A day at sea aboard THE USS MAKIN ISLAND

Vice Admiral D.C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Forces Commander, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet hosted our Leaders to Sea visit.

CDR Jason Salata, Public Affairs Officer, spoke with us about Commander Naval Surface U.S. Pacific Fleet. The Pacific Fleet is comprised of approximately 160 ships.

At any one time, 50% of the Navy's ships are at sea worldwide performing a variety of missions. Although the mission of the Navy is to defend against threats against America, the vast and varied fleet of ships and aircraft of the United States Navy provide the capability to support disaster response and humanitarian assistance.

Next up... off to NAS North Island and Halsey Field to get a ride on the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter.

Prior to boarding we reviewed emergency procedures and received a floatation device, goggles and a helmet.

The view from the window of the helicopter of the USS Makin Island. The ship is named after a daring raid by Marines on the Japanese held Makin Island on August 17-18, 1942.

The Seahawk is a twin-engine helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, search and rescue and special operations. The Seahawk deploys sonobuoys and torpedoes, and can also extend the range of the ship's radar capabilities.

Chief Petty Officer Lill and Ensign Logan from Public Affairs were waiting for us to begin our tour around the ship.

While we ate lunch... I could feel the ship sway back and forth as Captain Landers talked to us about some of the unique features of the the USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The ship features a dual propulsion system (think hybrid car) Gas Turbines at high speeds and Diesel Generators to power the Auxiliary Propulsion System using the ship's electrical grid at low speeds.

Petty Officer 1st Class Powers discussed how landing craft are launched from the USS Makin Island. The ship can take on water in a controlled "flood" so that a Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) can embark/disembark closer to water level. LCACs are used for transporting, ship-to-shore assault elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

LCDR Rottnek discussed how to "steer the ship" with the Machinery Control System

Petty Officer 1st Class Tavarez monitors the ship's performance.

How do you feed 3000 people? A huge kitchen and good recipes. Each chef on board has the ability to add their own "spin" but the recipe cards help with the large volume of food that needs to be prepared each day.

Supply has a large role to ensure that the ship can feed all the Sailors and Marines on board. Gung Ho is the USS Makin Island motto which means "Work Together". It can be seen all throughout the ship... even on the T-shirts of the crew on kitchen duty.

The USS Makin Island has a 6 bed OR and has the second largest ship hospital with 4 surgeons and 4 nurses on board.

Captain Cedric E. Pringle the Executive Officer of the USS Makin Island showed us the state of the art medical and dental facilities on the ship.

Anchors Aweigh...check out the size of the links!

Then, up to Vultures Row to observe flight operations...

The AV-8B Harrier is a short-takeoff vertical landing tactical strike aircraft. The Harrier has 4 rotating nozzles that provide its direct-lift capability enabling the aircraft to hover. When landing the nozzles are pointed downward for take off the nozzles point backward.

Each member of flight operations has a colored vest which corresponds to their role on deck.

An amazing opportunity to see the short takeoff capabilities of the Harrier.

Just before departing we were able to stop by the ships store where I purchased USS Makin Island coins. The Challenge coin is a tradition where the coin is meant to be carried at all times. A challenger could ask to see the coin, and if the challenged cannot produce a coin, they are required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them. If the challenged member showed a coin, then the person who challenged them is required to pay for the drink.