Deputy Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Navy, pay a visit to 'USS Makin Island' (LHD 8). Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus met recently with several flag and general officers in the area on board USS Makin Island (LHD 8) for a leadership breakfast and to tour the ship. Following breakfast, the guests were taken on a tour of Makin Island and were able to meet many of the sailors who help to keep the ship fully mission capable. Lt. Cmdr. Brian Ponce, Makin Island's main propulsion assistant, led the group on a tour of Nr.