About this Unit
USS Makin Island (LHD-8) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy on October 24, 2009. Named after the daring 1942 Marine raid on Makin Island during World War II, the ship is notable for being the first of its class powered by a hybrid electric drive, enhancing operational efficiency. Since her commissioning, Makin Island has deployed multiple times to the Pacific and Middle Eastern regions, supporting amphibious operations, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises with allied navies. The ship has played a vital role in power projection and rapid crisis response as part of Expeditionary Strike Groups.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Heritage: USS Makin Island (LHD-8) is named after the Battle of Makin Island, a daring World War II raid by U.S. Marine Raiders on Japanese forces in the Gilbert Islands in August 1942.
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Hybrid Power Pioneer: She is the first U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship powered by a hybrid propulsion system, combining gas turbines and electric motors to improve fuel efficiency.
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Cost Savings: The ship’s hybrid propulsion system saves approximately $2 million in fuel costs per month compared to traditional propulsion systems during normal operations.
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Construction Journey: Her keel was laid down on February 14, 2004, at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and she was commissioned on October 24, 2009.
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Shakedown Story: During her maiden transit from Pascagoula to her homeport in San Diego, USS Makin Island sailed around South America, making stops in Brazil, Chile, and Peru, as she was too large to transit the Panama Canal.
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Humanitarian Mission: In November 2010, Makin Island provided disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to flood-stricken areas in Mexico, showcasing the flexibility of amphibious assault ships.
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Aircraft Capability: The ship can embark a mix of helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and can also support AV-8B Harrier II or F-35B Lightning II jets for vertical/short takeoff and landing operations.
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Namesake Tradition: She is the second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Makin Island; the first was a Casablanca-class escort carrier (CVE-93) that served in World War II.
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Marine Expeditionary Group: Makin Island often deploys as the flagship of an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), carrying more than 1,600 Marines and their equipment as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
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“Green” Ship: The ship’s advanced design and hybrid propulsion have earned her the nickname “the Prius of the Fleet,” underlining her role as a model for future environmentally conscious naval vessels.
