New Amphibious Assault Ship Delivered to U.S. Navy

[Metallic]

PASCAGOULA, Miss., April 16, 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Shipbuilding sector delivered to the U.S. Navy today one of the nation's newest and most advanced ships, the amphibious-assault ship Makin Island (LHD 8) during a short ceremony held on the vessel's flight deck.

"We made a commitment to deliver this ship to the U.S. Navy in the second quarter of this year and through a determined effort by our shipbuilders, we successfully met this milestone," said Irwin F. Edenzon, sector vice president and general manager, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Gulf Coast. "This delivery will provide sailors and Marines a critical tool in performing their sea power missions worldwide. LHD 8's diverse capabilities will make it a significant and important member of the fleet."

Makin Island (LHD 8) was delivered to the U.S. Navy after successfully completing acceptance sea trials. Acceptance trials are conducted to allow representatives of the U.S. Navy Board of Inspection and Survey to witness and evaluate operation of ship systems and ship performance.

Makin Island is the eighth USS Wasp (LHD 1)-class amphibious assault ship built by the company's shipbuilders in Pascagoula, Miss. It is 257 meters long, 32 meters wide and weighs 42,800 tons. Its 70,000 horsepower hybrid propulsion system will drive it to speeds in excess of 20 knots. Makin Island contains the first gas turbine/electric-powered propulsion system ever used on large deck amphibious assault ships. The gas turbine engines and electric drive, a change from previous steam-powered amphibious-assault ships, will provide significant life-cycle savings in manpower and maintenance costs over the previous ships.

As a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, Makin Island is designed to transport and land a Marine Expeditionary Unit, a force of almost 2,000 Marines, ashore by helicopter, landing craft and amphibious assault vehicle. It will also have secondary missions of sea control and power projection by helicopter and fixed-wing vertical short take-off and landing aircraft; command and control; and mission support, including a hospital with six operating rooms. Makin Island is scheduled for commissioning at its San Diego homeport in October 2009.

USS Makin Island ( Length: 257 m ). The Wasp-class amphibious assault ships of the United States Navy are designed to land forces on hostile shores, and they are the largest vessels of this type in service anywhere in the world.






Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation

 

[Metallic]

Makin Island Makes First Port Call in Rio De Janeiro
UNITED STATES - 13 AUGUST 2009

USS MAKIN ISLAND, At Sea -- The Navy's newest Wasp-Class amphibious assault ship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8), spent four days in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using the time to interact with Brazilian military members and enjoy some liberty in one of South America's most famous cities Aug. 12.

"Our visit was a great experience for the crew since many of our 1,000-plus Sailors have never left the United States," said Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Kopas. "It was a chance for them to see and interact with a different culture so that we can better work together in the future."

The highlight of the visit was a reception hosted on board Makin Island with more than 200 people gathering in the ship's hangar bay. Among the guests were officers from Brazil's Navy and Marine Corps, who spent most of the evening speaking with officers and Sailors and getting personal tours of Makin Island.

"The personal and professional interaction between the U.S. and Brazil was deep and meaningful," said Cmdr. Tim McGarvey, assistant naval attaché assigned to Rio de Janeiro. "The Brazilians were very impressed with the state-of-the-art medical facilities."

After more than three weeks at sea, liberty call was another opportunity for the crew to meet some local nationals and get a taste of life south of the equator.

Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Shelli Terrell, a native of Mount Pleasant, Texas, took advantage of three tours the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation department offered while the ship was in the Port of Rio.

"My favorite tour was the rafting and Terra Verde Farm. I got to travel 45 minutes north of the city to do something that I had never done before," said Terrell.
"They served us great food, [and] I had a great time."

Makin Island's next port call is scheduled to be in Valparaiso, Chile, where the ship will meet with more South American military and civilian representatives, take advantage of another unique port call and add a handful of community relations and humanitarian aid projects to its schedule of events.

During its current two-month deployment, Makin Island will also make a port call in Lima, Peru as the ship sails to California via the Strait of Magellan. Makin Island is scheduled to be commissioned in San Diego Oct. 24.


U.S. Navy's newest Wasp-Class amphibious assault ship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8).
Length: 844 feet (257 meters).

