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

"Return to Solomons: Cradle of Invasion 2001" August 10, 11 and 12 was a beautiful early fall weekend in lovely coastal Maryland (when it wasn't raining!) andsome old swabbies had a great time enjoying the festivities of "Cradle of Invasion 2001" and telling only slightlyexaggerated tales of the mud and misery they endured there sixty years ago.The event was the annual celebration hosted by the Calvert Marine Museum recalling those hectic days in the '40swhen over 68,000 sailors, marines, coastguardsmen and soldiers trained there for invasions.The USS LCI National Association was represented by three of its national officers and a couple of other memberswho found their way to the festivities. President Jim Talbert, Vice President John Cummer and Treasurer Howard"Tiny" Clarkson were joined by John McCarthy (LCI 46) ofWaymart, Pennsylvania and Phil Buchanan (LCI 500)of Washington D. C.Leading off the weekend was a breakfast at the home of Admiral and Mrs. Jeffrey Cook where WWII Veteranswere sumptuously hosted. Admiral Cook is Vice Commander ofNAVAIR Systems Command, based at the PatuxetRiver Naval Air Station, just across the river from Solomons.John McCarthy and wife join Tiny, Janet Clarkson and Jim Talberton Admiral Cook's lawn for breakfast.Jim Talbert looks on as Tiny Clarkson presents Admiral Cookwith a gold Amphibious Insignia.Tiny Clarkson greets a modem day amphibious man - CAPT Jim, Tiny and John welcome shipmate Phil Buchanan (LCI 500)Philip Briscoe, Commodore of Naval Beach Group Two.of Washington, DC.7