I served in the Marine Detachment and came aboard at N.A.S. Alameda Feb 1975- Went on that Westpac – then departed to another carrier in Jan 1976.
While On-board HANCOCK, I was a Brig Chaser and also on the 5 inch 38 gun crew, starboard bow. Matter-of fact, that is where(in the Gun Tub) Craig Tenney and I were hanging-out watching the UNREP when we had an Emergency Breakaway. I never would have thought an aircraft carrier could heel over that far trying to avoid collision. We could see the bow of the USS Kawishiwi coming toward the side of Hancock,we scrambled up out of the gun tub onto the flight deck. I do not know the exact degree of list to the portside as we veered away, but looking at the flight deck, I think anything that was not secured or holding on would have gone over the side. Thinking back, I seem to remember a horn or Klaxon ??? and the 1MC shouting "Collision Eminent Take a Brace! Take a Brace – Collision Eminent". But as you well know memory is not always exact science. During Operation Frequent Wind, I was on the Flight Deck (with my M-14) as security; but looking back now, I think "People Herder" might be a better description. You could read the fear and disorientation in their expressions.
Anyway I was there and am searching for some old friends and pals. All in all I suppose like most of us, just trying to reach back in time and touch the youth we all had back then. Just giving somewhat of a background of my experience aboard .
Sincere Regards,
Jackson Peters