August 19, 2006 The last ship in the Wasp-class of amphibious assault ships, Makin Island, was christened during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Miss. The Makin Island (LHD 8) is the Navy’s first amphibious assault ship equipped with a hybrid electric-drive propulsion system, a 4,160 volt electrical distribution system and an advanced machinery control system (MCS). Capt. Robert G. Kopas is the prospective commanding officer.

The Makin Island is named for the daring raid carried out by Marine Corps Companies Alpha and Bravo, Second Raider Battalion, on Japanese-held Makin Island, in the Gilbert Islands, Aug. 17-18, 1942. The raid was launched from the submarines USS Nautilus (SS 168) and USS Argonaut (SS 166) and succeeded in routing the enemy forces based there, gaining valuable intelligence. Twenty-three Navy Crosses were awarded for actions during the raid, including to the raid’s leader, Marine Corps Lt. Col. Evans Carlson, and executive officer, Marine Corps Maj. James Roosevelt (son of President Franklin Roosevelt). Marine Corps Sgt. Clyde Thomason was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroism during the raid and was the first enlisted Marine to be so honored during World War II.

March 7, 2008 The Pre Commissioning Unit (PCU) Makin Island reached milestone Feb. 26 when became the first Navy vessel with a 35,000 horsepower LM2500+ gas turbine engine to successfully complete forward main engine light off (MELO). This successful light-off paves the way for an aft MELO scheduled for March that will allow all necessary tests to the ship's propulsion system prior to builder's trials in June and acceptance trials in August.

December 19, The Makin Island successfully underwent Builder's Trials Dec. 13 in the Gulf of Mexico. The trials mark the first time this amphibious assault ship has gone to sea on its own power. The ship is scheduled to begin acceptance trials in February 2009 and is expected to deliver to the fleet later that year.

March 19, 2009 LHD 8 successfully completed a third series of trials and may be on its way to a spring delivery date to the Navy. The ship was damaged in August 2005 by Hurricane Katrina, and last April, Northrop announced the company would take a charge of about $320 million to fix faulty wiring and other workmanship problems.

April 16, Northrop Grumman delivered the Makin Island to the U.S. Navy during a short ceremony held on the ship's flight deck at Pascagoula, Miss.

June 13, More than 10,000 Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast employees and their families came aboard the Makin Island for a Family Day.

July 10, PCU Makin Island departed NGSB in Pascagoula, Miss., for a transit to San Diego, Calif., where it will be commissioned in October. While underway, the amphibious assault ship is scheduled to conduct theater security cooperation (TSC) activities with Brazil, Chile and Peru.

August 3, LHD 8 moored at Maua Pier in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a four-day liberty port visit.

August 15, The Makin Island departed Punta Arenas, Chile, after a brief port call.

August 20, The amphibious assault ship moored at Berth 4, South Pacific Terminal in Port of Valparaiso, Chile, for a brief port visit before participating in a joint exercise with the Chilean Navy.

August 29, PCU Makin Island pulled into Callao, Peru, for a goodwill port visit.

September 14, LHD 8 arrived at its homeport of Naval Base San Diego for the first time after a two-month circumnavigation of the South America.

October 16, The Makin Island returned to port after a three-day certification period off the coast of southern California.

October 24, USS Makin Island was commissioned during a 10 a.m. ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, Calif.

December 10, The amphibious assault ship returned to San Diego after an 11-day underway period conducting its first Harrier flight operations, first operations with Amphibious Assault Vehicles and Combat Systems Ships Qualification Trials (CSSQT).

January 25, 2010 USS Makin Island is currently underway for acoustic trials in the SOCAL Op. Area.

February 24, LHD 8 returned to homeport after a week-long underway that focused on Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) operational testing and evaluation.

May 26, USS Makin Island is currently undergoing maintenance during a four-month Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) period. The amphibious assault ship departed dry dock at NASSCO shipyard on May 3; Underway for sea trials on June 30.

August 22, Capt. Humberto L. Quintanilla II relieved Capt. Peter J. Brennan as Commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the LHD 8.

