The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), along with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), arrived in Singapore Dec. 21 for a port visit.
During the visit, Sailors and Marines will have an opportunity to experience the Singapore culture and take part in a variety of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored events. Dozens of Sailors and Marines will also be participating in community service projects in the area.
“ The Makin Island crew is looking forward to visiting Singapore for the Christmas holiday ,” said Capt. Jim Landers, Makin Island’s commanding officer . “ This team worked extremely hard at sea in support of our operations and training objectives, now they have the opportunity to represent their country as ambassadors of goodwill. ”
While in Singapore, many Makin Island Sailors and Marines are also expected to take advantage of MWR sponsored tours, attractions and sporting events.
Kristen Venoy, Makin Island’s MWR “Fun Boss,” said she hopes all Makin Island Sailors and Marines have a memorable port visit to Singapore.
“ I hope everyone will enjoy their visit to the Lion City, ” said Venoy . “ We have scheduled some great trips and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to explore Singapore and its unique culture .”
This is the second time Makin Island has visited Singapore during the current deployment. The ship stopped briefly at Changi Naval Base Dec. 13 to offload Marines from the 11th MEU to take part in theater security cooperation exercises.
Makin Island and the 11th MEU departed San Diego Nov. 14 and are currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), supporting the nation’s maritime strategy.
Makin Island is the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy using a hybrid-electric propulsion system. By using this unique propulsion system, the Navy expects over the course of the ship’s lifecycle, to see fuel savings of more than $250 million, proving the Navy’s commitment to energy awareness and conservation.
The 7th Fleet AOR includes more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian oceans, stretching from the international date line to the east coast of Africa, and from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south.
More than half of the world’s population lives within the 7th Fleet AOR. In addition, more than 80 percent of that population lives within 500 miles of the oceans, which means this is an inherently maritime region.
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Naval Today Staff , December 22, 2011; Image: navy.mil