PCU Makin Island Coming to San Diego

PCU Makin Island Coming to San Diego
Navy News | January 29, 2008

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Makin Island (LHD 8) currently under construction by Northrop-Grumman Ship Systems is scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Navy Nov. 14, 2008 in Pascagoula.

The ship will ultimately be homeported in San Diego, and is scheduled to arrive in spring 2009.

"Ship's production is approximately 87 percent complete," said Chief Engineer, Cmdr. Walter Banks.

"Upcoming crucial production milestones include electric generator testing, the first gas turbine start-up in February and the second engine start-up in March."

Upon completion of all equipment and system testing, the contractor will commence dock trials, similar to what the Navy refers to as a fast cruise. The ship is scheduled to leave the pier for its first underway period in June.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,161040,00.html



uhc comment: Meet the USS Makin Island:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Makin_Island_%28LHD-8%29



~snip~

Makin Island was laid down on 14 February 2004 by the Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was christened on 19 August 2006, sponsored by Mrs. Silke Hagee, wife of General Michael Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and launched on 15 September 2006. As of 2006 she is scheduled to be commissioned in 2008.

The purpose/mission of Makin Island is to embark, deploy, and land elements of a Marine landing force in an Amphibious Assault by helicopters, landing craft, and amphibious vehicles. The secondary/convertible mission for Makin Island is that of sea control and power projection.

Although Makin Island is the eighth ship of the Wasp class, it will feature noteworthy technological advances. Changes from the previous LHD design include: gas turbine main propulsion engines, all-electric auxiliaries, an advanced machinery control system, water mist fire protection systems, and the Navy’s most advanced command and control and combat systems equipment. The gas turbine propulsion plant, with all electric auxiliaries, is a program first for large deck amphibious assault ships and will provide significant savings in manpower and maintenance costs associated with traditional steam-powered amphibious ships.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, US Navy officials announced that several ships under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, had been damaged by the storm, including the USS Makin Island and two Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers.