ATI June-July Issue

Navy’s Best Magazine of 2014 June/July 2016

ATI

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AROUND THE ISLAND

Commanding Officer: CAPT Jon P. Rodgers Executive Officer: CDR David Oden Command Master Chief: CMDCM(SW/AW) Larry A. Lynch PAO: LT David Gardner Deputy PAO: MCC(SW/AW) James Thierry

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Scientists to Sea

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Group Sail

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Midshipmen

Photo Spread

Media LCPO: MCC(SW/AW/EXW) Bradley Sapp MEDIA LPO/ LEAD EDITOR: MC1(NAO/AW) Matthew Diendorf Layout Editor: MC2 (SW) Robin Peak Staff: MC1(SW/AW) Larry Carlson MC1(SW) Corwin Colbert MC2 (SW) Dennis Grube MC3 Nick Cerilli MC3 Eric Zeak MCSN Clark Lane MCSN Devin Langer AROUND THE ISLAND is an authorized publication for the crewmembers of USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of MAKIN ISLAND. ATI is edited, prepared and provided by the MKI media division.

All news releases, photos or information for publication in AROUND THE ISLAND must be submitted to the PAO. All submissions are edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity and conformance to style.

The staff reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.

ATI AROUND THE ISLAND

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by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric Zeak

U

SS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) hosted 12 members of Commander, U.S. Third Fleet’s Scientists to Sea program while underway the week of June 14.

The Scientists to Sea program aims to give a greater understanding of shipboard system employment and requirements to the engineers and scientists who design them.

Dr. Michael Keegan, a research physicist at the Naval Research Laboratory, participated in the event and highlighted the value of the

cientists t o Sea

program.

“We design many of the systems used aboard U.S. Navy ships, but we rarely get to see how they’re being used,” said Keegan. “Visiting with the Sailors who operate this equipment daily gives us an idea of how the systems we design are employed and how they might be improved.”

Keegan also said part of his job is to help the Navy stay innovative.

“To me, innovation is technology plus user

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information,” said Keegan. “We help with the technology part, Sailors provide the user information. Combining the two is how we help the Navy stay innovative.”

MAKIN ISLAND’s Executive Officer Capt.

Mark Melson addressed the group upon their arrival.

“Having this group aboard facilitates dialogue between the system designer and the end user. It’s an invaluable opportunity for our Sailors to engage those who design the

systems we employ everyday and to offer direct, honest feedback on what works, and frankly, what doesn’t.”

Derick Schmidt, a systems lead at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport emphasized the value in visiting the ship and meeting the Sailors.

“As a former Marine, I enjoy talking to service members,” said Schmidt. “It’s the best way to understand how the Navy uses the equipment that we design, and it’s an excellent way to learn what we can do to better support the warfighter.”

During the four-day underway, the 12 Scientist to Sea members had the opportunity to tour spaces and visit with Sailors from every department onboard, as well as witness shipboard operations firsthand.

The tour was designed to provide an overview and understanding of basic shipboard organization and operations, while also giving scientists with various backgrounds the opportunity to hold indepth discussions with subject matter experts about the equipment and systems that interested them the most.

“The information technicians gave me a lot of feedback on the computer and hard drive systems in use,” said Schmidt. “We will be able to go back and suggest changes to some of the software used.

Being able to come aboard and learn how we could possibly improve things or make them more userfriendly is exactly what we came here to do.”

MAKIN ISLAND is conducting training operations off the coast of southern California in preparation for an upcoming deployment in fall 2016.

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LPD 25

LHD 8

LSD 45

MAKIN ISLAND ARG Underway for Group Sail

by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robin W. Peak

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he MAKIN ISLAND Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) completed Group Sail off the coast of Southern California, June 17.

The three ships comprising the ARG – the amphibious assault ship USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8), amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) and amphibious

transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) – departed Naval Station San Diego for the underway training event, June 14.

Group Sail is the first step in the MAKIN ISLAND ARG’s integrated training phase and aims to enhance interoperability between the three ships and the staff of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5.

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“Group Sail is a critical training opportunity for the upcoming deployment because it gives the ARG a chance to identify an effective battle rhythm, establish communication procedures, strengthen the staff ’s relationship with the ship crews and conduct multi-ship operations,” said PHIBRON 5 Commodore, Capt. Michael Crary.

Group Sail evolutions included an LCAC recovery and launch, underway replenishments, formation steaming and flight operations.

“Practicing these skills as a team enhances our ability to operate as a fully integrated force during the upcoming 2016-2017 deployment,” said Crary.

MAKIN ISLAND and Comstock also completed a simulated straits transit during the Group Sail.

“Straits transit training is a critical evolution for the ARG. Sailing as a group forces ships to think broader and act as a team outside the lifelines.” said MAKIN ISLAND Commanding Officer Capt. Jon P. Rodgers.

