USS Makin Island Holds Change of Command Ceremony
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100827-34
8/27/2010
From USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8) held its first change of command ceremony Aug. 27.
During the ceremony on the ship's flight deck, Capt. Bob Kopas was relieved by Capt. Jim Landers as commanding officer of Makin Island.
Kopas, born in Cleveland and raised in Phoenix, took command in September 2005 when the ship was still a pre-commissioning unit under construction at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., a time when the crew was split between there and a training facility in San Diego.
In Kopas' five years in command, he saw the ship christened, commissioned and proven at-sea during its transit to San Diego via the coasts of South America and the Strait of Magellan. Makin Island arrived in San Diego Sept. 14, 2009, and was commissioned Oct. 24, 2009.
A Sailor assigned to a ship during its construction and commissioning is known as a plank owner. This was Kopas' second time earning that distinction. He is also a plank owner of USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).
His previous experience as a plank owner, as commanding officer of USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and his familiarity with the LHD platform made him an ideal choice to serve as Makin Island's first commanding officer.
Makin Island is the Navy's final Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, but the first of the class built with gas turbine engines and an electric drive.
On top of the unique challenges involved in bringing a ship to life, Kopas and Makin Island's Sailors also faced delays due to Hurricane Katrina. The storm's effects on the Gulf Coast pushed the ship's construction schedule and displaced personnel for varying periods of time.
"The delays were the toughest thing to overcome. I was as frustrated as every crew member," said Kopas. "I am proud of how the crew endured the delays and other aspects of bringing a new ship to life. They demonstrated unfailing spirit and dedication, and they excelled always."
He also credited his wife, Sue, and his sons, Daniel and Devin, for their support throughout the half-decade he needed to maintain his focus on getting Makin Island and the crew ready to take their place in the fleet.
"It's been the best tour of my career. I appreciate everything you've done professionally and personally," said Kopas, as he addressed his officers and crew. "The things we've shared and accomplished will carry Makin Island through generations of future crews."
Among the achievements and milestones it took to get Makin Island to this point, Kopas was quick to pick a single highlight that will stick with him.
"The most memorable day I had was the day we delivered the ship (April 16, 2009), because it was the culmination of four years of effort," said Kopas. "The crew had been separated throughout pre-commissioning, and it was really the first time that the whole crew was lined up in one formation together. It's just something I will remember absolutely forever."
Less than three months after delivery day, when the crew and the Navy took ownership of Makin Island, the ship began its successful maiden voyage to the West Coast.
Captain Kopas will now report to Commander, Naval Surface Forces to take charge as the assistant chief of staff for training.
Landers assumes command of Makin Island after serving 11 months as the ship's executive officer.
Operationally, Landers has 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 Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Prior to reporting to Makin Island, Landers served two years as the executive assistant to Commander, Naval Air Forces.
As the final member of the Wasp-class LHDs, this one of a kind platform will serve as a foundation for many future naval advances.
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