, stay in the air during the whole operation. They already accomplished transfer rates of 75 tons every hour." (From International Defense Review, #11, 1966.)

This was Hancock's second Vietnam cruise, 10 November 1965–1 August 1966. Air Wing was CVW-21.

Pieter Bakels
CVA-63 Kitty Hawk
NS0263dw
1.96M

"Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, Task Force 77, Power Squadron's First Regatta, 21 January 1966"

Annotated copy:

  1. USS Oklahoma City (CLG-5)
  2. USS Hancock (CVA-19)
  3. USS Ingraham (DD-694)
  4. USS Harold J. Ellison (DD-864)
  5. USS Carpenter (DD-825)
  6. USS Ranger (CVA-61)
  7. USS Samuel N. Moore (DD-747)
  8. USS Alfred A. Cunningham (DD-752), not shown
  9. USS Fletcher (DD-445)
  10. USS Hornet (CVS-12)
  11. USS Bache (DD-470)
  12. USS Harry E. Hubbard (DD-748)
  13. USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)
  14. USS Brush (DD-745)
  15. USS Benjamin Stoddert (DDG-22)
  16. USS Edson (DD-946)
  17. USS Topeka (CLG-8)
  18. USS John S. McCain (DL-3)
  19. USS England (DLG-22)

Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC) photo, # USN 1114861. (Annotation by NavSource.)

NH&HC
CVA-63 Kitty Hawk
NS0263dw1
386k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021903
223k Subic Bay Philippine Islands, March 7 1966. ©Richard Leonhardt
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021908
44k Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, March 7, 1966. ©Richard Leonhardt
The first MiG kill by a Crusader during the Vietnam War was scored by CDR Harold L. Marr on 12 June 1966. Marr, CO of Fighter Squadron (VF) 211 "Checkmates," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 21, off USS Hancock (CVA-19), was flying F-8E BuNo 150924 (NP103) and shot down a MiG-17 with an AIM-9D Sidewinder, northeast of Haiphong. He may have shot down a second MiG, with gun fire, that same day.
(Note: Vietnamese sources do not acknowledge any of these losses, but there is visual confirmation for the first one, and confirmation from "sensitive sources" for the second.)
Photos submitted by Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)


CVA-19 Hancock
CDR Marr (right) is congratulated by his wingman, LT(JG) Phil Vampatella. Vampatella would shoot down his own MiG nine days later (see NS0219al).
NS0219as
90 Kb
CVA-19 Hancock
CDR Marr with his assigned aircraft, modex NP100 (BuNo 149152?).
NS0219asa
363 Kb
CVA-19 Hancock
CDR Marr is congratulated by squadron mates.
NS0219asb
500 Kb
CVA-19 Hancock
CDR Marr is congratulated by Hancock's CO, CAPT James C. Donaldson, Jr.
NS0219asc
500 Kb
CVA-19 Hancock
An exultant CDR "Hal" Marr gives the thumbs-up sign as Hancock's skipper, CAPT Donaldson (seated, left) looks on.
NS0219asd
577 Kb
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021929

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 21, in a photo dated 15 June 1966. On this date, Hancock was operating in the South China Sea. The carrier was deployed to WestPac/Vietnam from 6 December 1965 to 1 August 1966.

Official US Navy photo fron the Naval History & Heritage Command collections, # USN 1118793.

Robert Hurst
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219al
90k

LT(JG) Philip V. Vampatella's VF-211 "Fighting Checkmates" F-8E Crusader (BuNo 150300, modex NP104) was badly damaged by flak, 21 June 1966, before he turned back toward North Vietnamese fighters and shot down a MiG-17. Note the large chunk missing from the starboard stabilator and the pock marks from shell shrapnel.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219ala
335k

"Phil Vampatella's MiG killer (BuNo 150300) repaired and freshly painted after the engagement." Probably taken in Atsugi in July 1966.

Photo by LT Wayne A. Veeneman.

(BuNo 150300 was then transferred to VF-162 "Hunters"—modex AH211—aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34). Little more than two months after its MiG kill, this Crusader was shot down by enemy flak. Its pilot, LCDR Demetrio A. "Butch" Verich, was rescued.)

