The Association Was Born

The Association Was Born...

In 1978, those who served on the Hannah gathered in Atlantic City, New Jersey, reunited for the first time, and resulted in the founding of the USS Hancock Association

by "plank owner",

Edmund Orchowski

The following are entries made to the old USS Hancock Association's Guest Book. These entries date back to June 1977. These entries will be updated as more information are obtained and posted so please check back for new listings.

On 5/30/97 2:17:05 PM - Lisa Sweeten from Salt Lake City wrote:
Hello, this is just a note to tell all the Hancock folks how much we enjoyed seeing them in C.C. this past October and how much we look forward to the next reunion in the Catskills. My ten year old son wants to go too so he can meet the men his grandfather served with during WWII. I'm glad he is so interested. We recently went to Anacortes, Washington to visit Norman and Goodie Lorentzen and my son had a great time with their grandsons who are the same age. It was touching to know that their grandfathers, Norman and my dad Louis Burke, had flown together during the war and I wish Dad was still alive to have been with us. They are wonderful folks and we feel like they are family. Take care all. Best wishes. Lisa Sweeten
Was referred by: through the Association

On 6/1/97 10:20:09 AM - JOHN GARASIMOWICZ from TRUMBULL CT. wrote:
crew mwmber on Hancock from 2/44 TO 5/46 MM2/c M div after engine room
Was referred by: BROWSING

On 6/4/97 10:10:03 AM - Dennis Spang RD3 from Davis Ca. wrote:
I served aboard the Hancock from De. 1961 to May 1965. I was a radarman, in OI Div.
Was referred by: searching net.

On 6/4/97 10:16:37 AM - Dennis Spang RD3 from Davis Ca wrote:
Sorry, forgot to mention I never recieved my 64-65 cruise book. Have been looking for one for years. Would very much appreciate any help I can get. Was very proud to serve aboard the Hancock.
Was referred by: searching net

On 6/10/97 9:25:42 PM - Thomas Dixon from Sioux City IA wrote:
Served aboard as OS1 and put her out of commission in Alameda CA. Later retired as OSCS (SW) in 1991. Worked with OSC Rogers who went across the pier to the Enterprise, then after turning over OI Div spaces, went to work with MCPO Rose on the MAA force until the decom ceromony.
Was referred by: was informed of this web site by EMail

On 6/10/97 9:26:56 PM - Russell Sharp from Riverside, Ca wrote:
My Fighter Squadron, VF-24, was assigned to the Hancock in 1968-'69. I was a Airdale...an ATR2. This was a 9 month or so cruse to The Gulf of Tonkin. We made occational side trips to Singapore, Yokuska and Sasebo Japan, The Philippines and Hong Kong. I have a very impressive certificate hanging on my office wall as a testiment to my status as a shellback. I obtained that status when the ship went out of it's way to cross the Equator while enroute to Singapore. The initiation ceramony was one of many fond memories I have of the Fighting Hanna. I like to think that I learned alot of things while on the ship. Unfortunately, spelling wasen't one of them.
Was referred by: Refered by KWJaccard

On 6/10/97 9:36:41 PM - Susan Howard wrote:
Thanks to all those who served for our great country! God bless you all.

On 6/10/97 9:46:28 PM - Rob Molleston from U.P. wrote:
This msg sent after Susan fixed it. Dad, if this works please EMail me to confirm.
Was referred by: Newsletter

On 6/11/97 2:06:46 AM - Calvin VandenBerg from Shorewood, IL. 60431 wrote:
I served on the Hannah with VA-164 on the 68-69 and 69-70 cruises.
Was referred by: KWJaccard

On 6/11/97 8:53:02 AM - Todd Howard from Lynnwood, WA wrote:
Hello all, I am just sending this message to illustrate to Rob Molleston that I have added a new auto-emailing feature to this guestbook... But let me take this opportunity to say:

Thanks to all of you who served this great country of ours!

