elsie item issue 69 - USS Landing Craft Infantry

Troops Board the 1091;
Stay Overnight, Off Loaded in Morning
By
Joe Flynn
California State Chairman
For the first time since the 1950s, troops were sleeping in the troop compartments of the
USS(L)1091 in Eureka, CA. The Eureka Troop of the Boy Scouts were overnight guests Sept. 26
and 27 of the Humboldt Bay Naval Air/Sea Museum.
As reported in previous Elsie Item articles, the bunks in the troop compartments of the 1091
have been restored, four high. LCI sailors who have occupied these “beauty rest” canvas bunks
may not want to repeat the experience, but that young Troop of Boy Scouts jumped at the
chance—and jumped into the bunks.
According to Captain Ralph Davis, “The boys had a blast.”
Joint Maneuvers Underway:
Eureka LCI Invasion Reinforced by LST Sailors
California State Chairman Joe Flynn reports that the California September LCI Reunion arrived in
Eureka this year with reinforcements; it was a joint reunion with the LST (Landing Ship Tank)
Association. Last year some of the LST sailors joined us aboard the USS LCI 1091 and had such a
good time that they brought the LST Association’s California reunion to Eureka. The combined
group of 50 had lunch aboard the 1091 and an evening banquet.
Guest speaker was Mike Martin, son of a LST sailor who served in the South Pacific. The power
point presentation featuring family and shipmates was both entertaining and informative.
The LST Association conducted a moving memorial service followed by the ritual folding of the
American Flag with symbolism of the 13 folds explained. At the conclusion of the service and the
reunion, LST President Bill Drews donated his Navy foul weather jacket to the Humboldt Bay Naval
Air/Sea Museum.
LCI and LST sailors had a lot to talk about. Of course they have one key thing in common; they
are both that rare breed of Navy men who purposely ran their ships aground—repeatedly.
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