November 11th, 1955, at 0720 a Douglas Skyraider participating in joint US-Canadian maneuvers off the coast of San Diego crashed into the USS Hopewell, killing 5 and injuring, including the three aviators, and injuring 5 crewmen of Hopewell.  The injured were:  John P Hoskins, SN; Rudy La Porta, CM3; Almando Cecchi, EM2; Tilford Johnson, SH3; and Jefferson G Maner, MMC.  Chief Maner was the most severely injured with extensive burns from flaming fuel from the plane.  MMC Maner and his wife, Annie, will be attending our reunion, as will Al Cecchi and his wife Marilyn.  Al is responsible for finding and bring our ship's bell to the reunion. 

Ken Rigsby, SH3, of Morrison, TN, was one of the first responder and has provided some very good pictures of the ship immediately after the disaster.  Ken ran the Ship's Store and was on his way to the Supply Office when the plane hit.  He will not be able to join us at the reunion, but is enjoying his reunion cap and shirt.  Thank you Ken.