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Makin Island's AIMD Passes First-Ever Aviation Maintenance Inspection

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110802-19
8/2/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) David P. McKee, USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Makin Island's (LHD 8) Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) successfully passed its 'first-ever' Aviation Maintenance Inspection (AMI) July 28, receiving a score of "on track" for 38 out of 39 program and getting the certification necessary to support embarked aircraft.

The three-day inspection by the Commander, Naval Air Forces Aviation Maintenance Management Team included a thorough examination of the ship's maintenance and training programs, support equipment, material condition and safety procedures.

"This Aviation Maintenance Inspection sets the standard for the life of AIMD aboard Makin Island," said Master Chief Avionics Technician (AW/SW) Michael Gordon, AIMD's Leading Chief Petty Officer. "It demonstrates that we have now transitioned from a pre-com unit to an operational unit, and are fully capable of performing our mission safely and effectively during the upcoming deployment."

According to Gordon, Makin Island Sailors created the ship's program from scratch two years ago when the ship was commissioned. There were no aircraft on board and nothing to refer to in establishing the department.

Gordon said that it was critical that the department pass the inspection prior to the ship's maiden deployment, and that a pre-inspection in April revealed areas and programs for the team to concentrate on for improvement.

According to Chief Warrant Officer Erik N. Wright, Makin Island's maintenance and material montrol officer, the superior results were a direct result of the dedication, pride and professionalism of the entire department.

"I have participated in more than 10 AMI's at previous commands and there were always three or four programs off-track, with several others needing more attention," said Wright. "This inspection was the first ever on Makin Island and it was absolutely a team effort all the way from the newest airman to the maintenance officer."

Wright said that because of the efforts of the first AIMD team, there are programs and procedures in place to ensure safe aircraft are available for combat operations.

"The pilots and aircrew trust us with their life every time they fly," said Wright. "We owe it to them to provide the absolute best product available."

Gordon said he feels their legacy of superior safety will extend beyond the Makin Island long after they have transferred.

"I couldn't be more proud of the effort put forth by the Sailors assigned to AIMD Makin Island," said Gordon. "These young men and women represent the best that America has to offer and I have no doubt that they will continue to uphold the highest standards possible in aviation maintenance," Gordon said.

Commissioned in 2009, Makin Island is the Navy's newest Wasp-class amphibious assault ship capable of utilizing surface and air assets to move Marine forces ashore. The ship is named in honor of the daring World War II raid carried out by Marine Raider Companies A and B, Second Raider Battalion, on Japanese held Makin Island Aug. 17-18, 1942. LHD 8 is the second ship to bear the name "USS Makin Island."