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WAR HISTORY OF THE USS HANCOCK CV-19 APRIL 1944-OCT 1945
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Note from Don:
The following is what I believe to be a report to the CNO from Capt. Gallery with the subject being "The War History of U.S.S. Hancock-Forwarding of." The report was submitted to me in an electronic format from one of the Members of the U.S.S. Hancock Association and little has been done in the way of editing the page or contents. The little editing that was done was for lay-out purposes only. I have confirmed some of the incidents, times and dates, etc. It is great reading and it took me a long time to get the page posted because I would stop to read instead of work. I tried to retain as much of the original format as possible. One of the features of this page are that some of the links will be to pictures in the Photo Gallery. Just use your browser's back button to return. This feature has not yet been completed but will be in the near future.
I have not verified the references but will do so if I get the chance. In the meantime, check this site out. It is full of bookmarks and links to help you navigate through the W.W.I.I. life of the U.S.S. Hancock from Commissioning to "DURATION PLUS SIX".
Don Mettler Web Tender
"The War History of U.S.S. Hancock-Forwarding of."
APPENDICES Appendix "A" Operational Information Appendix "B" Personnel Killed and Missing in Action Appendix "C" Documentation
File No. U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV19) 95/lwc CV19/A12-1 c/o Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif.
CONFIDENTIAL 12 October 1945. Serial: 0513 From: Commanding Officer. To: Chief of Naval Operations, (Aviation History Unit, OP-33-J-6). Via: (1) Commander Task Group THIRTY - EIGHT POINT ONE. (2) Commander THIRD Fleet. (3) Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas. Subject: War History of U.S.S. HANCOCK - Forwarding of. References: (a) Aviation Circular Ltr. No. 74-44, Op-33-J-6-JEJ, Serial 356533 of 25 July 1944.(b) Manual for Historical Officers, NavAer 00-25Q-26. (c) Director of Naval History Ltr. Serial CL-162 of 19 February 1945. (d) Aviation Circular Ltr. No. 23-45, Op-33-J-6-JEJ, Serial 89133 of 27 February 1945.(e) CNO Ltr. Op-33-J-6-JEJ, Serial 118433 of 14 March 1945. (f) Aviation Circular Ltr. No. 67-45, Op-03-6-HMD, Serial 67803 of 14 June 1945.Enclosure: (A) War History of U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV19) from 15 April 1944. 1. In accordance with and in compliance of references (a) through (f), enclosure (A) is forwarded herewith. 2. Four copies of the Historical Narrative portion of the History were mailed to the Commandant of the ELEVENTH Naval District on 6 October 1945 for public information in compliance with dispatch 300701 September of Commander Task Group 38.1. D.V. GALLERY Copy to: CNO (advance) CINCPAC-CINCPOA (advance) ComAirPac (1) SecNav (2) U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19) W-A-R H-I-S-T-O-R-Y CONFIDENTIAL BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF COMMANDING OFFICERS First Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HANCOCK was Captain FRED C. DICKEY, of Manchester, New Hampshire. He served as prospective Commanding Officer from February, 1944 until the ship was commissioned, when he took command. Under his guidance, the ship went through her shakedown cruise, journeyed from Boston to Ulithi, and was in combat for two months before he was relieved by Captain ROBERT F. HICKEY on November 30, 1944. Since his enlistment in the Regular Navy. In May, 1922, he was assigned to a shore station, receiving orders to report to the Naval Station, Pensacola, Florida, as radio communication officer. After three years duty at Pensacola, Captain DICKEY in October, 1925, joined the U.S.S. MARBLEHEAD and served in the ship as senior aviator. During this period, he participated in the second Nicaraguan Campaign and the Yangtse River Campaign, serving one year in the China station. From 1928 until 1931 followed another tour of duty at Pensacola and afterward came three years in the U.S.S. CHICAGO. The first two years of this duty, he served as Senior Aviator of the CHICAGO and Executive Officer of Scouting Squadron TEN. The third year, he assumed command of Scouting Squadron TEN with additional duty as Commander, Scouting Wing Cruiser Scouting Force. In July, 1934, Captain DICKEY reported for duty under instruction at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, and spent nearly a year there in preparation for the next stop in his Navy career. This was command of Patrol Squadron THREE, then based in the Canal Zone. From March 1937, until June 1939, he served as gunnery and tactical officer, Patrol Plane Scouting Force, the first year of this duty being served as a member of Admiral Ernest J. King's Staff and the second being spent in the same capacity with Rear Admiral C.S. Blakely. Following this two year tour of staff duty, Captain DICKEY assumed command of the San Pedro Naval Air Station and held that position until he was assigned to