On 6/11/97 9:47:37 AM - Doug Coughlin from Longview, Tx. wrote:
Great job. Haven't looked at the history yet but it is nice that someone took the time to get a web page. We would like to make the 98 reunion, to early to tell yet. Doug
Was referred by: HANNAH NEWS

On 6/11/97 1:05:31 PM - Lawrence McColl from Detroit, Michigan wrote:

Was referred by: newsletter

On 6/11/97 1:15:36 PM - Jim Scott from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma wrote:
I was attached to VA-164 as an A-4 pilot on the 1973 and 1975 cruises. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who was part of the ship's company or airwing at that time. It's good to see that the Hanna has her own website - Great job!
Was referred by: email from other crewmembers

On 6/11/97 1:23:50 PM - William Erle Pabor from Georgia wrote:
This is great, glad to see that we have a home page..Has any thought been given to an E-mail directory for members?
Was referred by: Hannah News

On 6/11/97 1:50:18 PM - john lejeune from ft.worth,tex.76140 wrote:
was in 1964 ,66 in vf-211 on board the hancock. was an AO3 , and the hancock started the bombing in feb.65. vf-211 had more mig kills then any other f-8 squardon during the vietnam war.
Home Page: www.imagin.net/~jlejeune
Was referred by: I am a member

On 6/11/97 5:45:42 PM - JAMES KENDRICK from LAS VEGAS wrote:
I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER OF THE HANCOCK ASSOC. FOR SEVERAL YEARS. I ENJOY THE NEWS LETTER, AND LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING IT. I'M SAD TO NOTICE THAT THERE IS LITTLE WRITTEN ABOUT THE HANCOCK DURING THE VIETNAM ERA. WHY IS THAT? JAMES KENDRICK AT3 VA164 1970-74
Was referred by: HANNAH NEWS

On 6/11/97 8:52:53 PM - Doug Coughlin from Texas wrote:
Bob, I'll try it again. Congrats, nice to see this than some of the junk that is on the Web. Have not looked at the history file yet. Watching the Bulls playing, man this was a close game and glad to see them win since I was born in Chicago and my brother has got season tickets. Take care Bob........Doug
Was referred by: HANNAH NEWS

On 6/12/97 1:14:48 PM - Frank Nadeau from Rota, Spain wrote:
Glad to learn that we now have a Web site. My brother and I had a great time in Corpus Christi and we are looking forward to the next reunion at 'The Pines'
Was referred by: Hannah News

On 6/12/97 5:45:00 PM - Russell Sharp from Riverside, Ca. wrote:
I just realized that I typed my e-mail address incorrectly the last time I logged on. My correct e-mail address is uncleucky@aol.com
Was referred by: Refered by JWJaccard

On 6/13/97 5:35:59 PM - Dick Walker from Grove City, Ohio wrote:
OE Div. 1963-64
Was referred by: Hannah News

On 6/15/97 4:15:50 PM - Thomas A. Weil GMCS-SW USN(RET) from Pembroke Pines, Fl. wrote:
As a former shipmate 1974-31 Jan76 I am always glad to receive my copy of the Hanna News. I was the Leading Petty of 5th. Div. for two years until the decom. When I arrived on board the were 45 men in the division of Gunners Mates and we deployed to the Pacific with 35 men. During the cruise all hell broke loose and we had to change our course of action. We were originally headed to Australia and for us Shellbacks we even had a meeting on the forecastle but two days later we headed into Subic Bay ,offloaded all planes and load loaded CH46 Sea Knights, CH53 Sea Stallions, Air America Helo and 3 cobras and headed out . The rest is history. When we evacuated Saigon my job was security and as each helo landed I had to search the helos for explosives along withthe Marines. I even help push 12 helos off the ship to make room for all the people we had onb board. I was ordered directly by Capt Fellows to load ,my .45 and stand watch over the hanger deck sitting with my Div. officer to stand security watch. A real experience I will never forget. After the deployment I was given orders to the USS Kiska AE35 out of Concord. and from there until my retirement after 29 years 26 days on 31 Aug 1992 my memories will always be with me of my tour on the Hancock. I will look foward to hearing from my fellow shipmates. Thanks for coming on-line. TOM
Home Page: kiska35
Was referred by: Last issue Hanna News

