elsie item issue 80 dec 2012 - USS Landing Craft Infantry National ...

Great Progress in theRestoration of the 713!The 713 looked great when we first saw her at the 2004 reunion, better still when we saw her again at our 2009reunion and will look even better when we see her in 2014! From a rusty hulk that had sat on the bottom of the riverfor years she has, by the dedication and hard labor of a crew of volunteers, made great progress in being restored toher pristine WWII shape and appearance.The Amphibious Forces Memorial Museum’s restoration crew, under the leadership of their President, Rick Holmesand Chairman of the Board, Gordon Smith, has been responsible for significant improvements during the past year.As the restoration work continues there is more and more evidence of the growing sophistication of the organization.With a membership of over 400, the museum is now debt free and, as President Holmes puts it “...in firm control ofour own destiny.” After some legal difficulties with the previous owner, AFFM is now sole owner of the 713.The 713 was saved from possible serious damage by a fortuitous decision to change her mooring. Shortly after themove to a new location on nearby Hayden Island, a fire destroyed the Thunderbird Inn where she was moored. Theentire motel, which was vacant and had been on the market, was totally destroyed by the fire that took two days toextinguish. Though less accessible now, she is conveniently located near repair facilities and arrangements havebeen made for visitors to reach her by boat. Rick Holmes reports that they have several excellent prospects for a newpermanent home which they hope to secure over the next year or so. This could mean that the ship would be much14 | ELSIE ITEM | December 2012LCI 713 at the Portland Reunion, 2004