the aircraft carrier WASP in 1941. He assumed command of the Hutchinson Naval Air Station in at December, 1942. In February of 1944, he was relieved of his duties Hutchinson and reported at Quincy, Massachusetts, as prospective Commanding Officer of this ship and officially became Commanding Officer when it was put into commission April 15. Captain DICKEY holds seven service and campaign ribbons, the Victory Medal with star, the second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal, the European-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal. For his services on the HANCOCK, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal. Captain ROBERT F. HICKEY, USN. Traditional change-of-command ceremonies held on the hangar deck made November 30 a significant date in HANCOCK history as Captain ROBERT F. HICKEY relieved Captain FRED C. DICKEY to become the second man to hold the responsible position of command. Officers and crew of the ship were gathered to witness the ceremonies and were given a quick inspection by way of introducing them to the new Captain. This was followed by a few words by departing Captain DICKEY, in which he remarked that the HANCOCK has come a long way in ability, since she hoisted the Colors on April 15 and that she has donned a reputation that commands respect in the fleet. Reading of orders followed and the official change of command then was a matter of record. Captain HICKEY comes to us from Washington, where he was in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations, holding the job of Director of Aviation Personnel. Up to the time he came aboard, he had 23 years of commissioned Naval service, which started when he left the Naval Academy as an Ensign in the Class of 1921. Born 28 December 1897 in Red Bluff, California, Captain HICKEY is still a Californian. He calls Yreka, California, his home, and his wife (who was Miss Virginia Burnham before their marriage in June of 1928) lives with their two children in San Diego, California. The children are Patricia Ann (15) and Robert Ashley (6). He started his advance education at the University of California, where who was a student during 1915 and 1916, at which time he received an appointment to the Naval Academy and left for 4 years of Annapolis life. On 3 June 1921, he became Ensign, and was sent to the U.S.S. WYOMING for his first commissioned year. June of 1922 found him on his way, via the Suez Canal, to China duty aboard the U.S.S. POPE, a destroyer, on which he was Engineering Officer. Submarine duty followed, and in August, 1924, he was sent to S-6. His career in Naval Aviation began on January, 1925, when he was ordered to the Naval Air Station at Pensacola for duty as student Naval Aviator. He received his wings in November of that year and was assigned to Fighting Squadron TWO on board the U.S.S. LANGLEY. Four years later, in 1928, he returned to Pensacola, this time as an instructor. Two years as an instructor were followed by duty as Gunnery Officer, Executive Officer, and, for a short time Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron SIX. In June, 1933, he was assigned duties as Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Floyd Bennett Field, and New York. It was during the stay of Captain HICKEY that the Italian Balbo made his flight to the United States and based at Floyd Bennett Field before returning to Italy. In June, 1935, he was made Senior Aviator aboard the U.S.S. CALIFORNIA, and a year later was Executive Officer of VO 4B in the WEST VIRGINIA. He was given the job of Commanding Officer, VO 3B, and Aviation Officer in the staff of ComBatDiv THREE in December, 1936. During this time, he saw duty aboard the IDAHO and the NEW MEXICO. Shore duty followed in July, 1937, when he was assigned duty as Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron SIX, based at Pearl harbor. In July of 1939, he was shifted to duty aboard the RANGER as Assistant Air Officer. A year of duty as Commander Air Group FOUR, based in the RANGER, started in June 1940 and ended in May 1941. During this period, the RANGER did service in the Neutrality Patrol in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Captain HICKEY then was assigned duty as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station, Bermuda, where he remained until he was sent to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in November 1942. This was followed by assignment to the HANCOCK. Captain HICKEY holds ribbons for: (1)The American Theater of War; (2)American Defense Service Ribbon; (3)The Victory Medal; (4)Italian Medal and Ribbon of Cavalier, Crown of Italy. Captain HICKEY was relieved on September 7, 1945, after serving as Commanding Officer for a week more than nine months. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his services as HANCOCK Commanding Officer. Captain DANIEL V. GALLERY, USN. Captain DANIEL V. GALLERY, famed for his achievement when, as Commanding Officer of the escort carrier GUADALCANAL, he was credited with the sinking of eleven German submarine and also captured another German sub in the first American boarding party activity since 1815. He became the third Commanding Officer of the HANCOCK on 7 September 1945, relieving Captain ROBERT F. HICKEY. A native of Chicago, Ill., Captain GALLERY had seen 28 years of Naval Service before he came aboard the HANCOCK. He had been a naval aviator for 18 years, and he had been commanding officer of a ship for one year. His education prior to being commissioned a Naval Officer was at St. Ignacious High School (Parochial) in Chicago, and at the Naval Academy, where he was a member of the class of 1921, which graduated in 1920 as a result of stepped-up commissioning that followed World War I. From June of 1920 until December of 1926, he was assigned to battleships and destroyers. His life in aviation started when he was assigned to Pensacola for flight training in January, 1927. Training completed, he was assigned with: Torpedo Squadron NINE for three years Post Graduate School of Aviation Ordnance, three years Aircraft squadron with the battle fleet, three years Commanding Officer of Scouting Squadron FOUR Commanding Officer of Observation Squadron THREE Officer-in-Charge of the Aviation Section, Bureau of Ordnance Special Navy Observer in England prior to World War II From December 1941 until June 1943, he was Commanding Officer of the Fleet Air Base in Reykjavik, Iceland, and from this duty went to sea as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GUADALCANAL. He was the first man to take-off and land on the deck of that escort carrier. Under his command, the GUADALCANAL scored eleven submarine kills. And he was the Commanding Officer of that ship, together with five destroyer escorts which captured a Nazi submarine, U-Boat 505, off French West Africa on June 4, 1944. Not since 1815 had a United States Navy boarding party taken a ship as a prize. After the Nazi sub had been captured, Captain GALLERY led the boarding party that went aboard to look for booby traps. One other duty filled his time before he came to the HANCOCK; from October, 1944, until June, 1945, he was assistant director of the Aviation Planning Division of the Navy Department. He distinguished himself extra-crucially in 1920, when he went to Antwerp with the American Olympic Team as a wrestler. He was also a baseball player while at the Academy, playing with a class team. At the time he came to the HANCOCK, he held the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, a Commendation Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Commander of the British Empire Medal, and the Expert Pistol Medal. He is married (wife, Vera D. GALLERY) and has three children; James J. (13); Dan V. (11); and Beatrice Constance (9). His home is Harmony Farm, Vienna, Virginia. He has three brothers, all of them in the Navy. One is Captain W.O. GALLERY, USN., also an aviator, and a graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1925, another is Captain P.D. GALLERY, USN., a graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1928, and the third is Lieutenant J. I. GALLERY, USNR., who is in the Chaplain Corps. His favorite recreations are baseball and music. His love for the former is proved by his planning and executing of the first playing of regulation softball on the flight deck of the HANCOCK. Something which had never been done on an aircraft carrier, and which was inaugurated on this ship while anchored in Tokyo Bay in September, 1945. OUTLINE OF CHRONOLOGY (Click on specific Subject or Date, and go there.)
COMMANDING OFFICERS Captain FRED C. DICKEY - was the first Commanding Officer of U.S.S. HANCOCK. He was relieved on 30 November 1944 by Captain Robert F. Hickey. Captain ROBERT F. HICKEY - from 30 November 1944 to 7 September 1945. Captain DANIEL V. GALLERY - present Commanding Officer, relieved Captain Hickey on 7 September 1945. COMMANDING OFFICERS-EMBARKED AIR GROUPS AIR GROUP SEVEN Commander J.D. LAMADE (15 April 1944 - 28 January 1945) AIR GROUP EIGHTY Lieut. Comdr. A. D. VORSE (28 January 1945 - 9 March 1945) AIR GROUP SIX Commander H. L. MILLER (9 March 1945 - to date)
Moored in Drydock No. 3, Naval Dry Dock, South Boston, Massachusetts. 1745 The ship was placed in commission. Officers and crew were at quarters on the hangar deck. Captain R. C. GRADY, USN., Captain of the Yard, Boston Navy Yard, and representative of the Commandant First Naval District read the order to commission the ship. The National Anthem was played, the ensign was broken and the jack hoisted, and the personal flag of Rear Admiral R. A. THEOBALD, USN., Commandant First Naval District was broken. 1748 Captain FRED C. DICKEY read his orders from the Chief of NavPers dated 31 December 1943, assumed command of this vessel and set the watch. Brief address made by Adm. THEOBALD, Hon. LEVERETT SALTONSTALL. Gov. of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mrs. DeWITT C. RAMSEY, sponsor of this vessel; and the captain. 1805 Piped down from commissioning ceremony. 1810 The Commandant First Naval District left the ship, his personal flag was hauled down and the commission pennant broken. 1845 Keel touched bottom. 1915 the drydock was pumped dry.