On 6/16/97 12:16:43 PM - Robert Kline from Colts Neck, NJ wrote:
Keep up the good work!
Was referred by: newsletter

On 6/16/97 8:14:19 PM - Janet Spang from Davis, California wrote:
My husband of 34 years, served aboard the Hancock for 4 years. The Hancock took him away from me several times, twice for periods of six months or longer. It was hard, but he is proud to have served and I am even prouder that he did!
Was referred by: search net

On 6/20/97 5:36:35 PM - SPENCE KRAGER from PORTLAND,OR. wrote:
Hi, I logged in a couple weeks ago and sent quite along note pertaining to the latest newsletter and the final outcome in- volving LT."Mike Hunt". How do I know if my message got through? Does anyone acknowledge messages? Hoping to hear from someone Spence Krager
Was referred by: HANNAH NEWS

On 6/20/97 8:42:01 PM - Jack Trigg from Vancouver, WA wrote:
Was member of ships company 1953 when recommissioned in Bremerton WA. Looking for other ship mates. Mainly Tom Stringer, AL - Don York, Al - Lloyd Covault, IA Bob Turner, SC
Was referred by: Shipmate called me

On 5/2/99 8:54:13 PM - Don Johnston from Gig Harbor, Washington wrote:
I'm happy to see Hancock still lives on the web. We aboard USS Harry E. Hubbard DD-748 spent a lot of time with her during Vietnam. Very nice web site you created to honor her.
Home Page: http://www.ptinet.net/~johnston/dd748
Was referred by: Jake's Yankee Station site

On 5/3/99 11:38:54 AM - Colonel Ken Strafer, retired from Fairfax, va wrote:
Is there anyone our there that flew with Captain Paul Galanti in the A-4C Skyhawk in the attack squadron a float. The timeframe was around 1966 timeframe in a Vietnam rotation. Paul was shot down and held captive through 1973 when he was repatriated. Paul lost his flight jacket while on the cruise...you did not save it for him! I'm trying to recapture the jacket or replace it, since I think he probably can't fit into it any longer...leather seems to shrink after all these years! If you can ID what most pilots had on their flight jackets, e.g. Gulf of Tonkin Yacht Club, etc, i can at least begin to establish the jacket for him. How about what unit he might have been from on the Hannah? Best Ken Strafer Fairfax, Va
Was referred by: Friend on ship-SEA ops

On 5/4/99 9:55:11 PM - Rockey Robison from Still in NorCal wrote:
I was on the Hancock for the last cruise in 1975, VA-164 Ghost Riders, Airframes troubleshooter. Those were some times! You have a very good web site that brings back lots of memories! Anyone that want's to jaw about the old days, please e-mail me at robison@saber.net. I also have to mention Jake's pride'n joy when it comes to Hanna info. A very fine site! I'll close with one anybody who "worked the deck" can remember..."On the flight deck, standby for the 0700 go. Helmets on, goggles down, sleeves rolled down, chin straps buckled. Start the jets, let's start 'em up!" Some salty times!
Was referred by: Surfing and friends at Jake's

On 5/4/99 10:55:24 PM - Robert C. Pike from Canyon Country, California wrote:
Served aboard Hancock as member of Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron HMH-464 during operations Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind, the evacuations of Cambodia and Vietnam, in 1975.
Was referred by: Looking for USS Hancock Web Page

On 5/5/99 2:50:03 PM - Jim Pruitt from Whidbey Island, WA wrote:
I made the 5,6,7,8th annual decommisioning cruises(72 thru 75) aboard the "Happy Hanna" with VF-211, and I'm damn proud of it!
Was referred by: through Yahoo

On 5/5/99 7:34:16 PM - Jerry L. Burns, Cpl, USMC from California wrote:
I served aboard the Hancock in 1967-1968. I was a Cpl in the Marine Detachment. I always called her a big PT Boat, but in 1980 (I think) I watched her being cut up in Long Beach and I cried. No ship deserves that kind of end.
Was referred by: Chkd the Web

On 5/5/99 9:44:15 PM - Chas. E. Weaver MM1 USN(Ret) from Guilford, CT. wrote:
I was a member of the crew of USS Hancock from June 1970 until December 1970 when my shore duty came thru.
Was referred by: Copernic99 Search Engine

On 5/9/99 2:43:13 PM - John J. Johnson from Grand Rapids, Minnesota wrote:
imformation on officrs & next reunion is not up to date.
Was referred by: On the internet

On 5/9/99 7:36:17 PM - jerry sumner from shepherd tx wrote:
I served on the hancock from 5/75 till it was decomisioned at the end of her last westpac cruise. Lots of memories. Great site!
Was referred by: surfing the web

On 5/13/99 7:36:20 AM - Joe Sportello from NY wrote:
Would like to hear from anyone in e-div from 71-early 74 and if any one in NY metro area wants to have a mini reunion please get in touch -- 3 1/2 years on the fightin' old lady memories of good times
Was referred by: always ckecking in

On 5/14/99 6:00:10 PM - Randy "Mac" McGoffin from Skiatook, Oklahoma wrote:
Posted two notes earlier. Served aboard the Hancock 1966-1970 in "W" Division. Have heard from Bill Finch and Pete Benedict. Would love to hear from some of you other "W" Division folks. Spent 37 months on the Hancock. Wouldn't do it again, but wouldn't trade it for anything.
Was referred by: Shipmate told me

On 5/15/99 10:29:51 AM - Loren Brownlee from Puyallup, Washington wrote:
We are wondering about the mailing of the book on the histroy of the USS Hancock. We were last told it was to be mailed end of March or early April but we have not received it yet. Do you have any information regarding the mailing? Please respond using the above email address (CScholer@Russell.com)
Was referred by: From your newsletter

On 12/2/00 4:17:14 PM - Fred Winley from Oxnard, CA wrote:
I served on the ship form 63-67, Chief Master at Arms. Good to find this site, keep up the good work. Looking for Capt. J.C. Donaldson and Capt. H.S. Mathews.
Was referred by: Dogpile (my son found it)

On 12/2/00 4:17:53 PM - Fred Winley (RDCM ret.) from Oxnard, CA wrote:
I served on the ship form 63-67, Chief Master at Arms. Good to find this site, keep up the good work. Looking for Capt. J.C. Donaldson and Capt. H.S. Mathews.
Was referred by: Dogpile (my son found it)

On 12/8/00 9:46:54 AM - James R. Ashby from Chicago, Il wrote:
ABE2 Catapults, 1965-1969 In the log as R. Ashby (Rayburn)
Was referred by: Surffing

On 12/22/00 8:39:10 PM - Randy McGoffin from Skiatook Oklahoma wrote:
Just checking to see if the Guest Book is on even keel.
Was referred by: Shipmate referral

On 12/25/00 10:13:22 AM - Ed.A.Horn from Poland,,,,ohio wrote:
Plank owner 44---46 era....Was an airdale,,, v--1 div.. firefighter,,,crash crew..I am proud to be a cv--19 survivor..Best crew ever....God bless all
Was referred by: Cruising the Hancock net

On 12/25/00 10:14:43 AM - Ed.A.Horn from Poland,,,,ohio wrote:
Plank owner 44---46 era....Was an airdale,,, v--1 div.. firefighter,,,crash crew..I am proud to be a cv--19 survivor..Best crew ever....God bless all
Was referred by: Cruising the Hancock net

On 12/26/00 10:21:10 PM - Ervin L. Shimkus from New Baden, Illinois wrote:
I served aboard the "Hannah" from 1960 to 1962, 3 far east tours. V-6 Div. took care of arc-27's in lso and pri-fly
Was referred by: surfing

On 1/5/01 8:54:13 PM - Lee Noyes from Ellensburg, Washington wrote:
Servered aboard Hanna from June 59 to Oct. 62 in V-1 Division. The record setting years.
Home Page: none
Was referred by: Member Hancock Assco.

On 1/6/01 3:11:21 PM - E Richard Wheeler from South Point Ohio wrote:
First time her and it looks real nice from what I have seen so far.
Was referred by: I am a member