Pascagoula, Miss. shipyard since Hurricane Katrina, Sen. Miss. August 19, 2006 christening of Makin Island (LHD 8). travel at speeds up to 20+ knots. It will carry a crew of approximately 1,000 sailors and 1,900 Marines. Silke B. Hagee, wife of USMC Gen. the U.S. name as Makin Island. Japanese-held island on Aug. 17-18, 1942. Marine Corps Lt. Col. while Marine Corps Sgt. War II. ceremony. assault ships. traditional steam-powered amphibious ships. company facilities: New Orleans, Gulfport, Miss. and Tallulah, La. assault vehicle. support, including a hospital with six operating rooms.