Report: Solomons:
The Cradle of Invasion
by Capt. Brian Hope
August 7-9, 1998

On August 7 through 9, 1998, the Calvert Marine Museum, with the assistance of the United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Project Liberty Ship, and the United States Navy presented a program commemorating the U.S. Naval Amphibious Training Base at Solomons, Maryland, during World War II.

One of the most significant events in the Patuxent River area's history was the establishment at Solomons, by the U.S. Navy, of the nation's first amphibious training base. The U.S. Marine Corps trained on these beaches prior to their offensive operations in the Pacific, and the U.S. Army used these facilities to prepare for their landings in North Africa and Europe. The establishment of this base and the continued presence of the U.S. Navy has had a tremendous impact on the region that is still significant even today. The 50th anniversary of World War II reawakened a tremendous interest in this period of our history, an interest that has grown even stronger over the past few years.

This program gave everyone the opportunity to concentrate on this important part of our history. More importantly, it allows us to focus on the contributions of the veterans of the period, many of whom are still with us today. The event date is significant because it coincides with the 56th anniversary of the 1st Marine Division's landing on Guadalcanal, in the South Pacific Solomon Islands chain, which is coincidental to the fact that the 1st Marine Division first trained in amphibious assault operations on the beaches of Solomons, Md. before they departed for the Pacific.

Approximately 75 specially trained historians, using vintage uniforms, vehicles and equipment presented a look at the activities of the Naval Training Base in the 1940s. Uniformed interpreters representing United States Marines, Navy and Army personnel demonstrated for, and interacted with, the public on such historical / technical areas as the operations of ship to shore, and shore to shore communications; the military medical services of World War II; the advancement of small arms during the war; infantry tactics and their application and evolution in amphibious warfare; ship board anti-aircraft and surface gunnery; and amphibious landing techniques.

The re-creation of an amphibious assault training landing highlighted the weekend's activities, on both Saturday and Sunday. A combined platoon of U.S. Marines and Army infantry debarked from the S.S. JOHN W. BROWN, climbing down landing nets into waiting U.S. Navy landing craft. They then proceeded to assault the beach and secure a pre-designated fixed fortification, using period assault tactics and weapons. A professional announcer narrated the program to the public so that they gained a better understanding of the events unfolding before them.

The primary purpose of this event was to highlight this time period in the area's history, and commemorate the veterans who trained here for eventual duty in both the Pacific and European Theaters. The overall program came under the direct supervision of the Calvert Marine Museum, with the interpretive program being managed by the USMCHC. We presented the public with a view of the average American marine, sailor and soldier stationed in Solomons, Maryland during World War II. Through a combination of educational and interpretive demonstrations, interactive displays of historical artifacts, and impromptu discussions with our interpreters, vistors were provided with a view of a segment of the the region's past. Through this window, the visitors were able to experience a part of their heritage heretofore missing and had the opportunity to relate to our ancestors as people, not just statistics.

Program Coordinators:

Karen Stone, Curator of Education
Calvert Marine Museum
(410) 326-2042 ext 32, FAX (410) 326-6691

Thomas Williams, Programming Director
The United States Marine Corps Historical Company
(301) 662-3141