USS Makin Island Departs for Sea Trials

The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) departed Naval Base San Diego on December 10 for sea trials and engineering drills following a 13-month maintenance availability. Makin Island was the first amphibious assault ship built with a hybrid-electric propulsion system.

General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. was awarded a USD 9 million contract for the removal and installation of gas turbine exhaust ducts as part of the USS Makin Island (LHD 8) fiscal 2012 phased maintenance availability in February.

A phased maintenance availability includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations, and modifications that will update and improve the ship’s military and technical capabilities.

Makin Island is the eighth ship of the Wasp class but considerably improved. Changes from the previous LHD design include: gas turbine main propulsion engines, all-electric auxiliaries, an advanced machinery control system, water mist fire protection systems, and the Navy’s most advanced command and control and combat systems equipment. The gas turbine propulsion plant, with all electric auxiliaries, is a program first for large deck amphibious assault ships and provides significant savings in manpower and maintenance costs associated with traditional steam-powered amphibious ships. The ship carries four reverse-osmosis water-purification systems, each capable of processing 50,000 gallons of fresh water per day.

Makin Island, built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi, was delivered to the Navy in April 2009.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, December 12, 2013