PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 20, 2010) The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) launches a NATO Sea Sparrow missile from the forward NATO mount while underway off the coast of Southern California conducting ship self-defense system operational testing and evaluation. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Douglas Bedford

Makin Island continues on road to full fleet readiness
2/24/2010
by MC2 (SW) Tiffani Paredes
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8) returned to port Feb. 24 following a weeklong underway that focused on Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) operational testing and evaluation.
With last fall's long-anticipated commissioning finished, Makin Island's crew has focused on preparations for Final Contractor Trials (FCT) later this year.
Although preparations began well before commissioning, Operations Officer Cmdr. Max DuPont said it is an ongoing process, and the command still has a way to go.
"After [FCTs], the ship is a true Fleet asset, and the Fleet can fully employ all the capabilities that LHD8 brings," said DuPont. "It's like buying a car. The warranty and break-in period is about to end on all the work [Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast] has done, so you want make sure it's right, and you want to run it through its full paces and have a mechanic make sure everything's right before you say, 'Yes, I'm ready take this car on a long cross-country trip.'"
The "mechanics" DuPont referred to are the evaluators from the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), who evaluates new ships and existing ships for congress.
To help prepare for that, and to assess Makin Island's new SSDS system, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) evaluators spent this past week testing weapons systems, such as the Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) and the NATO Sea Sparrow Missile Launcher, for functionality and tracking effectiveness. Earlier in the week Expeditionary Strike Group 3 personnel assisted in the crew's mock runs of common FCT evolutions such as equipment and procedure inspections and space walkthroughs.
ESG's efforts played an integral part in LHD8's preparations by helping to identify and validate concerns that that will be fixed in preparation for FCT.
Watchstanders were also tested for operator proficiency by OPTEVFOR. Using years of training, including that from Makin Island's tenure as a pre-commissioning unit, they demonstrated the weapons systems' abilities to challenge different types of targets.
"During SSDS testing, aircraft that would approach the ship were equipped with jamming pods and other tactical gear that flexed the ship's weapons systems," DuPont said. "These aircraft would run various profiles -- high altitude to low altitude, sea skimming, multiple aircraft -- in an effort to test our combat systems' responsiveness. A recommended engagement meant a system responded properly, which they each did."
Operations Department's Lt. Cmdr. Chad Simpson also pointed out that training has become much more scenario-based for the crew's benefit.
"We've actually remodeled [some of the scenarios] so that they're consistent, more realistic and are better for the operators overall," said Simpson.
In fact, Simpson said all of this at-sea period's training prepares the crew early for transition from an industrial environment, when the ship goes into its Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) this spring, to full-performance mode after FCTs. Once the crew proves they combat readiness, ship operability and self-training, they will be ready to move onto the next chapter in Makin Island's young history – deployment.
"Every time this awesome ship gets underway we gain more confidence in the systems and realize the truly advanced capabilities this unique ship brings to the fleet," said Executive Officer, Capt. Jim Landers. "The crew is ready to load up the blue-green team of the Navy and Marine Corps and get in the game!"

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2010) Navigation Department Personnel aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) discuss ship bearings during a precision anchorage evolution. Makin Island is underway conducting acoustic trials. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Justin Webb

USS MAKIN ISLAND, At Sea (Dec. 8, 2009) - The first NATO Sea Sparrow missile to be launched from USS Makin Island (LHD 8) exits the forward NATO launcher towards a training target. This training evolution proved the accuracy of the system with two-out-of-two confirmed kills. This launch was executed as a part of Combined Combat System Ship Qualifications Trials