May 1944
1500 Command is steering various courses and speeds conforming to channel. 1550 Following tugs came alongside to assist in docking: THOR, VENUS, MERCURY, SATURN, TAURUS, ORION, FRANCIS, and HERSHEY. 1600 Maneuvering ship into position for docking as before. 1637 Lines No. 2 and No. 3 secured from ship to dock. 1641 Moored starboard side to North and West Jetty, Navy Yard Annex, South Boston, Massachusetts.
0903 Underway for N.O.B., Norfolk, Virginia. 0947 Passed through submarine nets. 1015 Passed Lightship relief abeam to port, distance 800 yards. Escorting destroyers took up station - USS WINSLOW on Stbd. bow, 2500 yds; USS TRIPP dead ahead 3,000 yds; USS DECATUR on Port bow, 2,500 yards. Fleet guide and O.T.C. in this vessel. 0000 Underway on base course 236 (T). In formation with USS DECATUR; USS WINSLOW stationed 3,000 yards ahead forming anti-submarine screen. 1347 Passed buoy X-ray Sugar, abeam to port, distance 300 yards, entering Chesapeake Bay swept channel. 1358 Steaming on various courses conforming to swept channel. 1807 Passed through submarine gate entrance. 1813 Commenced maneuvering to enter Lambert's Point Demagnetization Station, Hampton Roads, Virginia. 1907 Received tugs alongside port and starboard to assist in entering deperming ship. 1916 First line sent to slip. 1925 Encountered sudden heavy rain and hail squall with 29 knot wind from starboard. 2230 mooring completed.
0715 Completed deperming. 1010 Underway. Steered various courses and speeds conforming to the channel from deperming crib to pier No. 7, N.O.B., Norfolk, Virginia. 1110 Moored starboard side to pier No. 7, N.O.B., Norfolk, Virginia.
1829 Structural test firing of 5" batteries completed with no structural casualties noted. Steaming on various courses and at various speeds to approach anchorage. 2020 Let go port anchor. 2030 Anchored at Old Plantation Flat, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia.
1031 Got underway to clear anchorage. 1205 commenced standard runs on 20 mm firing. 1608 Sounded flight quarters 1709 commenced launching aircraft. First plane launched was TBF-1, Bu. No. 06380, pilot Comdr. W.S. BUTTS, USN. Received same plane, same pilot. 1716 Commenced practice landings and launchings aircraft of VF-7. 1808 Commenced maneuvering to enter anchorage, Plantation Flats, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. 1944 Let go port anchor. Anchored at Old Plantation Flat, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, with anchorage bearings as follows: New Point Comfort 293 ; Rear Range 078 ; Obstruction Buoy 012 ; Old Plantation Diaphone 103 ; York Spit 359 .
0616 Got underway at various courses and speeds for Chesapeake Bay, Area Charlie. Held flight operations and short range gunnery drill. 1858 Anchored in Old Plantation Flats.
0559 Anchor aweigh. Man overboard and collision drills, plus gunnery exercise. 1418 Torpedo Squadron SEVEN commenced qualification landing exercises. 1755 Changed course to 182 (T), 190 (psc), and prepared to return to anchorage off Old Plantation Flats, Chesapeake, Bay, Virginia, anchoring at 1922.
JUNE 1944
0600 Got underway for Chesapeake Bay, southern part, to conduct flight operations for qualification landings by SB2C A/C. 1750 Anchored at Old Plantation Flats, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia.
0600 Get underway at various courses and speeds to conduct air operations. Exercised at fire and rescue quarters, fire quarters and gunnery practice Offensive and defensive battle tactics - General Quarters. 1613 ceased flight operations. 1713 Anchored in Old Plantation Flats.
1229 Underway; standard speed 15 knots, 113 R.P.M., steaming on various courses at various speeds to carry out damage control problems. 1433 Secured from General Quarters (Damage Control Problem). 1542 Anchored in Chesapeake Bay, Old Plantation Flats.
0601 Ship underway. 0615 Went to flight quarters and secured at 1155. 1158 Changed course to 187 (T), 194 psc, and proceeded to Pier No. 7, N.O.B., Norfolk, Virginia. 1420 Maneuvering at various courses and speeds while approaching a narrow channel to N.O.B. entrance. 1615 Moored starboard side to Pier No. 7, N.O.B., Norfolk, Virginia.
0701 Underway for Annapolis, Maryland.
0600 Got underway for N.O.B., Norfolk, Virginia. 1925 Completed mooring, starboard side to Pier No. 7, N.O.B., Norfolk, Virginia.
0959 Cast off lines and got underway for Trinidad, British West Indies 1057 the ship passed through Hampton Roads anti-submarine nets.
Steaming in formation with U.S.S. WINSLOW, U.S.S. BAINBRIDGE, and U.S.S. MOFFET forming anti-submarine screen. 0726 Sighted Puerto Rico, bearing 140 (T), distance 15 miles.
1125 Maneuvering various courses and speeds, waiting to enter channel to Gulf of Paria. 1453 entered Dragonis Mouth Passage. 1556 Anchored Port of Spain Harbor, Trinidad, B.W.I.
Anchored in Port of Spain Harbor, Trinidad.
0644 Underway. Flight operations and gunnery exercises. 1738 Anchored in 66 feet of water in Gulf Paria.
0557 Ship underway. Flight operations and 5" battle spotting practice. 1833 Anchored in Gulf of Paria, Northeast coast of South America (10-08.7N, 62-18.9W).
0615 Underway. Air operations, 5" battery day battle practice, Gunnery practice. 1827 Anchored in Gulf of Paria.
0618 Underway. Flight operations, AA Battle Practice, and Night illumination exercises were held. 2037 Anchored in the Gulf of Paria, off the northeastern coast of Venezuela.
0604 Underway for exercises. Held modified 5" night battle practice, Flight operations, and machine gun Anti-aircraft practice. 1914 Anchored Gulf of Paria.
0610 Underway for scheduled exercises. Flight operations, Torpedo Defense drill, and Gunnery exercises streamed paravanes. 1847 Anchored in Gulf of Paria.
1054 Underway. Gunnery exercises, streamed paravanes and Flight operations. 2046 Anchored, Gulf of Paria.
0610 Underway. Flight operations, Anti-aircraft gunnery exercises, and Night spotting practice for 5"battery. 2117 Anchored in Gulf of Paria. JULY 1944
0352 Underway. Flight operations, general quarters, gas attack drills, and gunnery practice. 1600 Anchored in harbor of Port of Spain, Trinidad, B.W.I.
0610 Underway. 0739 picked up destroyer screen, U.S.S. TRIPPE, and U.S.S. MAYRANT. 1649 U.S.S. BAINBRIDGE joined anti-submarine screen. Task Group 27.2 consisted of U.S.S. HANCOCK as O.T.C. and U.S.S. TRIPPE, U.S.S. MAYRANT and U.S.S. BAINBRIDGE.
0822 Underway. 0857 passed through submarine net gate. 0923 Joined escort U.S.S. LEA and U.S.S. ELLIS. 1819 Moored starboard side to North and West Jetty, Navy Yard Annex, South Boston, Mass.
0937 Underway. 1010 passing through submarine nets. U.S.S. COOPER, U.S.S. SWENSON and BRUSH acting as anti-submarine screen. The whole constituting Task Group 27.1. 1312 to 1916 Calibrating Bendix log and R.D.F. AUGUST 1944
1326 with Cape Henry Light bearing 267 , distance 6800 yds, changed course to 288 (T). 1602 Let go port anchor in anchorage "Zebra", Hampton Roads, Virginia. 0735 Underway. 1039 Passed Red Buoy "CB2" abeam to port, distance 100 yards. U.S.S. BRUSH, U.S.S. COOPER, and U.S.S. SWENSON formed up in anti-submarine formations, U.S.S. HANCOCK O.T.C.
0933 Land sighted bearing 165 (T) and 180 (T), distance 30 miles. 1219 passed through submarine gate. 1319 Moored starboard side to Pier No. 8, Berths "A" and "B", Cristobal, Canal Zone. 0630 Get underway for Balboa, Canal Zone. 0637 Entered Gatun Locks approach. 0739 Ship in Lock No. 1. 0759 Ship entered Lock No. 2, Gatun locks. 0918 Passed from Gatun Locks into Gatun Lake. 0926 entered Gatun Lake Channel. 1029 Entered Gamboa Reach. 1048 Entered Bas Obispo Reach and Gaillard Cut. 1110 Entered Las Cascadas Reach. 1121 Entered Culebra Reach. 1151 Entered Cucaracha Reach. 1203 Entered Peraise Reach. 1229 Entered Pedro Miguel Lock. 1321 Entered Miraflores lake. 1359 Entered Miraflores Lock No. 1. 1438 Entered Lock No. 2. 1536 entered Balboa Reach. 1646 Moored starboard side to Dock No. 16, Balboa Harbor, Canal Zone.
Steaming on base course 270 (T) in company with U.S.S. COOPER, U.S.S. SWENSON, and U.S.S. BRUSH; guide in this ship, the whole comprising Task Group 12.6. 1008 Sighted entrance Buoy "A". 1138 Passed through submarine nets. 1240 Moored port side to mooring Platform "F", North Island, San Diego, California.
0814 Underway.
1825 Passed through outer submarine net. 1911 Moored starboard side to Pier "K", Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, California.
0540 Sighted Molokai island bearing 095 (T), distance 10 miles. 0555 Sighted Oahu Island, bearing 270 (T), distance 30 miles. 0825 Passed Diamond Head abeam to starboard, distance 1800 yards; entering Inland waters. 0949 Passed through anti-submarine nets. 1036 moored port side to Pier F-12, Ford Island, U.S. Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor, T.H. SEPTEMBER 1944
1738 Moored starboard side to Pier F-2, N.A.S., Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 0829 Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Keyes, Royal Navy; Admiral CHESTER W. NIMITZ, U.S.N.: Lieut. General HARMON, U.S.A.; Lieut. General BUCKNER, U.S.A.; Rear Adm. SHERMAN, U.S.N., accompanied by Staff and an inspection party came aboard. 0838 Got underway, tugs assisting, for operations area in obedience to Commander in Chief, Pacific, order. 0911 Passed anti-submarine nets. 0940 Joined with U.S.S. ENGLISH (DD696) Com-Screen, U.S.S. DeHAVEN (DD727), U.S.S. BRUSH (DD745) and U.S.S. SWENSON (DD729). 1641 Passed through submarine nets. 1738 Moored starboard side to Pier F-2, Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, T.H. 1750 Admiral-of-the-Fleet, Lord KEYES, Royal Navy; Admiral CHESTER W. NIMITZ, USN; Lieut. General HARMON, USA; Lt. General BUSKNER, USA; Rear Adm. SHERMAN, USN, and staffs with inspection party left the ship.
0713 Ship underway. 0808 Passed through anti-submarine nets. 0835 Made rendezvous with destroyers MOALE (DD693) and COOPER (DD695). 0840 DESTROYERS MOALE (DD693) and COOPER (DD695) took positions in anti-submarine screen, OTC in HANCOCK, whole comprising Task Group 19.19. 1812 Moored starboard side to Pier F-2, Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
0858 Got underway in obedience to ComAirPac orders of 24 September 1944. 0925 Passed through anti-submarine nets. 0940 Rendezvous with screen, U.S.S. EDWARDS (DD619), ComDesDiv 14, USS CALDWELL (DD605) and USS COUGHLAN (DD606). 1218-1233 Maneuvering at various courses and speeds to take position 1000 yards astern of WEST VIRGINIA. Steaming in company with Task Unit 12.5.2 on base course 260 T. Guide and OTC in WEST VIRGINIA (BB48).
1129 Left Task Unit 12.5.2 with COUGHLAND and CALDWELL and proceeded to carry out orders of CincPac. OCTOBER 1944
Steaming on detached duty in company with COUGHLAN (DD606) and CALDWELL (DD605) on base course 255 T. HANCOCK is OTC and guide.
0712 Sighted Fais Island bearing 238 T, distance 17 miles. 0758 Picked up Ulithi Atoll on SM radar bearing 278 T, distance 51 miles. 1137 Steaming on various courses and speed standing up channel to Ulithi Lagoon. 1306 Anchored in 26 fathoms of water, berth 10, Ulithi Lagoon, West Caroline Croup.
1620 Underway. 1750 Standard speed 12 knots, 090 r.p.m. changed speed to standard speed, 12 knots, 090 r.p.m. Took position on guide, U.S.S. NEW JERSEY, standard cruising disposition.
Steaming in formation with Task Group 38.2. SOPA Commander THIRD Fleet, Admiral W.F. HALSEY, in NEW JERSEY.
