elsie item issue 67 - USS Landing Craft Infantry National Association

A Special Message to My Fellow Affiliates of theUSS LCI National AssociationI want to join President John Cummer in extending a special invitation to all affiliate members toattend the 2009 National LCI Reunion May 13 through 17 in Portland, OR. We will have a meetingspecifically designed to assist Affiliates in doing research on LCI Veterans, and preserving thehistory of the LCI’s and the men who sailed them, but there will be much more to the Portlandexperience.At this Reunion we will have one, and possibly two, of the last restored LCI’s afloat at dockside atour reunion hotel, the Red Lion on the River. You will be able to go aboard the USS LCI 713 and, ifshe is able to make the voyage up from Humbolt Bay, the USS LCI 1091.Let me tell you of my experience in first seeing an LCI: When I went aboard the 1091 in Eureka,CA, I could for the first time see and feel a ship like the one my brother served on in the campaignin the Pacific for over two years. You may know that the LCI was the smallest ship in the Navy ofthat time capable of crossing oceans under its own power. After two or even more years aboard Iam sure it must have seemed much smaller. I was able to see crew’s quarters, galley, mess deck,engine room, troop compartments, officer’s quarters, conning tower and the various battle stations.I could visualize the action that took place during the invasions. I saw my brother’s battlestation on the aft port 20 mm; the place where, during the Saipan invasion, one of his shipmateswas standing when he was mortally wounded by shrapnel. I saw the crew’s quarters where hewas taken, and where his last conversation was recorded by my brother. You, hopefully accompaniedby your LCI relative, will have the opportunity to have your own special experience.The opportunity to go aboard an LCI is, by itself, worth the trip to Portland. But In addition youwill have the opportunity to meet, talk with and hear the stories first hand from the men whosailed these small ships into battle and onto enemy shores. These aging salt water warriors willstand a little straighter and pick up a little spring in their step as they once again walk the steeldecks and tell you of life aboard “their” LCI.The 713 and the 1091 will, hopefully, be with us for many years yet, but we need to rememberthat opportunities to meet and talk with these LCI sailors in the future will lessen. Even thosewho joined the Navy right out of high school in 1942 are now in their mid-eighties. Make theirday! Being with you on the decks of an LCI might just be one of their most treasured moments.I urge you accept President Cummer’s invitation and be part of the 2009 reunion in Portland .See you in Portland,Joe Flynn,Board Member and AffiliatePS See your last edition of Elsie Item for complete reunion information and registration forms.5