Mark Fisher for his uncle, LT Veeneman,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock + DD-795 + DD-946 + CVAN-65
NS0579540
248k

Ships under repair at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in August 1966. The carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) is to the left while USS Preston (DD-795) and Edson (DD-946) are in the yard's dry dock 4 and USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) is to the right. Photo is from the files of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.

Darryl Baker
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219av
1.35M

USS Hancock (CVA-19), as seen from USS Henderson (DD-785), either en route to WestPac/Vietnam or in the Gulf of Tonkin, 1967.

LT(JG) Joe Quinn,
via Bob Canchola
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219avb
1.86M

USS Henderson (DD-785) steaming in the wake of USS Keppler (DD-765)—see below—, alongside USS Hancock (CVA-19) in the South China Sea operations area, 20 February 1967, rendering honors for LT Robert C. Marvin, whose A-1H Skyraider (BuNo 139805, VA-115 "Arabs") crashed into the Gulf of Tonkin on 14 February, during a RESCAP mission.

CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219ava
150k

Another view of the memorial service for LT Marvin, from Hancock's 1967 Cruise Book. USS Keppler (DD-765), screen commander, renders honors.

(Thanks to Ed Zajkowski, Lanny LaValley and Steve Mooney for their comments.)

Via Bob Canchola
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219aw
803k

USS Hancock (CVA-19), as seen from USS Sacramento (AOE-1), alongside, 1967. Note F-8E Crusaders from Fighter Squadron (VF) 51 "Screaming Eagles" ready to launch from the carrier.

BM3 John Rouse,
via Bob Canchola, BT
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219awa
863k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021951
122k

UNREP operation, Yankee Station, first half of 1967.

Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021953
69k

A series of four photos of USS Hancock (CVA-19), taken from USS Allen M. Sumner (DD-692) in Yankee Station, sometime between February and June 1967.

A Grumman C-1A Trader Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) aircraft, BuNo 146038, being taken up to the flight deck.

Frank Goetz, via Fred Willshaw
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021953a
56k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021953b
57k

A Douglas A-3B Skywarrior, BuNo 142664, assigned to VAH-4 Det. B "Fourrunners." See also photo NS021978.

CVA-19 Hancock
NS021953c
44k

USS Hancock (CVA-19), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, tail code "NF," on Yankee Station, February–June 1967, as seen from USS Allen M. Sumner (DD-692).

CVA-19 Hancock + AO-107
NS091910724
81k

USS Passumpsic (AO-107) conducting an underway replenishment with USS Hancock (CVA-19), WestPac, 1967.

Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021978
124k

An air-to-air right underside view of a Heavy Attack Squadron 4 (VAH-4), "Fourrunners," A-3B Skywarrior aircraft, BuNo 142664, modex ZB6, part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 aboard USS Hancock (CVA-19). Photo is dated 16 March 1985, but must have been actually taken in late 1966 or 1967, since CVW-5 deployed to Vietnam aboard Hancock between 5 January and 22 July 1967.

This particular aircraft was converted to KA-3B standard by NARF Alameda after this cruise. See also photo NS021953b.

National Archives, photo # 330-CFD-DN-SC-85-06073.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021921
102k

A crewman wheels a cart loaded with three Sidewinder air-to-air guided missiles across the flight deck, during operations off Vietnam in April 1967. Hancock was then on her third Vietnam War deployment. Photographed by PHC R.D. Moeser.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1142095).

NHC
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021995
1.17M

NS021995: F-8E Crusader (BuNo 150302, modex NF103), VF-51 "Screaming Eagles." (This aircraft was later upgraded to F-8J standard.)

NS021995a: F-8E Crusader (BuNo 150900, NF209), VF-53 "Iron Angels." (This plane was later upgraded to F-8J. In 1972, flown by LT Jerry Tucker and attached to VF-211 "Checkmates," 150900 scored the last MiG kill by a Crusader in the Vietnam War, but this is not officially listed as a "kill" because the Vietnamese pilot ejected before a single shot had been fired.)

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, USS Hancock (CVA-19), third Vietnam deployment, 5 January–22 July 1967.

Joe LaVeque,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021995a
351k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021996
386k

Two F-8E Crusaders attached to VF-53 "Iron Angels" (BuNo 149158, modex NF206, and BuNo 150900, NF209), flying toward targets in North Vietnam, 18 March 1967. Note that the area around the gunports was painted black. USN photo.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021998
122k

BuNo 150900 again, NAS Atsugi, 1967.

