'Green Ship' Makin Island commissioned

SAN DIEGO - The U.S. Navy commissioned the 'green ship' USS Makin Island into service Saturday in San Diego.

Dubbed the 'Prius of Navy warships,' the amphibious assault ship is built with gas turbine engines and electric drive. The Navy projects that this advance will save nearly $250 million in fuel costs over the ship's lifetime.

The Navy claims the development is already paying off. During the ship's transit from Pascagoula, Miss., to San Diego, the Makin Island consumed over 900,000 gallons less fuel than a steam ship completing the same transit, saving more than $2 million in fuel costs. Other environmentally-friendly initiatives on the ship include the use of an electric plant to power auxiliaries, meaning no steam or associated chemicals; and the use of reverse osmosis water purification systems that negate the need for chemicals like bromine or chlorine.

"USS Makin Island represents the US Navy's long standing commitment to both the defense of our nation and ensuring security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond," said Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander, Pacific Fleet. "This commissioning also marks a new and significant chapter in the US Navy's history. The Navy will look to the USS Makin Island as the example as we move aggressively forward with plans to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and other hazardous chemicals."

The USS Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class.

----------------

On the Net:  USS Makin Island Commissioning