August 23, USS Makin Island was supposed to get out to sea in mid-August for its final contract trials but remained sidelined at its pierside berth Aug. 20 while crews continued to work through an undisclosed problem with the main reduction gear, that was discovered during the normal checks and maintenance on August 5.

August 27, Capt. James W. Landers relieved Capt. Robert G. Kopas as CO of the Makin Island during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship at Naval Base San Diego.

September 18, The amphibious assault ship is currently underway off the coast of southern California conducting special trials in preparation for final contract trials.

September 29, USS Makin Island recently departed homeport for pre-inspection checks.

October 6, LHD 8 pulled into San Fancisco Bay to participate in the city's 30th annual Fleet Week celebration, Oct. 7-12. This year’s Parade of Ships will also include USS Pinckney (DDG 91), USS Curts (FFG 38), USS Champion (MCM 4), USS Pioneer (MCM 9), USS Chief (MCM 14), USCGC Active (WMEC-618), HMCS Whitehorse (MM 705), HMCS Brandon (MM 710) and the historic WWII Liberty Ship Jeremiah O’Brien.

October 28, The Makin Island returned to Naval Base San Diego after a brief underway for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment.

January 31, 2011 The amphibious assault ship returned to homeport after three-day sea trials, completing the maintenance availability period.

February 15, USS Makin Island is currently conducting routine training operations off the West Coast.

February 23, Marines and sailors with the 11th MEU and soldiers with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force embarked the LHD 8 to participate in the at sea portion of exercise Iron Fist.

March 1, A MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166, for the first time conducted flight operations on a West Coast amphibious assault ship since being introduced to the fleet.

March 21, The Makin Island took on approximately 1,200 pallets of ordnance, both from shore facilities as well as from USS Peleliu (LHA 5), during its first full ammunition onload, while underway off the coast of southern California, from March 14-18.

April 13, The amphibious assault ship is currently underway for routine training in the SOCAL Op. Area.

April 21, Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman relieved Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt as Commander, U.S. Third Fleet, during a change-of-command ceremony on board the LHD 8 at Naval Air Station North Island.

May 6, USS Makin Island returned to Naval Base San Diego after conducting routine local operations; Commenced deperming process at Naval Base Point Loma, to reduce the magnetic signature, on May 9.

June 30, The Makin Island departed homeport for routine training off the West Coast.

August 1, LHD 8 is currently underway off the coast of southern California conducting routine operations in preparation for the ship's maiden deployment.

August 10, USS Makin Island departed San Diego for a 12-day Amphibious Squadron (Phibron)/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 11th MEU.

September 16, The amphibious assault ship returned to Naval Base San Diego after completing a 16-day Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

September 29, USS Makin Island ARG departed homeport for a two-week certification exercise (CERTEX).

November 1, LHD 8 is currently underway off the coast of southern California for routine operations.

November 14, USS Makin Island ARG departed San Diego for a scheduled Middle East deployment. This is the first operational deployment of AH-1Z Viper as a detachment of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367.

November 21, The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group pulled into Pearl Harbor for a two-day port visit to Hawaii.

November 24, AV-8B Harriers, currently assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 268 (Reinforced), trained for the first time with the F-22 Raptors, from the 19th Fighter Squadron (FS), during the joint air-to-air exercise over Oahu, from Nov. 20-22.

December 3, USS Makin Island pulled into Apra Harbor, Guam, for a routine port call.

December 12, LHD 8 moored at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, for a brief port visit. The MEU’s AV-8B Harriers will be participating in Commando Sling, an exercise with the Singapore Air Force and U.S. Air Force at Paya Lebar Air Base.

December 14, Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began a cooperative Exercise Kilat Eagle with elements of the Malaysian army at Kuantan, focusing on jungle training, air assault operations, a staff exchange and platoon and company movements.

December 21, USS Makin Island arrived again in Singapore for a six-day port call.

January 6, 2012 USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) relieved of duty USS Bataan (LHD 5) ARG in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AoR).

February 12, Capt. Donald R. Cuddington relieved Capt. Humberto L. Quintanilla, II as Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the LHD 8 in the Arabian Sea.

