USS Makin Island Performs Well on Sea Trials

USS Makin Island Performs Well on Sea Trials
USS MAKIN ISLAND’S CREW CONSULT ON ANCHOR OPERATIONS SCHEDULE

The crew of the US Navy’s Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8) went out to sea to test the ship’s overhauled systems.

 

Namely, the ship has undergone a 13-month Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA) period, which saw numerous repairs.

During the nine-day scheduled sea trials completed on Jan. 17, Makin Island crew members tested a number of shipboard systems, including communication circuits, damage control systems, navigation systems and propulsion plant. The crew also conducted full-power runs of the ship, ballasting demonstrations and flight operations.

Capt. Alvin Holsey, Makin Island’s commanding officer said: “After a 13-month maintenance period, the crew performed exceptionally well. We had a few growing pains, but their focus remained on executing safe and precise evolutions.”

Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Patrick J. Webb, Makin Island crew member noted: “Most of the crew has never been out to sea, so doing these drills gave us a taste of what to expect when we’re out on deployment. I’d rather go through trial and error during a drill now, then not knowing what to do during a real casualty.”

Makin Island is the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy using a hybrid-electric propulsion system, which is expected to save fuel worth over $250 million.

The ship’s hybrid-electric propulsion system is designed to run on auxiliary propulsion motors at low speeds and on gas turbines at higher speeds.

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Naval Today Staff, January 22, 2014; Image: US Navy