Hancock (CVA 19) - Naval Cruise Book

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T J Gallagher, Jr. Commander, U.S. Navy Executive Officer The greatest asset of the HANCOCK is not her size, speed, plane complement, or anything even remotely connected with such statistics. After all, these things are built into the ship and therefore are fairly fixed. The one thing that is constantly changing, at least insofar as outward appearance goes, is her greatest and most invaluable asset-the crew. Without you, the crew, HANCOCK is merely a hull filled with machinery. With you, the crew, HANCOCK becomes alive and from you, the crew, she takes her personality, character, comba- tiveness, and spirit. We have toiled ihow many gallons of paint?l, we have sweated lhow many days in Subic ?l, we have shed a few tears now and then, and we have had many good times iremember the three-day party at the Sky Club?l. Fortunately, we have not had to prove our ability to ight. For this, we thank God, but we know that merely our presence in this part of the world has been a large factor in our not being called to fight. Many of us will be leaving soon for home or other duty stations. The pages which follow are filled with pictures of all the places we've been this tour. They will remind you of good days and bad days, even when you reread them years later. Wherever each of you may go and on whatever course you steer, it ismy hope that you all have fair winds anol a following sea. And in looking back on the l959 cruise of the HANCOCK, each of you should hear in your mind an echoing Wlfll. DONE! Tllmrrrflld

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H. L. Miller Captain U.S. Navy Commanding Officer I have had a wonderful year and a grand cruise in HANCOCK. It was one of the most exacting and ten- sion packed assignments I have ever had in the Navy. We won the E, the Battle Efficiency Pennant, for heavy attack aircraft carriers in the Pacific. We recei- ved high marks in our Operational Readiness Inspection, Administrative Inspection, and our NORM exercise. All of this was reflected in our cruise to WESTPAC. It was a busy cruise with lots of hard work involved. But we also had a lot of fun and HANCOCK did a grand iob in the Seventh Fleet. This outstanding performance is directly attributable to the VVe won't be beaten by anyone attitude and efforts of everyone of the officers and enlisted personnel of HANCOCK and Air Group l5. It is a wonderful thought and attitude to keep as you progress through life. In your cruisebook you will find many scenes which reflect the championship calibre of HANCOCK. You were responsible for all of this. Iwant to thank each officer and enlisted man of HANCOCK and Air Group I5 for the outstanding job you have done for me. lt made l959 one of the best years of my life. lt also made HANCOCK one of the finest instruments of Sea Power that we have in this wonderful United States Navy. God bless you all.

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