February 14, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada, assigned to India Company, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/1, 11th MEU, was shot and killed during a live-fire and maneuvering night training exercise with Marines in Djibouti.

February 29, Capt. Cedric E. Pringle relieved Capt. James W. Landers as CO of the Makin Island during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

March 7, USS Makin Island moored at Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Hidd, Bahrain, for a 10-day upkeep.

April 19, LHD 8 recently arrived at Aqaba Naval Base, Jordan, to conduct agricultural counter-measure washdowns of all embarked equipment; Transited the Strait of Tiran southbound on April 23. 

May 18, The Makin Island pulled into Sepanggar Naval Base for a three-day port visit to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

May 25, The amphibious assault ship anchored in Victoria Harbor for a four-day port visit to Hong Kong.

June 13, USS Makin Island arrived in Pearl Harbor for a brief port call to embark friends and family members for a Tiger Cruise.

June 22, USS Makin Island returned to Naval Base San Diego after more than a seven-month maiden deployment.

July 31, The Makin Island departed homeport for local operations in support of the "Leaders at Sea" program; Underway again for local operations on Aug. 8.

August 22, LHD 8 is currently conducting routine training in the SOCAL Op. Area; Underway again from Sept. 4-7.

September 25, General Dynamics NASSCO has been awarded a $18 million modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-4013) for the USS Makin Island Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA). Work is expected to be completed by June 2013.

October 3, USS Makin Island moored at Pier 30/32 in San Francisco, Calif., for a six-day port visit to participate in annual Fleet Week celebration; Ammo offload with the USS Boxer (LHD 4), off the coast of southern California, from Oct. 15-17; Underway for "Leaders to Sea" program on Oct. 23.

June 14, 2013 Capt. Alvin Holsey relieved Capt. Cedric E. Pringle as CO of the Makin Island during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship at Naval Base San Diego.

December 10, USS Makin Island moored at Fuel Pier on Naval Base Point Loma to refuel after an extended 13-month PMA; Underway for sea trials from Dec. 12-15; Underway for well deck and flight deck certification from Jan. 9-18, 2014; Underway for routine training from Feb. 3-7; Underway for ammo onload off Camp Pendleton from Feb. 10-14; Underway for local operations from Feb. 24-28.

March 11, The Makin Island departed San Diego for a three-day underway to conduct Group Sail operations off the coast of southern California.

April 7, USS Makin Island ARG departed homeport for a 12-day underway to participate in Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 11th MEU; Underway for a Mid-Cycle Inspection (MCI) assessment with the INSURV from April 22-23; Underway for a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) from May 6-22; Underway for a Friends and Family Day Cruise on June 6; Underway for a Certification Exercise (CERTEX) from June 10-23.

July 25, USS Makin Island departed Naval Base San Diego for a scheduled deployment.

July 31, Four MV-22B Ospreys, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), launched from the Makin Island and traveled more than 800 nautical miles to insert an element of Marines into a simulated Embassy compound at Bellows Training Area, Hawaii.

August 8, The Makin Island ARG conducted an emergent recovery, by rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB), of 11 researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, ahead of the approaching Tropical Storm Iselle. They were transported to Midway Island later in the afternoon.

August 20, USS Makin Island anchored at Western Anchorage (WA) #2 in Victoria Harbour for a three-day port visit to Hong Kong.

September 6, The Makin Island recently departed Changi Naval Base, Singapore, after a four-day port call for emergent repairs. Transited the Strait of Hormuz on Sept. 15; Conducted turnover with the USS Bataan (LHD 5) on Sept. 21.?

September 24, USS Makin Island recently launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants.

October 1, Two crewmembers jumped into the water, at 5.10 p.m. local time, from an MV-22B Osprey after it lost power during takeoff. The pilot regained control of the aircraft and landed safely on board the Makin Island, while underway in the North Arabian Gulf. Cpl. Jordan L. Spears was lost at sea.

October 13, LHD 8 participated in a combined amphibious assault exercise Cougar Voyage 15, with the Royal Navy’s Response Force Task Group (RFTG) ships, off the coast of Kuwait; Departed Arabian Gulf on Oct. 18; Transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait northbound on Oct. 21.