The Wasp-class amphibious assault ships of the United States Navy are designed to land forces on hostile shores, and they are the largest vessels of this type in service anywhere in the world.



GULF OF MEXICO (July 12, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Della Smith, a landing signal enlisted (LSE) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), directs an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 to a landing aboard the ship. Makin Island departed Pascagoula, Miss., July 10 and is currently circumnavigating South America via the Strait of Magellan to its new homeport of San Diego. During its transit, the ship will make port visits in Brazil, Chile and Peru. Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class, but the first of the class built with Gas Turbine Engines and an electric drive. The ship is scheduled to be commissioned in October.




CARIBBEAN SEA (July 17, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Della Smith, a landing signal enlisted (LSE) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), directs an Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo to a landing aboard the ship. Makin Island departed Pascagoula, Miss., July 10 and is currently circumnavigating South America via the Strait of Magellan to its new homeport of San Diego. During its transit, the ship will make port visits in Brazil, Chile and Peru. Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class, but the first of the class built with Gas Turbine Engines and an electric drive. The ship is scheduled to be commissioned in October.

 

[Metallic]

Makin Island to Arrive in San Diego
UNITED STATES - 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

SAN DIEGO -- The U.S. Navy's newest multi-purpose amphibious ship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8), will arrive at her homeport in San Diego Sept. 14, bringing more than 1,000 Sailors and their families to the community.

Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class, but the first of the class built with gas turbine engines and an electric drive. Steam is not used on board for heating or water production as in previous LHDs. Other significant changes from previous LHD-class ships include the Watermist Fire Suppression Systems, a fiber-optic Machinery Control System (which is also integrated with the Damage Control Systems), the SPQ-9B radar and Cooperative Engagement Capability.

"At high speeds it runs on gas turbine engines and at lower speeds it runs on an electric drive -- just like a hybrid car," says Makin Island Commanding Officer, Capt. Bob Kopas, "Combined with this 'gas saving' propulsion plant is a new computerized machinery control system which is the most advanced in the fleet today. It controls everything from ventilation throughout the ship, to the engines, and ballasting systems."

This advancement results in significant fuel conservation. For instance, during transit from Pascagoula, Miss., to Lima, Peru, the ship consumed 673,148 gallons less in fuel than a steam ship completing the same transit, saving American taxpayers more than $1.6 million.

During her transit from Pascagoula, Miss., Makin Island conducted theater security cooperation activities with Brazil, Chile and Peru, which focused on working closely with partner nation civil and maritime forces - sharing methods and training to build on U.S. and partner nations' already strong relations and interoperability.

Makin Island is scheduled to be formally commissioned Oct. 24 in a ceremony in San Diego and witnessed by the friends and family of the ship's 1,100 plank-owners.

Makin Island will help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50 million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

U.S. Navy's newest Wasp-Class amphibious assault ship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8).
Length: 844 feet (257 meters).

 

[Metallic]

Navy to Commission Energy-Efficient Amphibious Assault Ship Makin Island
UNITED STATES - 22 OCTOBER 2009

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will commission the amphibious assault ship Makin Island Oct. 24, during a 10 a.m. PDT ceremony at North Island Naval Air Station, Coronado, Calif.

Makin Island is named for the daring raid carried out by Marine Corps Companies Alpha and Bravo, Second Raider Battalion, on the Japanese-held Makin Island, in the Gilbert Islands, on Aug. 17-18, 1942. The raid was launched from the submarines USS Nautilus and USS Argonaut and succeeded in routing the enemy forces based there, gaining valuable intelligence. Twenty-three Navy Crosses were awarded for actions during the raid, including to the raid's leader, Marine Corps Lt. Col. Evans Carlson, and executive officer, Marine Corps Maj. James Roosevelt (son of President Franklin Roosevelt). Marine Corps Sgt. Clyde Thomason was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroism during the raid and was the first enlisted Marine to be so honored during World War II. One previous ship, a Casablanca-class escort aircraft carrier (1944-1946), has borne the name Makin Island, and received five battle stars for World War II service.

Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Silke Hagee, wife of former commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael Hagee, will serve as ship's sponsor. In the time honored Navy tradition, she will give the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

Makin Island is the eighth Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Second only to an aircraft carrier in size, LHDs embark, transport, deploy, command and fully support an expeditionary unit of 2,000 Marines. Makin Island can accommodate three landing craft air cushion, a squadron of AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, and a full range of Navy/Marine Corps helicopters and amphibious vehicles to perform sea control and limited power projection missions.

Makin Island is the first Navy amphibious assault ship to replace steam boilers with gas turbines, and the first Navy surface ship to be equipped with both gas turbines and an auxiliary 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, further demonstrating the Navy's commitment to energy awareness and conservation.

Makin Island is fully equipped with command, control, communication, computers and intelligence systems for flagship command duty. The afloat capability of Makin Island's medical facility is second only to the Navy's hospital ships. The ship is armed with two NATO Sea Sparrow surface missile systems for anti-air warfare protection, two rolling airframe missile systems and two Phalanx close-in-weapons systems mounts to counter threats from low flying aircraft. Six missile decoy launchers augment the anti-ship missile defenses.

Capt. Robert Kopas, born in Cleveland and raised in Phoenix, is the ship's commanding officer. Built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Ingalls Operations in Pascagoula, Miss., the ship is 844 feet in length with a 106-foot beam, and has living areas for nearly 3,200 crewmembers and embarked forces.

Upon commissioning, the ship becomes a member of U.S. Pacific Fleet as part of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and will be homeported in San Diego.


PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 13, 2009) A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 165 takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is underway completing well deck and vertical replenishment certifications before the ship's commissioning ceremony, Oct. 24, 2009.



SAN DIEGO (Sept. 14, 2009) The amphibious assault ship Pre-Commissioning Unit Makin Island (LHD 8) pulls into her homeport of San Diego. Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the Wasp-class, but the first of the class built with gas turbine engines and an electric drive.

 

[Metallic]

'Green Ship' Makin Island commissioned
UNITED STATES - 26 OCTOBER 2009

SAN DIEGO - The U.S. Navy commissioned the 'green ship' USS Makin Island into service Saturday in San Diego.

Dubbed the 'Prius of Navy warships,' the amphibious assault ship is built with gas turbine engines and electric drive. The Navy projects that this advance will save nearly $250 million in fuel costs over the ship's lifetime.

The Navy claims the development is already paying off. During the ship's transit from Pascagoula, Miss., to San Diego, the Makin Island consumed over 900,000 gallons less fuel than a steam ship completing the same transit, saving more than $2 million in fuel costs. Other environmentally-friendly initiatives on the ship include the use of an electric plant to power auxiliaries, meaning no steam or associated chemicals; and the use of reverse osmosis water purification systems that negate the need for chemicals like bromine or chlorine.

"USS Makin Island represents the US Navy's long standing commitment to both the defense of our nation and ensuring security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond," said Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander, Pacific Fleet. "This commissioning also marks a new and significant chapter in the US Navy's history. The Navy will look to the USS Makin Island as the example as we move aggressively forward with plans to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and other hazardous chemicals."

The USS Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class.

 

[Metallic]

PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 8, 2009) The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) launches its first NATO Sea Sparrow missile during combined combat system ship qualifications trials.



PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2009) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Harriers from VMA-311 became the first AV-8B aircraft to operate off the ship during combined combat system ship qualifications trials.

 

[Metallic]

USS Makin Island Recognized for Community Service
UNITED STATES - 4 FEBRUARY 2010

SAN DIEGO -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8), the U.S. Navy's newest amphibious assault ship, has been recognized both regionally and service-wide for a variety of community involvement initiatives both stateside and abroad throughout 2009.

The ship was awarded first place in Navy Region Southeast for both the Personal Excellence Partnership and Campaign Drug Free categories for large sea commands, and then received second place in the Chief of Naval Operations' Personal Excellence Partnership Flagship category for large sea command.

Makin Island Sailors organized community relations projects (COMRELs) and drug prevention initiatives to help local communities in Mississippi and San Diego during most of the ship's pre-commissioning period. Makin Island crew members spent hundreds of off-duty hours in local communities to help increase educational opportunities and drug-prevention awareness for local youths.