Congressional Black Caucus tours Makin Island
11/16/2009
by MC2 Alec J. Noe
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8) hosted nearly 40 members and representatives of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Nov. 6.
Makin Island Commanding Officer Capt. Robert Kopas greeted the group on the pier and spoke about the ship's unique qualities, including its gas turbine engines. Afterward, CBC members were brought on board and divided into smaller groups to tour the ship.
"I think it's a great chance for us to show the taxpayers the Navy's first hybrid warship," said Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Combat (C5) Officer Cmdr. Marc Schweighofer, who led one of the tour groups. "It's a good opportunity to let them know their money was spent wisely. It's also a good chance to showcase our Sailors and their role. If you noticed, as a tour guide I was mostly there to show them along. The junior Sailors along the route were there to explain what it is they do to make the ship run."
Visitors toured several spaces including medical, the gym, flight deck, hangar bay, well deck and mess decks.
"I think it's amazing," said Dwana Franklin-Davis, who toured the ship with her husband, Executive Council Member of the CBC, Morry Davis. "It's like this is its own self contained city. It's good to see everyone is taken care of," said Franklin-Davis. "We also noticed how clean it is, it shows how much pride the crew has in its ship."
"This has been remarkable, I am personally fascinated with this ship and the equipment on board," said Davis.
"It is advanced far beyond anything I would have expected."
The tour concluded with a visit to the ship's store for an opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
"It went very well, we got a lot of questions from our guests and they seemed to enjoy themselves," said Schweighofer.
The CBC formed in 1969 when the 13 black members of the U.S. House of Representatives decided to band together to better address the issues of black and minority citizens. There are now 41 members of the CBC who work together to address the concerns of citizens throughout the nation.

'Green ship' Makin Island commissioned
10/24/2009
NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8) was formally commissioned in a ceremony on Naval Air Station North Island Oct. 24.
The ship, which has been dubbed the "Prius of Navy warships," arrived in San Diego in mid-September, three years after her christening. The ship brought over 1,000 Sailors and their families to the San Diego community.
"I am eager for Makin Island to finally join the fleet," said Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, commander, Naval Surface Forces. "The Sailors of this crew exemplify the best this nation has to offer. They represent America's Navy with pride and distinction and proudly serve as part of a global force for good."
Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class, but is the first of the class built with gas turbine engines and electric drive.
The Navy projects that this advance will save nearly $250 million in fuel costs over the ship's lifetime. The development is already paying off – during the ships transit from Pascagoula, Miss., to San Diego, Makin Island consumed over 900,000 gallons less fuel than a steam ship completing the same transit, saving more than $2 million in fuel costs.
Other environmentally-friendly initiatives include the use of an electric plant to power auxiliaries, meaning no steam or associated chemicals; and the use of reverse osmosis water purification systems that negate the need for chemicals like bromine or chlorine.
"The USS Makin Island represents the centerpiece and future of naval expeditionary warfare and will significantly enhance our ability to rapidly respond to emergent tasking around the world," said Rear Adm. Earl Gay, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3. "Her commissioning is a watershed moment for our Navy-Marine Corps team, and I am honored to have her in the fleet."
According to Capt. Bob Kopas, commanding officer, the true strength of Makin Island rests in her crew.
"This crew brings a 'gung ho' attitude of teamwork and determined enthusiasm to the fleet, in the tradition of Carlson's Raiders, who originated the term 'gung ho'," said Kopas. "The dedication they have shown over the past four years has brought the ship to life and lays the foundation for Makin Island to face the challenges of the next 40-plus years of supporting the needs of our nation and Navy."

SAN DIEGO (Oct. 1, 2009) Rear Adm. Michael J. Lyden, commander of Naval Supply Systems Command, left, and Vice Adm. Derwood Curtis, commander of Naval Surface Forces Pacific Fleet, reveal a graphic logo for the Logistics Specialist rating specialist during a ceremony aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Josh Wink

Makin Island Sailors celebrate new Logistics Specialist rating
10/4/2009
by MCSN Christopher Fairbanks
NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- Postal clerks (PCs) and storekeepers (SKs) on board USS Makin Island (LHD 8) had the unique opportunity to observe the Navy-wide merger of their rates into the new logistics specialist (LS) rating during a ceremony held aboard Makin Island Oct. 1.
In attendance for the historic event was Rear Adm. Michael J. Lyden, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP).
"Today begins a new chapter in the Navy, and you are an important part of it," said Lyden, who also holds the position of chief of Supply Corps, while addressing members of Makin Island's supply department. "The expanded training opportunities and broader skill sets that you will develop will become a critical part in our ability to expand that global logistic strategy."
"Today is a special day for more than 10,000 Sailors as we celebrate the history and heritage of the SKs and PCs and usher in a new era in our Navy by establishing the LS rating," said Cmdr. David Shealy, Makin Island's supply officer. "We begin a new history of support to the fleet and our sister services."
The merger was officially approved Nov. 17, 2008, by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead. Since then, a new rating manual, mobile training teams and online training programs were developed to educate PCs and SKs in their new roles as LSs.
"We can see there's excitement here today," said Lyden. "I'm excited to recognize this significant milestone for our supply enlisted Sailors, who today take a major step in shaping our future force so that the supply enlisted community can face the challenges of tomorrow's Navy."
"There are definitely some new challenges ahead," said Logistics Specialist Seaman Roger Poole, a prior PC on board Makin Island. "But I'm excited to work with the other Sailors as we master the new rate."
Considering the wide role his new rate plays in the global theater, Poole will undoubtedly have an abundance of opportunities to work with, learn from and share experiences with other Sailors who now call themselves logistics specialists.
"LS's can be found around the world in support of their fellow warriors," said Shealy. "Whether in Iraq, Afghanistan, at sea on a big deck, 500 feet under the surface or ashore overseas, more than 10,000 logisticians are standing the watch."
Lyden added to those sentiments as he finished talking to the Navy's newest LSs.
"Shipmates, you are the resource that makes our Navy's global logistics capability happen … we are committed to you and to your ongoing professional development as logistics specialists," said Lyden.
NAVSUP, headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., has a primary mission to provide U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. Employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 25,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges and movement of household goods.

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 14, 2009) Sailors assigned to the Wasp class-amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) man the rails as the ship approaches its new homeport of San Diego. Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the Wasp class, but the first of the class built with gas turbine engines and an electric drive. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jon Husman

Makin Island arrives in San Diego
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy's newest multi-purpose amphibious ship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8), will arrive at her homeport in San Diego Sept. 14, bringing more than 1,000 Sailors and their families to the community.
Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class, but the first of the class built with gas turbine engines and an electric drive. Steam is not used on board for heating or water production as in previous LHDs. Other significant changes from previous LHD-class ships include the Watermist Fire Suppression Systems, a fiber-optic Machinery Control System (which is also integrated with the Damage Control Systems), the SPQ-9B radar and Cooperative Engagement Capability.
"At high speeds it runs on gas turbine engines and at lower speeds it runs on an electric drive -- just like a hybrid car," says Makin Island Commanding Officer, Capt. Bob Kopas, "Combined with this 'gas saving' propulsion plant is a new computerized machinery control system which is the most advanced in the fleet today. It controls everything from ventilation throughout the ship, to the engines, and ballasting systems."
This advancement results in significant fuel conservation. For instance, during transit from Pascagoula, Miss., to Lima, Peru, the ship consumed 673,148 gallons less in fuel than a steam ship completing the same transit, saving American taxpayers more than $1.6 million.
During her transit from Pascagoula, Miss., Makin Island conducted theater security cooperation activities with Brazil, Chile and Peru, which focused on working closely with partner nation civil and maritime forces - sharing methods and training to build on U.S. and partner nations' already strong relations and interoperability.
Makin Island is scheduled to be formally commissioned Oct. 24 in a ceremony in San Diego and witnessed by the friends and family of the ship's 1,100 plank-owners.
Makin Island will help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50 million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

LHD8 makes final port call during maiden voyage
9/6/2009
by MC2 Justin L. Webb
LIMA, Peru (NNS) -- Crew members of USS Makin Island (LHD 8) experienced the culture and history of Lima, Peru during a port visit Aug. 29-Sep.1.
Lima was Makin Island's third and final port call during her maiden voyage from the building yard in Pascagoula, Miss., to her new homeport in San Diego.
The stop afforded Sailors the chance to participate in community relations projects, take tours of the city of Lima and the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, and host a reception for Peruvian military and civilian authorities.
Storekeeper 1st Class (SW) Yuly Mejia, a native of Callao, Peru, returned to her home country for the first time since 2006. During the port call, she took leave to spend time with her parents and other family members. The whole family was thrilled to see a family member serving on board the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship.
"Words can't express what I feel," said Mejia. "I feel very proud that I was able to come and represent myself not only as a Peruvian but also as a U.S. citizen and a member of the Navy. My parents got to see their only daughter serving in the Navy, they were so emotional."
During the ship's visit in Lima, more than 300 Peruvian civilians and military personnel visited the ship to take tours and meet Sailors.
"We are studying the Navy and special surface warfare," said Ensign (2nd Year) Roberto Villalobos of the Peruvian Navy. "We try to visit every ship that comes here. It's very interesting."
In addition to regular liberty, more than 100 crew members volunteered to participate in community relations projects, which included cleaning a local beach and making improvements to a nearby school.
"I think this was a great way for [the Peruvians] to see that we aren't here just to stimulate their economy by spending our money out in town," said Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Kenneth Placencia. "I think we made a lasting impression, and sometimes giving to someone else or just paying attention to them can make their day."
Capt. Robert Kopas, Makin Island's commanding officer, echoed everyone's sentiments.
"Our mission here in Lima was to serve as a concrete example of the U.S. and 4th Fleet's continuing commitment to work with our partner nations in South America," said Kopas. "The crew performed brilliantly, and I think our visit went a long way toward increasing understanding and cooperation between the nations of Peru and the United States."
Makin Island's crew of nearly 1,100 Sailors and Marines departed Pascagoula July 10. The ship is currently circumnavigating South America to her future homeport of San Diego. During the trip the ship and crew are also supporting U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security and sharing methods and training that will build on U.S. and partner nations' interoperability and strong relations.
Makin Island is the Navy's last Wasp-Class Amphibious to be built and is scheduled to be formally commissioned on October 24, 2009 in San Diego. Over the course of the next six months, Makin Island will be undergoing new construction shakedown, during which the crew will conduct training, systems calibration, tests and trials in San Diego and the Southern California Operating areas.

RIO DE JANEIRO (Aug. 3, 2009) Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship pre-commissioning unit Makin Island (LHD 8) render honors while manning the rails as the ship pulls into Rio De Janeiro. Makin Island departed Pascagoula, Miss. July 10 and is circumnavigating South America, via the Strait of Magellan, to its new homeport at San Diego. Makin Island is scheduled to also make port visits in Chile and Peru to support U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security and to share methods and training. Makin Island is scheduled to be commissioned in October. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Michael C. Barton

LHD8 makes first port call in Rio De Janeiro
by MCC W. Scott Mishley
ATLANTIC OCEAN (at sea) – As USS Makin Island (LHD 8) continues its maiden voyage, from Pascagoula, Miss. to its future home port of San Diego, Calif., the crew can add a foreign port call to their list of ‘firsts.’
The Navy’s newest Wasp-Class Amphibious Assault Ship recently spent four days in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using the time to interact with Brazilian military members and enjoy some liberty in one of South America’s most famous cities.
“Our visit was a great experience for the crew since many of our 1000-plus sailors have never left the United States,” said Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Kopas. “It was a chance for them to see and interact with a different culture so that we can better work together in the future.”
The highlight of the visit was a reception hosted onboard Makin Island, with more than 200 people gathering in the ship’s hangar bay. Among the guests were officers from Brazil’s Navy and Marine Corp, who spent most of the evening speaking with officers and Sailors and getting personal tours of LHD8,
“The personal and professional interaction between the U.S. and Brazil was deep and meaningful,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tim McGarvey, Assistant Naval Attaché assigned to Rio de Janeiro. ”The Brazilians were very impressed with the state of the art medical facilities.”
“The reception gave us a great opportunity to show our guests the capabilities of Makin Island and other LHD class ships – especially those features which allow us to help localities that have been affected by a natural disaster or other catastrophe” said Kopas. “It also gave us a chance to celebrate the camaraderie of the Brazilian Navy, the residents of Rio de Janeiro and the crew of the Makin Island.”
After more than three weeks at sea, liberty call was another opportunity for the crew to meet some local nationals and get a taste of life south of the equator.
Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Shelli Terrell, a native of Mount Pleasant, Texas, took advantage of three tours the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation department offered while the ship was tied to the pier in the Port of Rio.
“My favorite tour was the rafting and Terra Verde Farm. I got to travel 45 minutes north of the city to do something that I had never done before,” said Terrel. “They served us great food (and) I had a great time.”
Another Sailor had the opportunity to find rewarding experiences both on and off duty.
“We really made an impact there,” said Airman Apprentice Roderick Simmons, from Miami, Florida, talking about working at the reception. “That’s why I tried my best to show my hospitality, personally, since I was representing the United States Navy.”
On a day off, with a group of shipmates, Simmons took a full-day tour of the entire city. “We’re some really young guys. People twice our age haven’t been outside the U.S.,” he said. “I’m real proud right now to be in the Navy.”
Makin Island’s next port call is scheduled to be in Valparaiso, Chile, where the ship will meet with more South American military and civilian representatives, take advantage of another unique port call, and add a handful of community relations and humanitarian aid projects to its schedule of events.
During its current two-month deployment, LHD 8 will also make a port call in Lima, Peru as the ship sails to California via the Strait of Magellan. Makin Island is scheduled to be commissioned in San Diego Oct. 24.

Ex-USS Tarawa's bell finds new home on USS Makin Island (LHD 8)
8/5/2009
by MC2 Joshua J. Wink
USS MAKIN ISLAND, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Makin Island's (LHD 8) Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) received the ship's new bell which is on loan from Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington D.C.
"The story on the bell is that it was part of USS Tarawa (LHA 1). They carried it throughout the life of the ship," said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Dougherty, Makin Island's assistant supply officer. "When Makin Island put in a request for a bell, the curator of the Naval History and Heritage Command noted that he had the Tarawa bell in stock. We put in a request for it and they shipped it to us in Pascagoula, Miss. and we then brought it on board."
While the bell is on loan, Makin Island is responsible for maintenance and care. This requires the ship to display it with dignity and maintain its good physical condition.
Makin Island is honored to have the ex-Tarawa bell on loan until another "Eagle of the Sea" (Tarawa's motto) can sail the seas. "The custody and care of the bell constantly reminds the crew of everything Tarawa did to help us prepare to become a ship", said Capt. Bob Kopas, Makin Island commanding officer.
"Tarawa provided countless training and qualification opportunities for our crew before we took custody of our ship and worked with us and the detailers to transfer approximately 10 percent of Tarawa's finest crewmembers to our ship after their Decommissioning," Kopas said. "Without their extra effort and assistance, Makin Island would have been more challenged to do the multitude of operations we've been called on to do during our first months in the fleet".
"The bell has over 40 years worth of history," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class (AW) Carlito Chua, who recently reported to Makin Island from Tarawa, after it was decommissioned late last year. "It makes me proud of what I do, decommissioning the Tarawa and being a plankowner on this ship; I'm involved in the history of both," said Chua, one of the Sailors working on the restoration of the bell and the construction of a proper bell stand to display it with the honor it deserves.
The following words will be inscribed on the bell stand to remind Sailors of the bell's significance: "For the contributions that USS Tarawa (LHA 1) made training Makin Island Sailors during Tarawa's 2008 deployment and developing numerous professional TARAWA Sailors who now are in our crew, USS Makin Island is honored to hold this bell in trust until another "Eagle of the Sea" sails with the fleet."
The bell is not the only item with historical significance on board Makin Island. Located in Carlson's café, part of the crew's mess decks, is a photograph of former Gen. Evans F. Carlson, along with a flag and his medals, which are also artifacts from the Naval History and Heritage Command. Carlson, then a colonel, commanded the raid on Makin Island during World War II. There will be additional artifacts, including an original Raider uniform, that will be displayed throughout the ship to reinforce Makin Island's heritage and namesake.
"These artifacts help to teach our crew the history of the ship and the history of the Navy," added Dougherty. "The pieces that we have that are being displayed give them a good sense of the Makin Island raid, the men who were involved in that raid and the stories behind the heroic acts that these men performed. Their stories will come alive through these museum pieces that we have."
Makin Island is currently circumnavigating South America, via the Strait of Magellan, to its new homeport of San Diego. During its transit, the ship is scheduled to make port visits in Brazil, Chile and Peru to support U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security and to share methods and training that will build on U.S. and partner nations' interoperability and strong relations.

Makin Island's Sailors, Marines conduct inaugural flight ops
7/22/2009
by MC2 Alec J. Noe
USS MAKIN ISLAND, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Makin Island's (LHD 8) Air Department successfully landed helicopters from four of the five armed services while on its way to its commissioning site and new homeport in San Diego.

During the first three days underway, Makin Island completed nearly 250 "touch and go's" (take-off and landing evolutions) with four different types of aircraft, and achieved Aviation Readiness Qualification (ARQ) Underway flight deck certifications.

The aircraft included the Marine Corps' CH-46E Sea Knight, the Navy's MH-53E Super Stallion and HH-65 Dauphin and the Coast Guard's MH-60J Jayhawk helicopters.

This achievement is a significant step toward the ship's overall flight deck certification, a requirement for Makin Island to conduct regular flight operations.

Just days later, Makin Island continued its inaugural week of aviation events and conducted air operations off the coast of Belize in support of U.S. Army CH-47 Chinooks attached to Joint Task Force Bravo. These aircraft and their pilots may be called upon to provide humanitarian relief to South American countries in the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake. By landing on Makin Island, these pilots can now operate off any other other large deck ship which might be mobilized to support the same operation from a sea base.

"We have a lot of senior people, but we also have a lot of junior people and people coming off of shore duty who are a little rusty, so during our in-port period we were doing a lot of simulated flight quarters just to kind of get all the bugs worked out," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Michael Fields, flight deck supervisor.

"When we had the first 'birds' (helicopters) come on deck everyone was on the same page, the communication was flowing well and the rust was knocked off."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airmen Patrick Morrison is one of Fields' junior Sailors and offered his feedback about the training.

"I know when we did the simulated flight quarters they just kind of had to explain what the aircraft looked like, but when we actually saw them out here it was a little easier to see," said Morrison "I think it went really well. It was pretty smooth."

"It's nice to see them finally get to see the wealth of all their sweat and tears they [offered] putting the flight deck together. Everyone's starting to bond and seeing it is like poetry in motion," added Fields.

Makin Island is currently circumnavigating South America, via the Strait of Magellan, to its new homeport of San Diego. During its transit, the ship is scheduled to make port visits in Brazil, Chile and Peru to support U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security and to share methods and training that will build on U.S. and partner nations' interoperability and strong relations.



GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) Landing Signal Enlisted (LSE), Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class (AW/SW) Della Smith, of USS Makin Island's (LHD 8) V-1 Division, directs an MH-53E Super Stallion to helo spot eight. LHD 8's Air Department completed nearly 250 landing/take-off evolutions of four different types of aircraft over the course of two days. The evolutions were part of flight deck certifications: an essential part of the Aviation Readiness Qualification (ARQ) Underway. Makin Island is currently circumnavigating South America, via the Strait of Magellan, to its new homeport of San Diego. During its transit, the ship will make port visits in Brazil, Chile and Peru to support U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security and to share methods and training that will build on U.S. and partner nations' interoperability and strong relations. U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Glenn S. Robertson.



GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW) Eric Ruiz, of USS Makin Island's (LHD 8) Air Department, lands a U.S. Coast Guard MH-60J Jayhawk on helo spot five while a HH-65 Dauphin sits on helo spot two. U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Glenn S. Robertson.



GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) Three Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) of USS Makin Island's (LHD 8) V-4 Division bring fuel samples to the pilot of a CH-46E Sea Knight from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 774. The pilot must approve the samples prior to fueling the aircraft onboard Makin Island. U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Glenn S. Robertson.

Makin Island begins transit to San Diego homeport
PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- After three years in pre-commissioning status, USS Makin Island (LHD 8) departed in commission without ceremony from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast July 10, bound for its future homeport of San Diego.

Makin Island is scheduled to be formally commissioned Oct. 24 in a ceremony in San Diego and witnessed by the friends and family of the ship's 1,100 plankowners.

Makin Island earned commission (special) status June 26, after its successful completion of Light-Off Assessment, Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Certification and Crew Certification. These are the three major inspections the crew had to pass in order to get underway.

"Well done to you all," said Makin Island Commanding Officer, Capt. Bob Kopas to the crew. "It's the performance of the crew that got us where we are. This is just the beginning of a long road for us in commissioned status."

The next two months will take Makin Island on a transit around South America, during which the crew will continue training, obtaining underway certifications and preparing for its arrival in San Diego.

During the transit, Makin Island is scheduled to conduct Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) activities with Brazil, Chile and Peru, which will focus on working closely with partner nation civil and maritime forces - sharing methods and training to build on U.S. and partner nations' already strong relations and interoperability.

On Makin Island, the crew gathered to witness Kopas hoist the ship's commissioning pennant in a recent awards quarters. Several Sailors were awarded Navy Commendation Medals and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for their instrumental work in the certification process.

Since moving aboard, upon the ship's April 16 delivery, the command has executed an intensive, all-encompassing training schedule. The ship's final certifications were a culmination of years of classroom training, observed evolutions and administrative checks.

About MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8):

Makin Island was delivered to the United States Navy April 16, 2009. With initial training and certification successfully completed, the ship now begins its transit to the West Coast. Makin Island will be commissioned in San Diego on Oct. 24, 2009.

Makin Island's keel was laid in 2006 at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast, in Pascagoula, Miss., where it remained in construction for the next three years.

She is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class, but the first of the class built with Gas Turbine Engines and an Electric Drive. Steam is not used on board for heating or water production as in previous LHDs. Other significant changes from previous LHD-class ships include the Watermist Fire Suppression Systems, a fiber-optic Machinery Control System (which is also integrated with the Damage Control Systems), the SPQ-9B radar and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC).

While the ship is in transit, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB) personnel will continue their ongoing inspection of pipe welds to ensure they satisfy Navy shock and long term service requirements prior to the ship's first deployment. These pipe weld inspections are the result of a class-wide review of NGSB Gulf Coast built ships that was undertaken following the leaks in USS San Antonio's (LPD 17) lube oil system last fall. The Navy has determined that existing welds are satisfactory for current ship operation.

As the final member of the Wasp-class LHDs, Makin Island sets the stage for future advances in U.S. Navy amphibious forces and for the successor currently under-development for the Wasp class, the America (LHA 6) class of amphibious landing ships.