My Experience and Insights From Aboard the USS Makin Island

Earlier this summer, I joined leaders from USAA, City of Escondido Police Department, CNSF, Band of Angels, Wells Fargo, Falcon Valley Group, and Amalgamated Audit to observe firsthand the everyday procedures of the deployed amphibious naval ship USS Makin Island.

The ship is named after the island in the Pacific, which was held by the Japanese in World War II, and raided by the 2nd Marine “Raider” battalion in 1942.

Our trip was arranged through the Leaders to Sea program, and I had the privilege of representing the AT&T Defense segment. The program is designed to tell the Navy story in a way that can be communicated only through personally experiencing naval surface operations up close.

To start the day, we were escorted onto a massive chopper, the Sikorsky Sea Hawk (SH-60), and transported to the ship. This helicopter, during deployment, is designed to carry out naval operations and rescue missions across the globe. In the SH-60, we soared over the California coast before landing on the USS Makin Island.

We then ate breakfast with Captain Mark Melson as he shared his experience leading the crew. 

The USS Makin Island is as gigantic and self-sufficient as an island in the middle of the sea. From the sky, the ship looks like a moving mountain, and up close it looks like its own city. Although the visit lasted a day, we could have easily explored the enormous ship for a week and still have had places left to discover.

The crew bustles in perfect synchrony, almost as an extended part of the ship. They led our group around their vessel, explaining their daily procedures and showcasing the ingenuity of the ship. I was struck by the USS Makin Island’s huge strides in fuel and cost efficiency as well as advancements in naval technology. You could sense the ship had an environment that fostered ingenuity.

It was an amazing opportunity to be able to witness the everyday life of a naval warfighter and get a deeper understanding of the sacrifices our armed forces make every day keeping our nation safe. Many of the people working at and alongside AT&T have served either in the Navy or elsewhere, and the tour gave me a sense of my colleague’s former daily routines.

It was a truly humbling experience and served as a reminder of all the sacrifices soldiers make to keep our country safe. To be able to see the duties and operations of these sailors, up close and personal, only strengthened my respect and resolve to support our armed forces. 

Elmer Davis, a reporter and WWII Director of the United States Office of War Information during World War II, once said, "This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." My entire trip, from the helicopter ride, to the ship tour, to the lunch with the crew, reminded me that every act of freedom we exercise reflects these warfighters hard work and dedication to this great nation.

Have you had an opportunity to observe the daily routine of our military in some capacity? I’d be interested in hearing your observations and insights.