- USS Makin Island (LHD-8)
USS "Makin Island" (LHD-8), a "Wasp"-class
amphibious assault ship , will be the second ship of theUnited States Navy to be named for Makin Island, target of theMarine Raiders ' attack early on in theUnited States ' involvement inWorld War II ."Makin Island" was laid down on
14 February 2004 by theIngalls Shipbuilding ,Pascagoula, Mississippi . She was christened on19 August 2006 , sponsored by Mrs. Silke Hagee, wife of GeneralMichael Hagee ,Commandant of the Marine Corps , and launched on15 September 2006.As of 2008 she is scheduled to be commissioned in April 2009.The purpose/mission of "Makin Island" is to embark, deploy, and land elements of a Marine landing force in an Amphibious Assault by helicopters, landing craft, and amphibious vehicles. The secondary/convertible mission for "Makin Island" is that of sea control and
power projection .Although "Makin Island" is the eighth ship of the "Wasp" class, it will feature noteworthy technological advances. Changes from the previous LHD design include:
gas turbine main propulsion engines, all-electric auxiliaries, an advanced machinery control system, water mist fire protection systems, and the Navy’s most advanced command and control and combat systems equipment. The gas turbine propulsion plant, with all electric auxiliaries, is a program first for large deck amphibious assault ships and will provide significant savings in manpower and maintenance costs associated with traditional steam-powered amphibious ships.In the aftermath of
Hurricane Katrina , US Navy officials announced that several ships under construction atIngalls Shipbuilding inPascagoula, Mississippi , had been damaged by the storm, including the USS "Makin Island" and two "Arleigh Burke"-class guided missiledestroyer s.References
External links
* [http://www.makin-island.navy.mil USS "Makin Island" official website]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/lhd-8.htm globalsecurity.org: USS "Makin Island"]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/0808.htm navsource.org: USS "Makin Island"]
* [http://www.hullnumber.com/LHD-8 LHD-8 Personnel Roster at HullNumber.com]
* [http://www.uscarriers.net/lhd8history.htm USS Makin Island history at U.S. Carriers]
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