1345 Pursuant to ComThirdFleet, order number 220121 dated 22 October 1944, detached from TG 38.2 and proceeded to join TG 38.1 for temporary duty. 1457 Joined TG 38.1 and took station. Guide in U.S.S. OAKLAND, CTG in U.S.S. WASP.
1804 Pursuant to ComThirdFleet instructions, detached from Task Group 38.1 temporary duty completed and commenced maneuvering to join Task Group 38.2. 1836 on station, as a unit in Task Group 38.2, guide, and formation center in the INTREPID. SOPA is Rear Admiral BOGAN in INTREPID. NOVEMBER 1944
1154 Anchored in Berth 26, Ulithi Harbor, Ulithi Islands, West Caroline Group. 1215 Commander William F. Raborn, Jr., USN, File 62102, reported aboard for duty as Executive Officer.
1514 Underway. Commenced maneuvering on various courses and speeds conforming to channel and to take place in Task Group 38.2. SOPA in U.S.S. NEW JERSEY, OTC in U.S.S. INTREPID. 1626 Took departure from Ulithi Harbor, Ulithi Islands, West Caroline Group with tower on Mangelang Island bearing 217 T and pgc, distance one mile, maneuvering at various courses and speeds to gain place in formation.
2306 Observed electrical phenomena known as St. Elmo's fire on various antennae. 2339 St. Elmo's fire ceased.
Steaming as a unit of Task Group 38.2. 1418 CTF 38 assumed tactical command of Task Force 38, consisting of Task Groups 38.1, 38.2 and 38.4.
0755 Changed course to 325 T and pgc, 334 psc, in company with U.S.S. THE SULLIVANS (DD537) and U.S.S. STEPHEN POTTER (DD538) on orders assigned. 0835 Commenced steaming on various courses and at various speeds to gain position for transfer of Vice Admiral JOHN S. McCain, Commander Second Carrier Task Force, and Staff from U.S.S. WASP (CV18). 1047 Came alongside U.S.S. PECOS (AO-65) to transfer personnel and baggage. 1119 Vice Admiral JOHN S. McCain and his staff came aboard. 1535 Received on board CTG 38.2, Vice Admiral G.F. BOGAN, and four members of his staff from destroyer.
Commander Task Force 38 in HANCOCK.
0909 STEPHEN POTTER came along port quarter to transfer Admiral McCAIN and staff members to NEW JERSEY. 0925 CTG 38.4 assumed tactical command of TF38. 0932 STEPHEN POTTER cast off. 1255-1334 STEPHEN POTTER alongside port quarter to return CTF 38 and his staff.
1159 MILLER came along port quarter to return Admiral BOGAN and staff members to INTREPID.
1233 Enemy plane (Zeke) shot out of air about 700 feet overhead. A wing and parts of the fuselage in flames landed on the flight deck, port side frame 20 and on the forward 20 mm gun platform; another portion of the fuselage landed on the flight deck amidships; sounded fire alarm and the 1235 fire was extinguished. Damage to material: one (1) 20 mm gun mount destroyed. 1254 Enemy planes crash dived into INTREPID and CABOT.
0546 Anchor aweigh; maneuvering on various courses and speeds approaching new berth. 0657 Anchored in Berth 38 in 22 fathoms of water with 90 fathoms of chain to the port anchor. 1944 Comdr. RALPH S. CLARKE, USN, was detached as Executive Officer of this ship for duty as Commanding Officer of U.S.S. PETROF BAY (CVE80).
0930 Admiral W.F. HALSEY, USN, Commander THIRD Fleet, came aboard for presentation ceremony. 1017 Admiral W.F. HALSEY left the ship. DECEMBER 1944
0743 Got underway in obedience to ComThirdFleet orders. Standing out of Ulithi Harbor, West Caroline Islands as a unit of Task Group 38.2. 1615 Commander Carrier Division FIVE, Rear Admiral HART, in HORNET, assumed tactical command.
0636 Passed through anti-submarine net and entered Ulithi Lagoon, Ulithi Islands, West Caroline Group. 0700 Anchored in Berth 23 in 23 fathoms of water, coral rocks bottom, with 135 fathoms of chain to the port anchor.
0800 Pursuant to orders of CTF 38, Fighting Squadron EIGHTEEN was detached as of 1900, 9 December 1944 and ordered to rejoin Air Group EIGHTEEN. 0847 Got Underway. 0909 Passed through harbor entrance.