This aircraft was later upgraded to F-8J standard. Attached to VF-194 "Red Lightnings," it was destroyed in a ground fire at NAS Miramar, California, 20 May 1975.

Saburo Inoue,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021998a
30k
CVA-43
NS0243ab
451k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), with A-4E Skyhawks from VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies" and VA-155 "Silver Foxes," moored to pier #3 South, U.S. Naval Air Station, Alameda, California, 22–26 July 1967. USS Hancock (CVA-19) is moored to pier #3 North, and USS Ranger to pier #2 North. Other ships present include: USS Bellatrix (AF-62) and USS Aludra (AF-55), moored port side and starboard side, respectively, to pier #2 South; and probably USNS Breton (T-AKV 42), astern of Coral Sea.

Courtesy of
William T. Larkins
CVA-41 + CVA-43 + CVA-19 + CVA-34
NS024345
175k

Aerial view of the San Francisco Naval Shipyard at Hunters Point, sometime between April and July 1968. USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) and USS Hancock (CVA-19) are easily identifiable. Also visible in this photo are Midway (CVA-41), undergoing her SCB-101.66 modernization in the drydock just aft of Coral Sea, and USS Oriskany (CVA-34), undergoing an 8-month overhaul in the background.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219ag
1.10M

USS Hancock (CVA-19), San Diego, California, circa late 1960s–early 1970s.

David Buell
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219ac
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Southern California, April 1968. Training VF-211 "Checkmates" for their upcoming deployment, July 1968–March 1969.

Cole Pierce,
VF-211 '66–'69
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021930
510k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) leaves Pearl Harbor en route to Vietnam, after a change of command ceremony for Commander, U.S. Pacific Command—ADM John S. McCain, Jr. relieved ADM Ulysses S. Grant Sharp, 31 July 1968. This was the carrier's 4th Vietnam Cruise, 18 July 1968–3 March 1969.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219bd
1.59M

Another photo of USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway, apparently taken at about the same time as the picture above.

This was used as the cover photo for Ships of the World, June 2012 issue.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219bda
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CVA-19 Hancock
NS021909
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USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway. These photos are believed to have been taken during Hanna's fourth WestPac/Vietnam Cruise, July 18, 1968–March 3, 1969 — the third with Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21).

CSC H. R. Adams, USN (ret), via Larry Lee, RM1 USN (ret)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021910
118k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021981
77k

An F-8H Crusader from VF-24 "Red Checkertails" and the carrier's COD aircraft, a C-1A Trader, involuntarily "transferred" from USS Hancock (CVA-19) to USS Camden (AOE-2) as a result of a collision in the Tonkin Gulf, 26 November 1968.

Facebook, via
Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany
1971–1973
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021981a
82k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS091903018
244k

USS Chemung (AO-30) refueling USS Hancock (CVA-19), 2 July 1969, off the coast of California.

Courtesy US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.05.

Mike Green
CVA-19 Hancock
NS09210229
233k

Captain Harold Lewis Terry was Commanding Officer, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 21, 1968–69. CVW-21 deployed aboard USS Hancock (CVA-19).

Darryl Baker
CVAN-65, CVA-19, CVA-43
NS026583
362k

Front to back: USS Enterprise (CVAN-65), USS Hancock (CVA-19), three auxiliaries (which appear to be USS Markab (AR-23) with USS Pictor (AF-54) outboard, and USS Procyon (AF-61) forward of them), and USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) at NAS Alameda, CA, possibly in the first half of July 1969.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19
NS021943
95k

USS Hancock (CVA-19), with Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21), passes under the Golden Gate Bridge, Saturday, 2 August 1969, bound for WestPac and her fifth Vietnam cruise.

Courtesy of
William T. Larkins
CVA-19
NS021943a
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CVA-19 Hancock
NS021993
123k

F-8J Crusaders, Fighter Squadron (VF) 211 "Checkmates," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 21, aboard USS Hancock (CVA-19), Sasebo, Japan, late 1969.

Saburo Inoue,
via Yu Chu
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021993a
632k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 21, Sasebo, Japan, late 1969.

NS021993b: F-8J and F-8H Crusaders, VF-211 "Checkmates" (NP1xx) and VF-24 "Red Checkertails" (NP2xx); KA-3B Skywarrior, VAW-10 "Vikings" Det. 19 (NP61x); A-4F Skyhawks, VA-164 "Ghost Riders" and VA-55 "War Horses" (NP5xx).

