weapons dept. 5 diviwon uss hancock cva-19

• USS Hancock (CVA-19) Legacy: The USS Hancock was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served with distinction during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It was commissioned in 1944 and decommissioned in 1976. • 5th Division – Weapons Department: On the USS Hancock, the 5th Division was responsible for the ship’s weapons systems, including the maintenance, operation, and storage of the carrier’s armaments. • Armament Evolution: During its service, the Hancock’s weapons department oversaw the transition from traditional anti-aircraft guns (like 5"/38 caliber guns and 40mm Bofors) to more modern missile and electronic warfare systems. • Kamikaze Defense: In World War II, the weapons division played a crucial role in defending the ship from numerous kamikaze attacks, using anti-aircraft batteries to shoot down incoming enemy planes. • Heroic Gunnery: On April 7, 1945, the ship's gun crews were credited with downing several Japanese aircraft during fierce kamikaze raids off Okinawa, preventing catastrophic damage. • Vietnam War Bomb Loading: During the Vietnam War, the 5th Division was tasked with arming strike aircraft with bombs, rockets, and missiles for sorties over North Vietnam. • Ordnance Handling Hazards: The weapons department faced daily risks from handling live munitions, with strict safety protocols to prevent accidental explosions or fires in the magazines. • Innovative Practices: Sailors in the 5th Division often used creative methods to speed up bomb loading, including makeshift conveyor systems and teamwork drills, to keep up with the high operational tempo. • Battle Efficiency Awards: The USS Hancock and its weapons department received several Navy "E" (Battle Efficiency) awards for excellence in combat readiness and ordnance operations. • Personal Stories: Many veterans recall the camaraderie and tension in the weapons division—moments of shared adrenaline during general quarters, and the pride felt when their work directly contributed to mission success.