Camp Cooke, California

In September 1944 the 97th was transferred to Camp Cooke, California, situated directly on the Pacific Ocean, about 30 miles north of Santa Barbara. At this location, instructors from the Navy and Marine Corps provided further amphibious training. Units of the Division became skillful in amphibious landings and the establishment of beachheads. By the end of 1944 the Trident Division had been training for a period of almost two years and was in a relatively high state of readiness.

In front NBC Radio Studios. Hollywood, CA, 1944