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Introduction by Jake Jaccard, YN3, USNR
(Ret) '61-'67, Web Yeoman of the
USS Hancock CV/CVA-19 Memorial
 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 behind him. He is holding one of the tools 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
during this period, but Rich has contributed many pictures of the planes as well.
I am sure you will find Rich's Gallery a rewarding addition to Pictoral History of the USS Hancock
and also the USS Hancock CV/CVA-19 Memorial. If you wish to thank Rich or say hello, you can click his picture
above.
So 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...
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