"You have to realize what kind of work you're doing," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Lacy Henagin, a Makin Island Sailor who participated in a COMREL in Mississippi. "You're making a difference by helping others and giving back. I participated in community relations projects before entering the Navy, and I hope to continue that throughout my naval career."

After leaving Pascagoula, Miss. the ship and crew headed for Makin Island's current homeport of San Diego, but continued to find ways to positively impact the lives of hundreds more people along the way. While transiting the coast of South America toward California, Makin Island Sailors found ways to provide support in two South American nations. They made repairs to local schools in Chile and Peru, and dropped off donated household and medicinal products through a Project Handclasp cooperative.

"I remember giving hygiene products to children at a rundown school," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class (AW) Carlito Chua, a participant in a Makin Island COMREL in Chile. "I saw those kids, and it makes doing what we do worthwhile. Anytime we do a COMREL, I plan to help."

"It's part of what we do," said Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Jason Cooper, crew member of Makin Island. "I think it's a part of our job to aid our local communities and other countries in times of need, and it's definitely an honor to be recognized for doing that."

 

[Metallic]

USS Makin Island Continues on Road to Full Fleet Readiness
UNITED STATES - 24 FEBRUARY 2010

SAN DIEGO -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8) returned to port Feb. 24 following a weeklong underway that focused on Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) operational testing and evaluation.

With last fall's long-anticipated commissioning finished, Makin Island's crew has focused on preparations for Final Contractor Trials (FCT) later this year.

Although preparations began well before commissioning, Operations Officer Cmdr. Max DuPont said it is an ongoing process, and the command still has a way to go.

"After [FCTs], the ship is a true Fleet asset, and the Fleet can fully employ all the capabilities that LHD8 brings," said DuPont. "It's like buying a car. The warranty and break-in period is about to end on all the work [Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast] has done, so you want make sure it's right, and you want to run it through its full paces and have a mechanic make sure everything's right before you say, 'Yes, I'm ready take this car on a long cross-country trip.'"

The "mechanics" DuPont referred to are the evaluators from the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), who evaluates new ships and existing ships for congress.

To help prepare for that, and to assess Makin Island's new SSDS system, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) evaluators spent this past week testing weapons systems, such as the Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) and the NATO Sea Sparrow Missile Launcher, for functionality and tracking effectiveness. Earlier in the week Expeditionary Strike Group 3 personnel assisted in the crew's mock runs of common FCT evolutions such as equipment and procedure inspections and space walkthroughs.

ESG's efforts played an integral part in LHD8's preparations by helping to identify and validate concerns that that will be fixed in preparation for FCT.

Watchstanders were also tested for operator proficiency by OPTEVFOR. Using years of training, including that from Makin Island's tenure as a pre-commissioning unit, they demonstrated the weapons systems' abilities to challenge different types of targets.

"During SSDS testing, aircraft that would approach the ship were equipped with jamming pods and other tactical gear that flexed the ship's weapons systems," DuPont said. "These aircraft would run various profiles -- high altitude to low altitude, sea skimming, multiple aircraft -- in an effort to test our combat systems' responsiveness. A recommended engagement meant a system responded properly, which they each did."

Operations Department's Lt. Cmdr. Chad Simpson also pointed out that training has become much more scenario-based for the crew's benefit.

"We've actually remodeled [some of the scenarios] so that they're consistent, more realistic and are better for the operators overall," said Simpson.

In fact, Simpson said all of this at-sea period's training prepares the crew early for transition from an industrial environment, when the ship goes into its Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) this spring, to full-performance mode after FCTs. Once the crew proves they combat readiness, ship operability and self-training, they will be ready to move onto the next chapter in Makin Island's young history – deployment.

"Every time this awesome ship gets underway we gain more confidence in the systems and realize the truly advanced capabilities this unique ship brings to the fleet," said Executive Officer, Capt. Jim Landers. "The crew is ready to load up the blue-green team of the Navy and Marine Corps and get in the game!"


PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 20, 2010) The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) launches a NATO Sea Sparrow missile from the forward NATO mount. Makin Island is underway off the coast of Southern California conducting ship self-defense system operational testing and evaluation.

 

[jha]

can VTOL aircrafts operate from LHDs in case of emergency...??

