USS Makin Island to Hold Change of Command Ceremony
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100819-23
8/19/2010
From USS Makin Island Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8) is scheduled to hold a change of command ceremony Aug. 27 at 1000 at San Diego Naval Base.
After nearly five years as commanding officer of the precommissioning unit and the Navy's first hybrid gas turbine–electric drive ship, Capt. Robert G. Kopas will be relieved by Capt. James W. Landers during a traditional change of command ceremony held on board Makin Island.
Assuming command in September 2005, Kopas successfully led the Makin Island crew through many diverse obstacles, including recovery from Hurricane Katrina and two years of construction delays. During his tour, Makin Island completed a successful transit around South America to her homeport in San Diego, numerous highly successful certifications/trials and an extensive four-month post-shakedown maintenance period. Following the ceremony, Kopas will report to Commander, Naval Surface Forces as the assistant chief of staff for training.
Landers will assume command of Makin Island after serving 11 months as the ship's executive officer. Designated as both a naval flight officer and surface warfare officer, Landers commanded Patrol Squadron 47 at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe, Hawaii. He led the squadron while deployed to 5th and 7th Fleet in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Prior to reporting to Makin Island, Landers served two years as the executive assistant to Commander, Naval Air Forces.
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