U.S.S. YANCEY AKA-93

Ken Grooms's Navy A story for the USS Yancey

Hoppy's Favorite

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In San Diego, while I was in Boot Camp, 1 remember that we were served milk with the brand slogan "Hoppy's Favorite" on the label. The label had "Hoppy" tipping up a quart of milk to his lips with obvious satisfaction. As most of you probably remember, "Hop-along Cassidy" (Hoppy) was a western movie star popular in the 40's. l don't remember him hopping, but that is what he was called. He always had the best of virtues in those Saturday afternoon matinees. To a 12 year old none could be better.

The first time I went to Japan, on the Yancey, I remember leaving the gate at Yokosuka, Japan and seeing this big billboard with my favorite western star (hoppy). But this time he had a bottle of Kirin beer up to his lips. Nothing else was changed - he had that same look of satisfaction.

The Japanese had latched on to a good thing. At first I was so disillusioned that I was at odds as what to do. It was then that I saw the large green building across the street; known as the Enlisted Men's Club and decided if Kirin was good enough for "Hoppy" it was good enough for me.

Kenneth D. Groom (K.D.)
Kent WA 98032

Submitted 2/10/07
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