The Hancock was recommissioned in 1954 at Bremerton, Washington after a long rest in mothballs following WWII.
Having undergone an extended 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 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. Because of his knowledge of the Ship from Stem to Stern, Rich as been assigned to Admin Department, as our Official Ship's 'Key Runner' and Admin Assistant.
After commissioning ceremonies, he was assigned to the Photo Lab.
This picture was taken as ship was leaving Hunters Point with 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...
This picture was taken as ship was leaving Hunters Point with 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 read
Recommissioning Ceremony Program - 15 February 1954 §
Rock around the Clock rockclock.mid 25KB - by Max C. Freedman & Jimmy De Knight Ship out to the Main Richard A. Kirsch Extended Middle Years Gallery
Rich Visits the USS Hornet Museum The 'RICH TODAY' Page Visit the Kirsch Serendipity Page Rich Joins our Website Admin Department Rich is Hailed on our Kudos Page Special Website Recognition Medal The Charles Henry Faulkner, BM1, USN - 1954 to 1955 and the LCDR Jay Alkire, USNR Memorial Gallery
Send Rich Kirsch E-Mail
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