''The Elsie item'' - USS Landing Craft Infantry National Association

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A First-Hand Look at the Modern Amphibious Navy; Amphibious Group Two, Little Creek, VA; Rear Admiral J. Kevin Moran, Commander, Amphibious Group Twoaccepts model ofUSS LCI (G) 68 for display on his Quarterdeck(L to R: Adm J. Kevin Moran, Leo Janetis, John Cummer, Howard B. "Tiny" ClarksonIt started when Leo Janetis, LCI(G)68, of Pompano Beach,Florida, met Admiral J. Kevin Moran at a Navy Leaguefunction in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Known for his warmth,friendliness and ability to socialize easily with everyone,including high Navy brass, Leo found out that AdmiralMoran came from the same Brooklyn neighborhood wherehe grew up and the bonds were in place!Leo found that the Admiral was eager to have items on hisquarterdeck and working spaces at the Amphibious TrainingBase, Little Creek, Virginia, that would remind his sailorsand officers of the history of the amphibious forces,and so contacted model builder John Cummer to see if itwould be possible to get a model made for presentation.Eager to see a model on display at an active duty command,especially an amphibious command, John was happyto undertake the project. He decided that a model of Leo'sown ship, the LCI(G) 68 would be appropriate and startedwork. As the model was completed, plans shaped up tomake the presentation on October 24th.President Jim Talbert regretted having to turn down theopportunity to be present for the occasion due to previousengagements, but Treasurer "Tiny" Clarkson decided hewould like to be there, so the Association was representedby Clarkson, Janetis and Cummer.Arriving at Norfolk Airport on October 23, the trio ofLClers was met by Lt Drew Bates, Aide to Admiral Moran.LT Bates, throughout the visit, was unfailing in his effortsto see that traditional Navy hospitality was extended to theamphibious veterans.Throughout the visit, the heightened security of the basewas evident. "Condition Bravo" was in place which meantintense scrutiny, armed sentries and other measures weremuch in evidence. The effect on the LCI Association visitorswas most positive as they saw how well prepared alllevels of command were to meet and counter any threat.Met by LT Bates and the Admiral's staff car the followingmorning, the trio were escorted to Admiral Moran's commandheadquarters. After being greeted warmly by theAdmiral and several members of his staff, the LClers madethe presentation and had the chance to tell a bit about thisdetails of the ship and the history of the 68.After the presentation, the three old swabbies received areal treat as Admiral Moran hosted them to lunch in the20
Admiral's mess. They were joined by Master Chief JimMonroe, Command Master Chief, and a genial and informativehost.After lunch the group set out on a guided tour of variouselements ofthe Admiral's command which introduced themto the tremendous changes in equipment that characterizethe modem amphibious Navy.Personnel ofAssault Craft Unit Two next hosted the visitorsand demonstrated their primary craft the LandingCraft, Utility. As a special treat the three LCI vets weregiven one more chance to make a landing by being takenfor a short ride in an LCU concluded with a "ramp down"beaching.With a length of 135 feet and a beam of 30 feet, the LCUcan carry a cargo of 170 tons. It can make a maximumspeed of 11 knots with a range of 1,200 nautical miles.Master ChiefBuchanan proudly shows off his LCAC, Landing Craft, Air Cushion. First stop was a visit to Attack Boat Four and a chance tosee up close the fabled "air cushion" vehicle. The LCACis a high speed, exceptionally maneuverable amphibiouslanding craft capable of carrying a 75 ton payload. TheLCAC exposes over 70 percent of the world's beaches toamphibious assault. With a range of 200 nautical miles,the craft is capable of a sped of 40 knots in sea state 2.One of the most enthusiastic chiefs in the Navy, ChiefBuchanan led the group in a walk-around on his vehicle.Leo makes friends with a formidably armedguard aboard the USS Kearsage.The day climaxed with a visit to the USS Kearsage, (LHD3) at the docks of Naval Operating Base, Norfolk. Withthe mission to load, transport and land troops and theirequipment in support of amphibious operations anywherein the world, the Kearsage is obviously a vital element inthe forces being applied to the new terrorist threats. Shecarries both helicopters and harrier jets and, in her cavernoushold, she can accommodate LCACs for fast troopmovement over the beach. The Harrier jets provide closeinair support for the assault force.All in all, it was a series of impressive sights for the threeveterans of amphibious operations of over sixty years ago.The sense of pride and highly-honed skills was evident atall levels."We are proud of what we accomplished as amphibiousforces came to being and World War II, and we are equallyproud to see how our traditions are being carried out byfine, dedicated, skilled young men and women today,"commented John Cummer."Tiny" makes one more landing, this time from an LCU,modern day equivalent ofan LCT."Tiny" summed it up in a post-visit e-mail to John Cummer:21
Page 1 and 2: ''The Elsie item''Official Newslett
Page 3: A Note from the EditorWhat a great
Page 6 and 7: will see that they aren't""We're no
Page 8 and 9: The LCI Association Exhibit feature
Page 10 and 11: Book ReviewThe Solomons Campaigns,
Page 12 and 13: Man Overboard! With a Rocket Launch
Page 14 and 15: Letters to the Editor One ofthe rea
Page 16 and 17: I remember talking to his mother sh
Page 18 and 19: Jim Talbert Pulls a Great Work Part
Page 22 and 23: "Words fail me when it comes to exp
Page 24 and 25: Headed for the Big BlastRobert "Mik
Page 26 and 27: LCI 23 - One of the Early Gunboat C
Page 28 and 29: out for pot shots at night from one
Page 30 and 31: NEW E-MAIL ADDRESSES Here are the n
Page 32 and 33: Jim then presented John Cummer with
Page 34 and 35: USS Lei NATIONAL ASSN. REUNION APRI
Page 36 and 37: THE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THEUS
Page 38: USS LCI NATIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBER

''The Elsie item'' - USS Landing Craft Infantry National Association

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