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Makin Island Christened

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060820-01
Release Date: 8/20/2006 11:09:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Santos Huante, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy christened the amphibious assault ship Makin Island (LHD 8) in a ceremony Aug. 19 at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Miss.

Silke Hagee, wife of Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee, served as the ship’s sponsor.

This is the first christening to be held at the Pascagoula facility since the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Makin Island, like other ships under construction in the Gulf Coast last year, was significantly impacted by Katrina, which ravaged the area.

Through the efforts of the Post-Katrina Clean-up Team, removing debris and identifying damaged material, Makin Island returned to production four weeks following the storm.

“I’m proud of this ship, but more important, I’m proud of what this ship symbolizes,” said Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi, the ceremony's keynote speaker. “During Hurricane Katrina, the people who stayed here in the shipyard put their lives at risk, just like Marines and Sailors do.”

Makin Island, the eighth and final ship in the Wasp class, is named after the daring raid carried out by Marine Raider Companies Alpha and Bravo, Second Raider Battalion on Japanese-held Makin Island in the Gilbert Islands, Aug. 17-18, 1942.

“This is a wonderful tribute,” said Kenneth Merrill, one of the original “Makin Raiders” who was 17 at the time of the raid and one of the veterans who attended the christening. “It makes a person humble.”

One previous ship, a Casablanca-class escort aircraft carrier, has borne the name Makin Island, and received five battle stars for World War II service.

The first amphibious assault ship designed from the ground up as an all electric ship, the power for Makin Island’s propulsion is generated from either of its two gas turbine engines or its two 5,000 horsepower electric motors. The electric drive operating while the gas turbines are shut down is estimated to save millions of dollars in fuel costs over the life of the ship, according to the Department of Defense.

“Today’s christening of this magnificent ship reminds us of the role the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps plays in today’s world,” said Donald C. Winter, Secretary of the Navy, during the ceremony. “As a freedom loving nation, America depends on military forces that are capable of defending threats to freedom, wherever they may gather. Makin Island incorporates a number of enhanced capabilities to ensure that we can continue to guarantee maritime supremacy whenever and wherever required.”

Makin Island is a multipurpose amphibious assault ship designed to transport and land a Marine Expeditionary Unit force of 1,900 Marines ashore by helicopter, landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles. Its secondary missions include maintaining sea control, command and control, and mission support.

Capt. Robert G. Kopas, born in Cleveland, Ohio, raised in Phoenix, and a graduate of Purdue University, is the ship’s commanding officer. The ship has living areas for nearly 3,200 crew members and embarked forces. Makin Island will be homeported in San Diego.