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Rich Kirsch's "Fighting
Hannah"
U.S.S. Hancock CVA-19
OP Division Photo Lab
1953-1955
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rickkirschsfightinghannah.com
 The Hancock was recommissioned in 1954 at Bremerton, Washington after
a long rest in mothballs following WWII.
Having undergone an extensive refitting period, she received the first Steam Catapults installed on an American
aircraft carrier along with the new Mark 7 arresting gear.
Richard Kirsch, PH3, USNR, pictured here as a Photo Lab Seaman (SN), on the signal bridge, was aboard the Hancock
from November 1953 through August 1955. His first billet aboard the Hannah was filled as a "Key Runner" - He was one of the few who came aboard every day to open various compartments for the welders
and other workmen.
Due to this interesting job, he was in almost every space on ship, from bilge to the mast tower. Few Hancock sailors
can make this boast.
After commissioning ceremonies, he was assigned to the Photo Lab.
Because of his knowledge of the Ship from Stem to Stern, Rich was invited to serve in the Admin Department of the Hancock Memorial, as our Official Ship's 'Key Runner' and
Admin Assistant.
The above picture was taken as ship was leaving Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, where she was receiving some important
upgrades. You can see Alcatraz in the background. He is holding the tool of his trade, an A20 - a 4 x 5" Roll-type
manual Camera.
What follows in this gallery are some of the pictures he and others of the Photo crew took during this time.
Included in this collection is a rare copy of the Recommissioning Ceremony Program giving the activities of the
day.
Since our Middle years Gallery is rather short on pictures depicting life aboard during this time, we are especially
grateful to Rich for his contribution.
Also short on 'supply' in our aircraft gallery are pictures of the planes that launched off the deck, but Rich
has contributed some pictures of the planes as well.
I am sure you will find Rich's Gallery a rewarding addition to the Hancock Memorial. If you wish to thank Rich
or say hello, you can click his picture above. Without further ado, I give you the Richard Kirsch Middle Years
Gallery...
It would be remiss of your Yeoman if I didn't give full credit for this gallery to those members of the Photo lab
so here they are, at a local establishment celebrating... |
Rich is 3rd from Right, back row, with a
cherry in his mouth - mmm, those rum and cokes!
If you see yourself in this picture, please sound off
Click program for a close-up of Hancock
History below...
Re-commissioning Ceremony Program - 15 February
1954 §
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Rock around the Clock rockclock.mid 25KB - by
Max C. Freedman & Jimmy De Knight
Ship out to the Main Richard A. Kirsch
Extended U.S.S. HANCOCK CVA-19
Middle Years Gallery
While the Photo Gallery is under Construction
Please Visit my Photo Gallery at Jake's Hancock Memorial
Go Here
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Copyright © 2007 - Richard A. Kirsch
All Rights Reserved
Legal Notice
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31 May 2008
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