NS021993c: F-8J Crusaders, VF-211 "Checkmates" (NP1xx); RF-8G Crusader, VFP-63 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. 19 (NP60x); A-4F Skyhawk, VA-164 "Ghost Riders" (NP5xx).

NS021993d: Similar to photo NS021993. F-8J Crusaders, VF-211 "Checkmates" (NP1xx); tail of RF-8G Crusader, VFP-63 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. 19.

NS021993e: A-4F Skyhawk, VA-212 "Rampant Raiders" (NP3xx); SH-3A Sea King, HC-1 "Pacific Fleet Angels" Det. 4 (NP004); tail of an F-8J Crusader, VF‑211 "Checkmates" (NP1xx).

Saburo Inoue,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021993b
633k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021993c
572k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021993d
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CVA-19 Hancock
NS021993e
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CVA-19 Hancock
NS021923
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USS Hancock during an underway replenishment from USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) including VertRep and UnRep during the 1969-70 period.

Photo by William P. Jones, M.D., Medical Officer, USS Niagara Falls
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219af
136k

Monday, 2 February 1970. Attack Squadron (VA) 55 "Warhorses" CO, CDR Frederick W. Lawler, attacks POL (Petroleum, Oil & Lubricants) barrels. A-4F Skyhawk.

Michael Postolan
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021962
21k

"This was taken on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin on a Sunday morning. I am not sure offhand if it was late 1970 or early 1971 now though. I know it was Sunday cause it was a 'stand-down' day & we had an UNREP[—in the photo, with USS Passumpsic (AO-107)—]that morning. A Russian trawler cut across our course and 'hell' broke loose on Hanna! They set Battlestations and Condition Zebra. Cut ALL the lines holding the ships together and launched the F-8 sitting on the cat! Best I recall, we were making maybe 12 knots at the time. I had been unaware they could launch while going that slow! I do not have any of the details from the back of the picture handy right now [... but] I would suggest you look at the right side of the picture closely. That has to be a one in a million shot. I was simply lucky to have gotten this picture."

Jim Smith
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021931
68k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) in the Gulf of Tonkin, March 17, 1971, as an F-8 Crusader flies by. U.S. Navy photo (# 1147821).

Robert Hurst
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021932
80k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) salutes Sydney, Australia, two days before arriving in the city (thanks to Jim Smith). Hancock was in port, Sydney, 16–20 May 1971.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219au
280k

A U.S. Navy Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142661, modex NP616) from Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 135 Det.5 "Black Ravens" refuels a Vought F-8J Crusader (BuNo 150660, NP111) from Fighter Squadron (VF) 211 "Checkmates" off Vietnam.

Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 21 aboard USS Hancock (CVA-19) for a deployment to Vietnam, 7 January–3 October 1972.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.3921.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021985
550k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 21 embarked, as seen from USS Waddell (DDG-24). Possibly taken in the Yankee Station Ops Area, 1–5 March 1972.

Photos by GMG2 Bill Liesch, USS Waddell,
via BT Bob Canchola, USS Oriskany
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021985a
627k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021985b
430k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021985c
303k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021985d
374k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS09520336
69k

View looking aft during VERTREP by one of HC-3 (Det 106) helicopters assigned to USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) of the attack aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) off the coast of Vietnam in August–September 1972.

CDR Al Cusick, USN (Ret), Gunnery and Flight Deck Officer, USS Niagara Falls
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021960
234k

"These three photos show helo in stages of the VERTREP. As you can make out in the photos the VERTREP started before shotlines were sent over to the carrier to commence alongside stream gear unrepping. (You can see the CVA crew manning 3-4 alongside stations, preparing to receive the shotlines.) UNREPs usually were conducted at 12 kts with both ships displaying the 'Romeo' flag. The DD trailing would usually get UNREPed after the carrier."

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 21 can be seen on deck, most notably A-4F Skyahawks from VA-55 "Warhorses" (green tails) and VA-164 "Ghost Raiders" (red tails).

