Intro
Discover the USS Makin Island, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, designed for versatility and power. Learn about its advanced capabilities, including aviation, amphibious assault, and command and control functions. Explore its history, crew, and notable deployments, and understand its role in modern naval warfare, including expeditionary warfare and humanitarian missions.
The USS Makin Island (LHD-8) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy, named after the Makin Island raid, a surprise attack on the Gilbert Islands by the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in 1942. The ship is designed to provide a mobile, flexible, and versatile platform for the Navy and Marine Corps to conduct a wide range of operations, from amphibious assaults to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Ship Design and Capabilities
The USS Makin Island is 847 feet (258 meters) long, with a beam of 106 feet (32 meters) and a draft of 28 feet (8.5 meters). The ship has a displacement of approximately 41,000 tons and is powered by two gas turbines, providing a top speed of over 28 knots (52 km/h). The Makin Island has a crew of around 1,000 sailors and can embark up to 1,700 Marines.
The ship is equipped with a range of advanced sensors and systems, including radar, electronic warfare systems, and communication equipment. The Makin Island also features a well deck that can accommodate up to four landing craft air cushion (LCAC) or two landing craft utility (LCU), allowing for rapid deployment of Marines and equipment.
Aviation Capabilities
The USS Makin Island has a flight deck that can accommodate a variety of aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II, AV-8B Harrier II, and CH-53E Super Stallion. The ship is also equipped with a hangar bay that can store and maintain up to six aircraft.
The Makin Island's aviation capabilities make it an ideal platform for supporting a range of operations, from combat to humanitarian assistance. The ship's aircraft can conduct a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and transport of personnel and equipment.
Operational History
The USS Makin Island was commissioned in 2009 and has since participated in a range of operations and exercises. In 2010, the ship deployed to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, supporting maritime security operations and providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Yemen.
In 2012, the Makin Island deployed to the Asia-Pacific region, participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise and conducting port visits in Japan and South Korea. The ship has also supported a range of other operations, including the evacuation of personnel from Libya in 2011 and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Philippines in 2013.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
The USS Makin Island is well-suited to supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The ship's well deck and aviation capabilities make it an ideal platform for delivering aid and supplies to affected areas.
In 2010, the Makin Island participated in the relief efforts following the Haiti earthquake, providing medical care and delivering aid to the affected area. The ship has also supported a range of other humanitarian assistance operations, including the provision of aid to the people of Japan following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Upgrades and Modernization
The USS Makin Island has undergone a range of upgrades and modernization efforts to ensure it remains a capable and effective platform for the Navy and Marine Corps. In 2014, the ship underwent a planned maintenance availability (PMA) at the Naval Base San Diego, during which a range of repairs and upgrades were conducted.
The Makin Island has also received a range of new systems and equipment, including the Navy's Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) and the Advanced Enclosed Mast/Sensor (AEM/S) radar system. These upgrades have improved the ship's ability to detect and respond to threats, while also enhancing its overall combat effectiveness.
Future Plans
The USS Makin Island is expected to remain in service for many years to come, supporting a range of operations and exercises. The ship is scheduled to participate in a range of upcoming events, including the RIMPAC exercise and a deployment to the Asia-Pacific region.
The Makin Island will also continue to support the development and testing of new systems and technologies, including the F-35B Lightning II and the Marine Corps' Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV). These efforts will help to ensure the ship remains a capable and effective platform for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Gallery of USS Makin Island Images:
USS Makin Island Image Gallery
FAQs:
What is the USS Makin Island's primary mission?
+The USS Makin Island's primary mission is to provide a mobile, flexible, and versatile platform for the Navy and Marine Corps to conduct a wide range of operations, from amphibious assaults to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
What is the USS Makin Island's aviation capabilities?
+The USS Makin Island has a flight deck that can accommodate a variety of aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II, AV-8B Harrier II, and CH-53E Super Stallion. The ship is also equipped with a hangar bay that can store and maintain up to six aircraft.
What is the USS Makin Island's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities?
+The USS Makin Island is well-suited to supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The ship's well deck and aviation capabilities make it an ideal platform for delivering aid and supplies to affected areas.