October 25, USS Makin Island commenced offload of Marines and equipment at Arta Beach, Djibouti, for sustainment training exercises with the French military.

December 14, Capt. Stephen D. McKone relieved Capt. Victor V. Cooper as Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Makin Island in the Gulf of Aden.

December 26, Capt. Jon P. Rogers, Jr., relieved Capt. Alvin Holsey as the 5th CO of Makin Island during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship in the Gulf of Aden.

December 29, USS Makin Island moored at General Cargo Terminal in Port of Duqm, Oman, for a week-long port visit after a nearly four months at sea.

January 9, 2015 The Makin Island, along with USS Comstock (LSD 45), departed the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations (AoO).

January 16, The amphibious assault ship moored again at Berth 3/4, Changi Naval Base for a six-day liberty visit to Singapore.

February 13, LHD 8 moored at Berth K10/11 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a four-day port visit and to embark "Tigers." Offload off Camp Pendleton, Calif., from Feb. 23-24.

February 25, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 6, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego after a seven-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility (AoR).

April 1, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) was awarded a $60,8 million modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-13-C-4404) for the USS Makin Island's Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA). Work is expected to be completed by November.

April 13, USS Makin Island departed homeport for a week-long underway to offload ammunition to USS Essex (LHD 2) and Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook; Anchored north off Camp Pendleton from April 15-17.

April 27, The Makin Island commenced a seven-month Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA) while moored at Pier 13; Underway for sea trials from Dec. 8-11.

January 25, 2016 USS Makin Island moored at Berth 6, Pier 13 after a five-day underway for flight deck certification and burials at sea; Underway for well deck certification and in support of the "Leaders to Sea" program from Feb. 8-11; Underway for deck landing qualifications from Feb. 23-25; Underway again from March 1-4 and March 16-18.

March 28, USS Makin Island departed homeport for a four-day underway to onload ordnance off the coast of Camp Pendleton; Underway for routine testing from April 26-27; Underway for a Friends and Family Day Cruise on April 29; Underway in support of Career Orientation Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) program from June 1-3; Underway again from June 7-8.

June 17, The Makin Island moored at Berth 6, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego after a three-day underway for Group Sail operations.

July 22, LHD 8 moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 after an 11-day underway for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 11th MEU; Underway for INSURV assessment on Aug. 1.

August 4, Capt. Mark A. Melson relieved Capt. Jon P. Rogers, Jr., as CO of the USS Makin Island during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship at Pier 13.

August 25, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 6, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego after a 13-day underway for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX); Underway for a Certification Exercise (CERTEX) from Sept. 7-23.

October 14, USS Makin Island departed Naval Base San Diego for a scheduled Middle East deployment.

From October 20-23, the Makin Island ARG participated in a sustainment training exercise at Bellows Training Area in Oahu, Hawaii.

October 26, USS Makin Island conducted a search and rescue (SAR) operation, 600 miles northwest off Oahu, to locate a Chinese mariner Guo Chuan who was attempting a new world record for a solo trans-Pacific voyage from San Francisco to Shanghai in a 97-foot super trimaran. The amphibious assault ship advanced to within 700 yards from the vessel and launched a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB). Chuan was not on the trimaran and the jib sail was dragging in the water. The U.S. Coast Guard suspended the search on Wednesday night.

From November 10-13, the Makin Island participated in a joint amphibious exercise Tiger Strike 2016, off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia.

November 18, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 3/4, Changi Naval Base in Singapore for a four-day liberty port visit; Entered the U.S. 5th Fleet AoR on Nov. 30.

December 6, The Makin Island ARG conducted an amphibious assault rehearsal at Arta Beach, Djibouti, as part of a sustainment training exercise Alligator Dagger; Concluded the exercise on Dec. 21.

January 8, 2017 USS Makin Island entered the Arabian Gulf after transiting Strait of Hormuz, escorted by USS Mahan (DDG 72).