 

[Metallic]

can VTOL aircrafts operate from LHDs in case of emergency...??

As a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, Makin Island is designed to transport and land a Marine Expeditionary Unit, a force of almost 2,000 Marines, ashore by helicopter, landing craft and amphibious assault vehicle. It will also have secondary missions of sea control and power projection by helicopter and fixed-wing vertical short take-off and landing aircraft; command and control; and mission support, including a hospital with six operating rooms.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Makin Island to Arrive in San Diego
UNITED STATES - 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

SAN DIEGO -- The U.S. Navy's newest multi-purpose amphibious ship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8), will arrive at her homeport in San Diego Sept. 14, bringing more than 1,000 Sailors and their families to the community.

Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class, but the first of the class built with gas turbine engines and an electric drive. Steam is not used on board for heating or water production as in previous LHDs. Other significant changes from previous LHD-class ships include the Watermist Fire Suppression Systems, a fiber-optic Machinery Control System (which is also integrated with the Damage Control Systems), the SPQ-9B radar and Cooperative Engagement Capability.

"At high speeds it runs on gas turbine engines and at lower speeds it runs on an electric drive -- just like a hybrid car," says Makin Island Commanding Officer, Capt. Bob Kopas, "Combined with this 'gas saving' propulsion plant is a new computerized machinery control system which is the most advanced in the fleet today. It controls everything from ventilation throughout the ship, to the engines, and ballasting systems."

This advancement results in significant fuel conservation. For instance, during transit from Pascagoula, Miss., to Lima, Peru, the ship consumed 673,148 gallons less in fuel than a steam ship completing the same transit, saving American taxpayers more than $1.6 million.

During her transit from Pascagoula, Miss., Makin Island conducted theater security cooperation activities with Brazil, Chile and Peru, which focused on working closely with partner nation civil and maritime forces - sharing methods and training to build on U.S. and partner nations' already strong relations and interoperability.

Makin Island is scheduled to be formally commissioned Oct. 24 in a ceremony in San Diego and witnessed by the friends and family of the ship's 1,100 plank-owners.

Makin Island will help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50 million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

U.S. Navy's newest Wasp-Class amphibious assault ship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8).
Length: 844 feet (257 meters).

Beautiful ship

 

[Metallic]

CPI Aero Announces $1.2 M Contract Award from Sikorsky
UNITED STATES - 10 JUNE 2010

(Edgewoog, N.Y., June 10, 2010) -- CPI Aerostructures, Inc. ("CPI Aero(r)") (NYSE Amex: CVU) announced today that it has received a contract from Sikorsky Aerospace Services valued at $1.2 million to provide tow assemblies for the MH-53E "Sea Dragon" helicopter. Delivery of these assemblies, which will be used as spares, will begin in late 2010. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the worldwide aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The MH-53E "Sea Dragon" helicopter is a carrier-based, and other warship-based, aircraft and fills the United States Navy's need for long range minesweeping or Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) missions. The Sea Dragon, one of the U.S. military's largest helicopters, is capable of towing a variety of minesweeping countermeasures systems, including the MK 105 minesweeping sled, the ASQ-14 side-scan sonar, and the MK 103 mechanical minesweeping system. The assembly to be manufactured by CPI Aero is an electro-mechanical device used to operate the aircraft's tow boom.

Edward J. Fred, CPI Aero's President & CEO stated, "We are excited to receive this second award from Sikorsky Aerospace Services on the heels of the recently announced MH-53/CH-53 helicopter ring assembly order. Similar to our Sikorsky contract to build Penguin Missile Launcher assemblies, this is an example of our expansion of product offerings to include complex mechanical systems that integrate structural assemblies with sub-system installation."


Source: CPI Aerostructures Inc.

 

[farhan_9909]

No doubt

US is almost 10-20 years ahead then the whole world

 

[chachachoudhary]

Useful ship indeed. If offered, India will be defenitely interested in the ship of this class.

India is in process of forming a dedicated marine brigade along with all the accessory infrastructure and in my opinion this fits in overall requirement.

Either this or French heli carrier mistral will be an ideal choice.

 

[Metallic]

SAN DIEGO (June 30, 2010) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits through the San Diego Bay Harbor to the Pacific Ocean.