Hancock was the first of the ‘long hull’ Essex class carriers to be completed, being commissioned in April of 1944. Hancock first saw action with the Third Fleet in attacks on Formosa, the Philippines, Okinawa, and Japan. In 1945 the carrier took part in attacks on Indo-China, Okinawa, and Japan itself. Damaged in an aircraft explosion in January 1945 and again by kamikaze strike in April, Hancock returned to take part in Magic Carpet operations. She was withdrawn from service in 1947, and after modernization and further service, was scrapped in 1976. Hancock was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation and received four battle stars for service in World War II.