The daylong celebration started with a 5K run alongside the flight deck in observance of the raid on Makin Island. The ship’s identify is in honor of Marine Raider Corporations A and B, Second Raider Battalion on Japanese-held Makin Island, within the Gilbert Islands, Aug. 17-18, 1942.
The celebration continued as Makin Island’s commanding officer, Capt. Tony Chavez, delivered a historic account of the raid adopted by a cake reducing on the mess decks.
“All of the arduous work that we’re doing because the blue-green Raider workforce is showcased within the success of every occasion and thru the morale of the crew,” mentioned Chavez. “I’m pleased with all of our arduous work and dedication and proud to be serving alongside you.”
The aim of the raid was to destroy installations, acquire intelligence on the world and divert Japanese consideration and reinforcements from Guadalcanal. The raid was launched from the submarines USS Nautilus and USS Argonaut and succeeded in routing enemy forces and gaining priceless intelligence. The transformational nature of the raid is regarded by many because the U.S. Marine Corps’ first motion within the realm of particular operations.
After dinner, Makin Island’s Junior Enlisted Affiliation (JEA) hosted an ice cream social for the crew, providing a chance for Sailors and Marines aboard to construct and strengthen camaraderie.
Personnel who attended every occasion will obtain a customized patch commemorating Makin Island’s eightieth anniversary of the ship’s namesake.
Makin Island, flagship of Amphibious Squadron (CPR) SEVEN, together with thirteenth MEU, is at the moment underway conducting built-in coaching within the U.S. third fleet to arrange for an upcoming deployment.
