Sea trials gave the ship an opportunity to operate
and test equipment as designed following a lengthy maintenance period.
It was also a chance to see if the repairs were done correctly, according
to Capt. Alvin Holsey, Makin Island's commanding officer.
"After a 13-month maintenance period, the crew performed exceptionally
well," said Holsey. "We had a few growing pains, but their
focus remained on executing safe and precise evolutions."
Makin Island's Executive Officer, Capt. Michael S. Feyedelem, expressed
the PMA provided an opportunity to upgrade existing ship systems,
repair damaged or degraded equipment and bring the ship back to a
level commensurate with a brand new ship.
"The maintenance period allowed significant repairs and design
changes to be made to the ship's exhaust stacks as well as numerous
other upgrades to keep Makin Island at the forefront of operational
capability," said Feyedelem.
Inspectors observed Makin Island crew members as they conducted in-port
and at-sea demonstrations and checks, of critical shipboard systems.
"I think the more practice we get the better," said Aviation
Electronics Technician 2nd Class Patrick J. Webb, Makin Island crew
member. "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. 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 ship's hybrid-electric propulsion system is designed to run on
auxiliary propulsion motors at low speeds and on gas turbines at higher
speeds. This technology allows the Department of the Navy to reduce
the use of fossil fuels that leads to reduced carbon emissions and
cleaner air.
This initiative is one of many throughout the Navy and Marine Corps
that will enable the Department of the Navy to achieve the Secretary
of the Navy's energy goals to improve our energy security and efficiency
afloat and ashore, increase our energy independence and help lead
the nation toward a clean energy economy.
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Kory Alsberry, USS
Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs
