PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The amphibious assault ship Makin Island, LHD 8, has successfully completed Navy acceptance sea trial in the Gulf of Mexico. The builder sea trial was in February. The ship has the first gas turbine/electric-powered propulsion system ever used on large deck amphibious assault ships. Makin Island is 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and weighs 42,800 tons. Its 70,000 horsepower hybrid propulsion system will drive it to speeds in excess of 20 knots. It’s designed to transport a force of almost 2,000 Marines and use helicopters, landing craft and amphibious assault vehicle. Makin Island is scheduled for commissioning at its San Diego homeport in October 2009. (Source: Northrop Grumman, 03/20/09)
