US Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) on August 25 entered a floating dry dock in San Diego for a 14-month overhaul.
During the depot-level planned maintenance availability (DPMA) National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) will outfit the ship with the latest war fighting capabilities.
Makin Island Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Melson said DPMA will be a unique time for Makin Island.
“We are a warfighting team,” said Melson. “We’re coming off a deployment, and making the transition to the yards can be challenging. We have to change our mindset from being operational to one of rebuilding and repairing.”
Repairs for the ship will include a variety of routine maintenance contracts, upgrades to the ship’s systems, and other work to prolong service life.
“The flight deck will be resurfaced during the DPMA,” said Melson. “The new flight deck will be able to accommodate the F-35B Lightning II aircraft and increase the capabilities and reach of Team Raider.”
The DPMA period marks the first time the ship has been raised from the water since its christening in 2006.