January 9, LHD 8 moored at Berth 12, Mina Salman Port in Manama for a liberty visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain; Moved to Berth 13 on Jan. 13; Departed Manama on Jan. 15; Transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound on Jan. 16.

January 29, An MV-22B Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), crash-landed in Bayda Province, Yemen, after it was called in to evacuate wounded U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 members, following a predawn raid against the "Al Qaeda headquarters" in the Yakla Region. The aircraft was later destroyed by air strike.

March 14, The Makin Island anchored off Kuwait Naval Base to conduct agricultural counter-measure washdown.

March 18, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 58, Quay 9 in Port of Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for a four-day liberty visit to Dubai; Transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound on March 22; Transited the Strait of Malacca southbound from March 31- April 1.

April 7, USS Makin Island anchored at Kellett Anchorage #1 in Victoria Harbour for a four-day liberty port visit to Hong Kong.

April 20, The Makin Island conducted vertical replenishment (VERTREP), with the USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), while underway north of Guam.

May 1, The amphibious assault ship moored at Wharf K10/K11 on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for a four-day port visit and to embark friends and family members for a Tiger Cruise; Offload off Camp Pendleton, Calif., from May 12-13; Embarked more than 120 "Tigers" for an overnight cruise on May 14.

May 15, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 6, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego following a seven-month deployment.

June 6, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) was awarded a $105,4 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-17-C-4426) for the Makin Island's Drydocking Phased Maintenance Availability (DPMA). Work is expected to be completed by September 2018.

June 26, The Makin Island departed homeport for a four-day underway to offload ammunition at the Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook; Underway for amphibious operations with the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion (AABN) and deck landing qualifications on July 5.

July 10, LHD 8 moored at Berth M/N, Carrier Wharf on Naval Air Station North Island for a brief stop before moored at Berth 6, Pier 13.

August 25, USS Makin Island entered the dry-dock at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

November 9, Capt. David M. Oden relieved Capt. Mark A. Melson as the 7th CO of Makin Island during a change-of-command ceremony at the I-Bar on NAS North Island.

March 27, 2018 The Makin Island undocked and moored at Berth 6, Pier 12 on Naval Base San Diego.

March 15, 2019 Capt. Christopher C. Westphal relieved Capt. David M. Oden as CO of the Makin Island during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship at Pier 12.

August 26, USS Makin Island moored at Navy Fuel Farm (NFF) on Naval Base Point Loma for a brief stop to refuel before underway for sea trials, following an extended 25-month availability; Anchored at A-171 for a brief stop on Aug. 27; Returned home on Aug. 30; Underway again from Sept. 26-28.?

September 30, Rear Adm. John E. Gumbleton relieved Rear Adm. Cedric E. Pringle as Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Makin Island.

October 10, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego after a three-day underway off the coast of southern California; Underway again from Oct. 21-28, Nov. 1-8 and Nov. 19-22; Underway for deck landing qualifications (DLQ) on Dec. 3.

December 11, The Makin Island anchored off Camp Pendleton North to onload ammunition from the Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook; Returned home on Dec. 13.

January 22, 2020 USS Makin Island moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego after a one-day underway off the coast of southern California; Underway again from Feb. 7-14 and March 13; Moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 for a brief stop on March 17; Returned home on March 20.

April 3, The Makin Island departed homeport for a Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise in the SOCAL Op. Area; Anchored approximately 6 n.m. south of Coronado from April 18-19; Departed SOCAL Op. Area southbound on April 23.

April 26, USS Makin Island rendezvous with the USS Kidd (DDG 100), approximately 120 n.m. southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, to provide medical assistance, following the outbreak of the coronavirus aboard the guided-missile destroyer.

April 28, LHD 8 moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego; Moved to Berth 6, Pier 13 on May 1.

June 12, Capt. Thomas A. Ulmer relieved Capt. Christopher C. Westphal as CO of the Makin Island during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship.

July 20, The Makin Island moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 after a brief underway off the coast of San Diego; Underway for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 15th MEU, on July 25; Moored at Berth 6, Pier 13 on Aug. 11.

October 5, USS Makin Island departed San Diego for a scheduled Middle East deployment.