0940 Received STEPHEN POTTER alongside to transfer Admiral McCAIN and staff to NEW JERSEY. CTG 38.3 assumed tactical command of TF 38. 0954 STEPHEN POTTER cast off. 1244 STEPHEN POTTER alongside to transfer Admiral McCAIN and staff. 1308 Cast off. 1356 CTF 38 resumed tactical command of TF 38. 1400 A board of investigation, Comdr. WILLIAM F. RABORN, JR., USN, Senior member, convened by order of CTF 38 to investigate circumstances attending the strafing of an enemy hospital ship 25 November 1944, by an airplane or airplanes of TF 38. 1751 Board adjourned.
0700 Ulithi Islands sighted bearing 160 T, distance 15 miles. 0830 The Board of Investigation reconvened. 0910 adjourned to await action of the convening authority. 1042 Let go port anchor, anchored in Berth 27, Ulithi Harbor, Ulithi Islands, West Caroline Group.
0948 Anchor aweigh; maneuvering to clear anchorage. 1016 Passed harbor entrance buoy abeam to port, 200 yards.
Steaming as a unit of Task Group 38.2 in standard formation, guide, and formation center is in NEW JERSEY. JANUARY 1945
0848 ENTERPRISE and other units of TU 12.5.8 reported for duty with TG 38.2.
1713 Task Group 38.5, ENTERPRISE and INDEPENDENCE and units of the screen, detached for night operations.
2047 Sugar Mike Radar picked up Koto Shima bearing 268 T, distance 60 miles. 2206 Sugar Mike Radar picked up Y'Ami Island bearing 220 T, distance 31 miles. 2318 Y'Ami Island abeam to port, distance 11 miles.
1715 TG 38.5, consisting of ENTERPRISE, INDEPENDENCE and units of screen, left formation for night air operations.
0930 ENTERPRISE, INDEPENDENCE, and units of screen returned to formation from night operations.
1755 ENTERPRISE, INDEPENDENCE and screening units left formations for night flight operations. 1328 VT 124, Bu #23539, pilot, Lieut. (jg) C.R. DEAN, 298954, and crewmen F.J. BLAKE, ARM3c, and D.E.ZIMA, AOM2c, made a normal landing and taxied forward. As the plane reached a point abreast the island a violent explosion occurred, believed to have been caused by the detonation of two (2) 500 lb. bombs adrift in the plane's bomb bay. The immediate results of the explosion were: casualties: killed - 62; critically injured - 46; seriously injured - 25; slightly injured - 20. A 10x16 foot hole in the flight deck, gallery deck area in the vicinity demolished, inboard side signal bridge wrecked. 3 airplanes demolished. numerous shrapnel holes throughout the island structure. Fires broke out on the flight, gallery, and hangar decks. Hauled clear of the formation and commenced maneuvering at various courses and speeds in an attempt to control the winds over the deck, and with high speed turns, to wash flooding water out of the hangar deck. 1342 Fire in hangar deck under control. 1405 Fire in gallery deck under control. 1406 HANCOCK planes in the vicinity commenced landing on other carriers of the Task Group. 1500 Rejoined station in formation. 1510 Emergency repairs to the flight deck completed.
1500 Commenced burial services. 1525 Held burial services for and committed to the deep 12 officers and 96 men at Long. 128-06.1'E, Lat. 19-37.5"N. 1355 Sighted Ulithi Island bearing 030 R.
0712 Anchor aweigh; underway to shift berth. 0812 Moored along port side JASON (ARH-1) in Berth 26, Ulithi Harbor, Anchored. 1506 As a result of injuries suffered in explosion on flight deck on 21 January 1945, the following personnel were transferred to U.S.S. SOLACE for treatment and disposition: 7 officers and 51 men. 2042 LCVP No. 1 sank alongside the starboard quarter loaded with 150 bags of second class U.S. Mail. 1530 Pursuant to orders from ComAirPac to CTF 38, dated 26 January 1945, Air Group SEVEN was detached from the HANCOCK and left the ship. Pursuant to orders from ComAirPac to CTF 38, dated 26 January 1945, Air Group EIGHTY reported aboard for duty. CTF 38 and his staff left the ship.
0910 A Board of Investigation, Capt. HARVEY E. OVERESCH, Senior Member, convened by order of Commander Carrier Division FOUR, to inquire into and report the circumstances of explosions of bomb on flight deck of HANCOCK on 21 January 1945. 1515 adjourned. | |||