CDR Al Cusick, USN (Ret), Gunnery and Flight Deck Officer, USS Niagara Falls
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021960a
38k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021960b
131k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219bb
57k

"In the late 60s and early 70s, the antiwar groups liked to throw trash on aircraft carriers as they returned from Vietnam. The USS Hancock CVA-19, I was in VF-211 at the time, held blowing the stacks until it went under the Golden Gate. We smoked the entire center section of the bridge and from that point on there was a lot less trash throwing. This photo came out of the [1972] cruise book."—Ken Gomer.

Ken Gomer,
via Yu Chu
Homecoming, 3 October 1972, after the seventh Vietnam Cruise.
Photos submitted by Walter Bachman, via Bob Canchola.


CVA-19 Hancock

NS0219bba
1.51 Mb
CVA-19 Hancock

NS0219bbb
1.58 Mb
CVA-19 Hancock

NS0219bbd
1.92 Mb
CVA-19 Hancock

NS0219bbc
2.05 Mb
CVA-19 Hancock

NS0219bbe
1.85 Mb
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021947
143k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) underway off San Diego, CA, circa 1972–1974.

David Buell
CVA-19 Hancock
NS0219am
569k

USS Mispillion (AO-105) refueling USS Hancock (CVA-19), sometime in January–July 1972. Note F-8J Crusaders on deck, from Fighter Squadrons (VF) 211 "Fighting Checkmates" and 24 "Red Checkertails," and an approaching A-4F Skyhawk about to recover aboard.

Bruce A. Hevner,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-19 Hancock
NS021904
104k

Overhead showing hurricane bow and angled flight deck, late in her career, in the 1970s.

USN
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021935
102k

September 1972. This A-4F Skyhawk (NP-302, BuNo 154990) of VA-212 "Rampant Raiders," part of Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21), and flown by LT Weller, had to make an Emergency Barricade Landing after low oil pressure problems.

Official US Navy photograph (# CVA-19-9212-A-9-72).
Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021933
98k

"Hanna's Home!". Photo taken as USS Hancock (CVA-19) was returning from her 7th Vietnam cruise, 7 January–3 October 1972. (Thanks to Greg Nichols, Chief Warrant Officer Three, US Army (Retired), formerly RM3, CR Division, 69–73 aboard Hancock, who dated this photograph; Greg is somewhere in those letters.)

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021999
369k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) with men of VA-55 and crew members in formation of "44–74" in honor of the ship's thirty years of service. Photo taken 3 January 1974 by PH1 Cook.

Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC) photo, # NH 84727.

NH&HC
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024346
146k

Aerial view of Naval Air Station Alameda, summer of 1974. Left to right: USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), USS Hancock (CVA-19), USS Oriskany (CVA-34), and USS Enterprise (CVAN-65).

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-43, CVA-19, CVA-34, CVAN-65
NS024346a
345k

Same as NS024346, above, from a different angle.

CVA-19 Hancock
NS021922
373k

USS Hancock (CVA-19) off San Diego, California, 11 February 1975, shortly before beginning her final deployment to the western Pacific. There are twelve A‑4F Skyhawk attack planes and one SH-3G Sea King helicopter on her flight deck.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1162018). Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC).

NH&HC
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021949
257k

In April and May 1975, while on her final WestPac tour, Hancock was one of the ships that conducted the evacuation of South Vietnam when that long-suffering country was overrun by North Vietnamese forces.

Art Ritchie recalls: "[These are] some photos of the Hancock during the evacuation of Saigon in April of 1975. All of the fixed wing aircraft had been replaced with Marine Corps helicopters for that operation. [The photos show] some of the people we evacuated from Saigon. In all we took on board about 2,500. The two showing the helicopter going into the water was one of several we had to push overboard. The South Vietnamese military would fly their helicopters, often loaded with friends and family, out to our ship and land on our flight deck. We didn't have room to stow the aircraft plus they were in terrible shape, missing lots of instruments and parts. So we pushed them overboard."

Photos taken and submitted by
Arthur Ritchie RMCM USN Ret.
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021949a
200k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021949b
277k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021949c
289k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021949d
243k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021949e
248k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021949f
289k
CVA-19 Hancock
NS021949g
239k
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NS021949h
249k

For more photos and information about this ship, see:

Read the USS HANCOCK (CV / CVA / CV-19) DANFS History entry

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Place:  
Contact:  
Address:  
Phone:  
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Web site: USS Hancock Association Website
Remarks:  

Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan.
USS Hancock Association Website

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Last update: 9 November 2024