November 10, The Makin Island moored at Berth M/N on Naval Air Station North Island for a one-day stop after participated in a combined ARG/MEU Exercise (MEUEX) and Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), in the SOCAL Op. Area; Transited northbound, off the west coast of Hawai'i Island, just after midnight on Nov. 18.

From November 18-20, the Makin Island ARG participated in a sustainment training exercise at the Pohakuloa Training Area; Transited the Luzon Strait westbound on Dec. 6; Transited the Strait of Singapore on Dec. 12; Transited the Malacca Strait northbound from Dec. 12-13; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) on Dec. 15.

December 21, USS Makin Island ARG arrived off the coast of Mogadishu, Somalia, in support of Operation Octave Quartz, to relocate the U.S. DOD forces to other East Africa operating locations.

January 15, 2021 The Makin Island conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Big Horn, while underway in the Indian Ocean; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) on Jan. 18;Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Big Horn on Jan. 27; Transited the Strait of Hormuz northbound, escorted by USS Port Royal (CG 73), on Feb. 8.

February 13, The Makin Island launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, while underway in the North Arabian Gulf; Moored at Berth 6, Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) in Hidd, Bahrain, from Feb. 15-21; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) on March 7; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) on March 12; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Carl Brashear on March 16.

March 17, USS Makin Island transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound, escorted by USS Port Royal; Participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the USS Port Royal, FS Charles de Gaulle (R91), FS Provence (D652), JS Ariake (DD 109) and BS Leopold I (F930), while underway in the northern Arabian Sea, on March 19.

March 23, USS Makin Island moored at Navy Terminal in Port of Duqm, Oman, for a three-day port call; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Carl Brashear on March 27; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Big Horn on March 29; Transited the Malacca Strait southbound from April 7-8; Transited the Strait of Singapore eastbound on April 8.

April 9, The Makin Island participated in a PHOTOEX with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS San Diego (LPD 22), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Port Royal and USS Russell (DDG 59), while underway as a "show of force" in the South China Sea; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) on April 11; Transited the Mindoro Strait southbound on April 12; Transited the San Bernardino Strait northbound on April 13; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) on April 14.

April 18, USS Makin Island moored at X-Ray Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a three-day port call.

April 20, Capt. Henry S. Kim relieved Capt. Stewart L. Bateshansky as Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3 during a change-of-command ceremony on board the Makin Island.

April 23, The Makin Island conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14), while underway in the Pacific Ocean; Arrived in the vicinity of Aleutian Islands, to participate in a biennial exercise Northern Edge, on May 2; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) on May 14; Anchored off the coast of Camp Pendleton for ammo offload from May 19-20.

May 23, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego following a seven-and-a-half month deployment.

June 29, The Makin Island departed homeport to offload ammunition; Anchored off the coast of Camp Pendleton North from June 30- July 1; Moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 on July 2.

September 9, Capt. Tony Chavez relieved Capt. Thomas A. Ulmer as the 10th CO of Makin Island during a change-of-command ceremony on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

October 22, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego after a nine-day underway off the coast of southern California; Underway again from Nov. 1-5; Underway in support of amphibious exercise Steel Knight 22, with the elements of 1st Marine Division, from Dec. 2-13.

February 11, 2022 USS Makin Island moored at Berth 6, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego after a 10-day underway for Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise; Underway again on March 15.

March 18, USS Makin Island moored at Pier 30/32 in San Francisco, Calif., for a four-day port visit; Returned home on March 25; Moored at Navy Fuel Farm (NFF) for a brief stop to refuel before underway again on April 8.

April 10, The Makin Island anchored off Camp Pendleton for a day-long stop to conduct training with Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs), from the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion (AABN), 1st Marine Division; Returned home on April 18; Underway again from April 26-27; Underway for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 7/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 13th MEU, on July 6.

July 11, The Makin Island anchored off Camp Pendleton for a brief stop to onload Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) from the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion (AABN), 1st Marine Division; Moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 on July 18.

