Around May 1963,While returning from Leave to re-join the crew of the USS Hancock CVA-19 at Pier 3, NAS Alameda, California, I encountered two gentlemen at the East Gate entrance to the base. One of them approached me and ask if there was anyway I could get them onto the base and possibly be able to get a close up look, and even board, one of the Aircraft Carriers berthed at the carrier piers; one in particular, the USS Hancock.

I asked the two what their interests were in getting a closer look at the ships? One of them replied. "I was stationed aboard the Hancock in 1944, and I would like to be able to give my companion a better understanding of the life experiences a young sailor had aboard ships of that era."

I thought to myself and then asked the gentleman. "Why would anyone want to come back to an old ship and try and re-live any memories of what were most likely not the best of times?" I mentioned. "I will be glad when I no longer have to come back to the ship and I can enter civilian life!" Not having much time left to talk to the two visitors, I referred them to the sentries at the gate. Maybe they could arrange something.

Continuing on with the long walk to Pier 3 and thinking about the man's request, I continued to wonder why anyone would want to take time out of his life to try and relive the past?

Partial Answer

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