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USS Makin Island Arrives in Hawaii for Scheduled Port Visit

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS111121-20
11/21/2011

From USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 2,000 Sailors and Marines serving aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) arrived in Pearl Harbor, Nov. 21, for a scheduled port visit, marking the first time Makin Island has visited the state of Hawaii.

The Hawaii port visit is the first stop for Makin Island, which departed its homeport of San Diego, Nov. 14, for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Navy's Maritime Strategy.

While in the "Aloha State," the crew will have the opportunity to observe Hawaiian culture take part in a variety of recreational and cultural awareness programs and sporting events, as well as participate in a community relations project.

"Pearl Harbor is the perfect first port visit of deployment for this ship as this port served as the start of the voyage for the Marines of the Second Raider Battalion enroute to Makin Atoll," said Capt. Jim Landers, Makin Island's commanding officer. "With the rich World War II naval history associated with both our ship's name and Pearl Harbor, we know our Sailors and Marines will be visiting many of the historic sites in the area."

While in Hawaii, many Makin Island Sailors and Marines are also expected to take advantage of the ship's and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) discounted ticket program for tours and attractions all over the island.

Kristen Venoy, Makin Island's MWR "Fun Boss," said she hopes all Makin Island Sailors and Marines have a memorable port visit to Hawaii.

"I hope everyone will have a great start to deployment," said Venoy. "We have scheduled some great trips and we don't want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to explore Hawaii and its culture."

Makin Island, the Navy's newest Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, is the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy using a hybrid-electric propulsion system. By using this unique propulsion system, the Navy expects to see fuel savings of more than $250 million over the course of the ship's lifecycle, proving the Navy's commitment to energy awareness and conservation.

This initiative is one of many throughout the Navy and Marine Corps which will enable the Department of the Navy to achieve Secretary Ray Mabus' energy goals to improve energy security and efficiency afloat and ashore, increase energy independence, and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy.

Commissioned in 2009, Makin Island is named in honor of the World War II raid carried out by Marine Raider Companies A and B, 2nd Raider Battalion on Japanese occupied Makin Island Aug. 17-18, 1942. LHD 8 is the second ship to bear the name "USS Makin Island."