USS Colorado BB-45     In Memory of My Dad James R. 'Ralph' Hensley My dad Ralph Hensley also was a Navy Sailor. He served in the US Navy from 1927-1933. He was a Seaman 1st Class, Gunners Mate. Dad served onboard the battleship the USS Colorado, stationed at Long Beach California. Dad fired the 16" 45-cal. main battery guns on the ship. Pictured are her two forward 16"/45 gun turrets in the foreground. Photo courtesy of Naval Historical Center 'Franklin Moran' Dad Enlisted 1927 Seaman First Class Hensley 1929 Seaman First Class - 18 November 1929 Photo courtesy of Naval Historical Center 'Franklin Moran' USS Colorado 1930 Dad played basketball for the USS Colorado Ralph Hensley standing 2nd from right Another photo of basketball team for the USS Colorado Ralph Hensley standing 2nd from right James R. 'Ralph' Hensley 1930 My mom wearing Dad's uniform My folks were married while Dad was home on leave Nov. 1931 Encountered a snow storm while crossing the Rocky Mtns. returning to the Ship After Long Beach Earthquake 1933 Mom's writing on back of photo 1933 I joined the Navy in 1954 - Dad seeing me off at St. Louis Lambert Field 1956. Dad has been gone for many years, but he is always in my mind and thoughts. USS Colorado Ship Bell - University of Colorado Memorial Photo courtesy of Duane Menor, son of George E Menor, USS Colorado Div 5 & A 1944-45 Join USSTiogaCounty Author Ship Misc About Darvin About the Ship Deck Log Archives Email Darvin Commanding Officers Dog Tags In Memory of Dad Scuttlebutt Email a Shipmate Navy Links Ship History Enlisted Ranks Navy Posters Ship News Enlisted Ratings Navy Sounds Ship Photos Officer Ranks Where to Find More Info Ship Roster US Flag Add Site to Favorites Shipmate Search 56 Class LST's Taps 'In Memorium' Return to Tioga Homepage - Please sign the Deck Log before you leave -