USS Makin Island Wasp-Class Amphibious Assault Ship Passes Maintenance Inspection

USS Makin Island’s (LHD 8) last week successfully passed Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD)  its ‘first-ever’ Aviation Maintenance Inspection .

The three-day inspection by the 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.

According to Michael Gordon, AIMD’s Leading Chief Petty Officer, “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“.

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“.

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.”

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Source: def.p, August 5, 2011