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Makin Island Coming to San Diego

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080129-13
Release Date: 1/29/2008 3:43:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Webb, Pre-Commissioning Unit Makin Island Public Affairs

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Makin Island (LHD 8) currently under construction by Northrop-Grumman Ship Systems is scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Navy Nov. 14, 2008 in Pascagoula.

The ship will ultimately be homeported in San Diego, and is scheduled to arrive in spring 2009.

"Ship's production is approximately 87 percent complete," said Chief Engineer, Cmdr. Walter Banks. "Upcoming crucial production milestones include electric generator testing, the first gas turbine start-up in February and the second engine start-up in March."

Upon completion of all equipment and system testing, the contractor will commence dock trials, similar to what the Navy refers to as a fast cruise. The ship is scheduled to leave the pier for its first underway period in June. This underway period, called builders' trials, is necessary in order to test each system and piece of equipment on the ship. Once this process is complete, the ship will get underway for a two-month acceptance trial period. These trials are conducted to prove that the ship has been built to meet the design standards set forth by the Navy.

PCU Makin Island will house a crew of around 1,200 Sailors, and will be able to transport approximately 1,700 Marines.

PCU Makin Island is 844 feet in length with a 106-foot beam. It is the first amphibious assault ship to incorporate "all electric" auxiliary systems and a hybrid gas turbine-electric propulsion system. PCU Makin Island's 70,000 horsepower engine is capable of carrying this 42,800 ton vessel to speeds in excess of 20 knots.

"This ship is unique because of its systems," said Command Career Counselor, Senior Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Steven Cullen. It's the last Wasp class LHD to be built, so the opportunity to say that you were on the first large deck ship with a gas turbine engine, and the last ship in a class is the opportunity of a lifetime."

Sailors who are in the nine to 12-month negotiating window for orders and want to be a part of this pre-commissioning unit (PRECOM), can contact their rating detailer and ask to be released to the PRECOM detailer for further assignment to PCU Makin Island.

For more news from Pre-Commissioning Unit Makin Island, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd8/.