July 21, Capt. Justin A. Kubu relieved Capt. Jennifer L. Ellinger as Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 7 during a change-of-command ceremony on board the Makin Island.

August 1, USS Makin Island departed Naval Base San Diego for ARG/MEUEX in the SOCAL Op. Area; Moored at Navy Fuel Farm (NFF) for a brief stop to refuel before returned home on Aug. 17; Underway for a Sustainment Exercise (SUSTEX) on Aug. 29; Anchored off Camp Pendleton for ammo onload from Sept. 15-1?; Moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 on Sept. 20; Moved to Berth 6, Pier 13 on Nov. 2.

November 9, USS Makin Island departed San Diego for an Indo-Pacific deployment, one-day later than scheduled due to high winds.

November 19, The Makin Island moored at Wharf K10/K11 on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for a four-day port call to conduct emergent repairs; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10), while underway in the Philippine Sea, on Dec. 4; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) on Dec. 5.

December 10, LHD 8 transited the Makassar Strait southbound; Conducted operations off the northeast coast of Java Island, Indonesia, in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX), from Dec. 15-20; Transited the Karimata Strait northbound on Dec. 22.

December 24, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 3/4, RSS Singapura for a five-day liberty port visit to celebrate the Christmas Day; Moored at Berth 3/4, RSS Singapura again, for CARAT/MAREX exercise, from Jan. 8-12.

January 21, 2023 USS Makin Island conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198), while underway in the western South China Sea; Moored at Berth 3/4, RSS Singapura for upkeep from Feb. 1-10.

February 15, The Makin Island participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), while underway as a "show of force" northeast of Great Natuna Island; Anchored off Sattahip, Thailand, in support of exercise Cobra Gold 23, from Feb. 22-28.

March 3, USS Makin Island participated in a PHOTOEX with the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), ROKS Il Chul Bong (LST 688) and HTMS Angthong (LPD 791), while underway in the Gulf of Thailand; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Big Horn on March 5; Moored at Berth 2, C0 Terminal in Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, from March 7-10.

March 21, The Makin Island ARG participated in a PHOTOEX with the ROKS Dokdo (LPH 6111), ROKS Marado (LPH 6112) and seven other ROK Navy ships, while underway as a "show of force" off the southeast coast of Republic of Korea; Moored at Berth 2/3 in Busan Naval Base, ROK, from March 22-26.

March 27, The Makin Island ARG arrived off the coast of Pohang, ROK, to participate in amphibious landing exercise Ssang Yong 2023; Moored at Berth 1 in Busan Naval Base from April 3-4; Moored at Akasaki Pier in Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, to refuel from April 4-5.

April 10, USS Makin Island anchored in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, for a two-day stop before participating in annual exercise Balikatan; Arrived off the northeast coast of Palawan on April 13; Participated in a PHOTOEX on April 19; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199), while underway off the coast of Zambales, on April 25.

April 28, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 3/4, Pier 15 in Manila South Harbor, Republic of the Philippines, for a six-day liberty port visit.

April 28, Capt. Andria L. Slough relieved Capt. Tony Chavez as CO of the LHD 8 during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship.

May 4, The Makin Island anchored in Subic Bay for a two-day stop to conduct backload; Transited the San Bernardino Strait northbound on May 10.

May 11, General Dynamics NASSCO was awarded a $66,8 million for the USS Makin Island's Selected Restricted Availability (SRA). Work is expected to be completed by October 2024.

May 12, The Makin Island conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200), while underway in the Philippine Sea; Moored at Berth 2/3, Tango Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, from May 14-15; Moored at Pier H3 in Pearl Harbor from May 24-28; Arrived off the coast of Camp Pendleton for offload on June 4; Embarked friends and family members for a Tiger Cruise on June 7.

June 8, USS Makin Island moored at Berth 6, Pier 8 on Naval Base San Diego following a seven-month deployment.

July 10, The Makin Island departed homeport to offload ammunition off the coast of Camp Pendleton; Moored at Berth 5, Pier 8 on July 17; Underway again from July 18-19.

October 17, Capt. Jose Arana relieved Capt. Andria L. Slough as the 12th CO of Makin Island during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship.