USS Makin Island (LHD-8)

USS "Makin Island" (LHD-8), a "Wasp"-class amphibious assault ship, will be the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for Makin Island, target of the Marine Raiders' attack early on in the United States' involvement in World War II.

"Makin Island" was laid down on 14 February 2004 by the Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was christened on 19 August 2006, sponsored by Mrs. Silke Hagee, wife of General Michael Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and launched on 15 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 at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, had been damaged by the storm, including the USS "Makin Island" and two "Arleigh Burke"-class guided missile destroyers.

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]