Crary said the ARG performed well during Group Sail and the success was a product of teamwork and preparation.

“Our Sailors have worked extremely hard to bring the ships and staff to this level of readiness, and it was evident in their performance this week,” said Crary. “Each ship and the PHIBRON staff learned some significant and valuable lessons that each will build upon to set the ARG up for success during the rest of the integrated training phase and deployment.”

With Group Sail complete, the MAKIN ISLAND ARG, together with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), will focus on the remaining elements of the integrated training phase, which consist of PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT), Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and the Certification Exercise (CERTEX), as the group continues to refine its skills for a scheduled deployment in fall 2016.

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30 for 30

Thirty Midshipmen live aboard USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) for thirty days.

U.S. Navy story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Devin M. Langer The amphibious assault ship USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) hosted thirty midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), from June 27 to July 22, as part of the Midshipman Summer Cruise program.

The Midshipmen joined MAKIN ISLAND for two weeks in-port and two weeks underway to learn about U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations at sea, experience shipboard life, and gain a more thorough understanding of the responsibilities of junior officers afloat.

“The midshipmen are here to experience life as a junior enlisted and junior officer on board surface ships in the Navy,” said Assistant Training Officer Lt. j.g. Christopher Yee, from Fremont, California.

“This experience gives the midshipmen a better understanding and foresight of how to best serve the enlisted men and women they will lead upon joining the fleet as division officers.”

“The summer cruise allows midshipmen to see many facets of the Navy, which is important because they get to learn about their different career options,” said Lt. j.g. Sarah Kline, from Apex, North Carolina. “It is our responsibility to educate them as much as possible about this platform and the Navy-Marine Corps team

so they can make an informed decision when they choose a career path.”

The midshipmen joined MAKIN ISLAND underway during the ship’s first phase of integrated training with Amphibious Squadron Five and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“I really appreciated being able to visit the pilot house,” said Midshipman 3rd Class Devon Mockridge, from Center Moriches, New York. “I was able to see USS Somerset (LPD 25) and USS Comstock (LSD 45) sail in formation with MAKIN ISLAND, which helped remind me that there is more going on than just what is right in front of you, and how everything is part of a bigger mission.”

“I’ve enjoyed learning what enlisted life is like,” said U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman 3rd Class Kylie Johnson, from Berwyn, Pennsylvania. “From living in the enlisted berthing, eating on the mess decks and seeing the day-to-day life of an enlisted Sailor, I have a stronger understanding of how decisions I will make as a division officer will impact those I will be responsible for.”

Each midshipman was given a running mate – officers for first

class midshipmen and enlisted Sailors for second and third class midshipmen – responsible for ensuring each midshipman had the most thorough and educational experience while onboard MAKIN ISLAND. Midshipmen shadowed their running mates throughout the ship, learning how their mentors accomplished daily duties. The midshipmen stood watch with their running mates, observed how they conducted maintenance, attended briefings with them, cleaned the ship beside them, and enjoyed meals with them, all in an attempt to gain an understanding of Navy shipboard life and operations.

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Danni Li, from Flushing, New York, was grateful to be selected as Johnson’s running mate.

“Getting chosen to host a midshipman was an honor, and I’ve enjoyed teaching her all about shipboard life,” said Li. “She’s also given me a lot of advice about leadership. We’re learning from each other, and it’s a win-win situation.”

While the midshipmen experienced day-in and day-out life onboard, the future officers participated in several events off-ship, as well.

“Since being underway I’ve flown in an Osprey, which was an awesome opportunity,” said Johnson. “The entire crew has been very accommodating. They even let us ride in an LCAC [landing craft, air cushion].”

Boston College NROTC Midshipman 2nd Class Catherine Senoyuit, from Perkasie, Pennsylvania, said her running mate and the crew were very friendly and informative.

“It’s been nice getting see the spaces and talk with each of the Sailors,” said Senoyuit. “Everyone is so knowledgeable about what they do, and they’re willing to break it down for me in a way that I can understand. That adds a lot of value to the entire experience.”

Not only does the summer cruise give midshipmen a chance to see shipboard operations firsthand, but it also allows commanding officers the opportunity to decide which future leaders will have a place in their wardrooms.

“At the end of the summer, the commanding officer will be allowed to select two first class midshipmen from their summer cruise to join the USS MAKIN ISLAND wardroom after their commissioning,” said Yee. From MV-22 Osprey rides and simulated amphibious assaults to morning quarters, cleaning stations and small-arms weapons qualifications, these midshipmen have enjoyed a summer most college students will never know, all the while learning something no shore-based classroom can teach – the awesome feeling of being underway with the world’s greatest Navy.

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