Second Raider Battalion News

The U.S. Navy will christen Makin Island, the newest and last ship in the Wasp-class of amphibious assault ships, on Aug. 19, 2006, during a ceremony at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Miss. Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi will deliver the principal address at the ceremony. Silke Hagee, wife of Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee, will serve as ship's sponsor. The ceremony will be highlighted by the time-honored Navy tradition of the sponsor breaking the bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship. 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, on Aug. 17-18, 1942.

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.