USS Makin Island Underway Following Malaysia Port Visit

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Donnie W. Ryan, USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs

USS MAKIN ISLAND, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) is underway following a four-day port visit to Sepangar, Malaysia, May 18-21.

The port visit served not only as a break for the crew after more than four months of conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, but also as part of the U.S. Navy's ongoing commitment to theater security cooperation and partnership with allied navies to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region.

More than 2,000 Makin Island Sailors and Marines from the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit experienced the Malaysian culture, took part in a community service project and participated in numerous Morale, Welfare and Recreation tours.

"Our port visit to Malaysia was both rewarding and relaxing," said Capt. Cedric Pringle, Makin Island's commanding officer. "Our rewards were tied to the numerous engagement opportunities with one of our strongest partners in the Southeast Asia region."

Pringle said tours of Makin Island for more than 100 Malaysian officers and enlisted personnel were reciprocated with Makin Island officers touring the Malaysian submarine Scorpene SS. A golf tournament and a soccer match were also engagement highlights of the visit.

"Additionally, relaxation for more than 2,000 Sailors and Marines was available through a wide variety of activities available in Kota Kinabalu which ranged from diving to shopping to mountain climbing," said Pringle. "Overall, this was one of our most fulfilling port visits to date."

On a broader note, Pringle also acknowledged the value of Makin Island's visit to U.S. Pacific Command theater-level operations.

"Our engagement with the Royal Malaysian Navy increases opportunities for other large U.S. ships to visit Kota Kinnabalu. The city is perfectly located for westbound or eastbound deployers to take advantage of additional training opportunities and well-deserved liberty," said Pringle. "We are proud to work with the Royal Malaysian Navy, and I hope they enjoyed visiting our ship as much as we enjoyed visiting their country."

During the port visit, 40 Sailors and Marines also took part in a community service project at Bukit Harapan Therapeutic Community children's home in Kota Kinabalu, May 19.

"I went in order to provide manpower and help to those in need, but walked away feeling like I was the one who truly benefited," said Cmdr. Dwight Horn, Makin Island's command chaplain who organized the project. "I was so moved to be at this ministry that reaches out to those who otherwise would not have a home and who would be left on the streets."

Horn said there were two types of work done during the project. The first was interaction with the children that consisted of games, drawing, songs. The second part was clearing a drainage ditch of sediment that had built up from erosion.

"I was profoundly humbled when I tried to provide compassion to the leaders of this organization, assuming that they would have numerous needs and difficult challenges, only to be told that they were entirely content in their faith," added Horn. "Most Americans would have complained endlessly at the challenges and conditions but these people were content to love, unbelievable. I will forever be moved."

Horn said that the organization was extremely thankful for the arduous work performed by the group of Sailor and Marine volunteers.

"To see the Marines and Sailors loving the children and making their lives better in those moments was electric," said Horn. "To see the incredible, difficult work that was done, being a part of it first hand, and then to see the completion of that project was extremely gratifying."

Sailors and Marines who participated in the project said they also found it to be rewarding.

"The highlight of the event for me was seeing a very young girl's interaction with a Marine," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Matthew G. Alexander, a Makin Island Sailor who participated in the community service project. "She had taken his cover and his blouse and put it on and continued to dance and sing with the Marine. Seeing the happiness in the young child was a great reward."

Alexander said his role in the project was helping to clear mud, weeds and other debris from a drainage ditch on the property to help prevent flooding during the rainy season.

"I am constantly looking for opportunities to help those that are less fortunate because it was not too long ago where I was in a similar position," said Alexander. "I just feel like I need to give back to the world."

Makin Island is the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy using a hybrid-electric propulsion system. By using this unique propulsion system, the Navy expects, over the course of the ship's lifecycle, to see fuel savings of more than $250 million, proving the Navy's commitment to energy awareness and conservation.

This initiative is one of many throughout the Navy and Marine Corps that will enable the Department of the Navy to achieve the Secretary of the Navy's energy goals to improve our energy security and efficiency afloat and ashore, increase our energy independence and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy.

Makin Island is the flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group that is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

The 7th Fleet area of operations includes more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian oceans, stretching from the international date line to the east coast of Africa, and from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south.

USS Makin Island Sailors, Marines Volunteer at Malaysian Children's Home

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Alan J. Gragg, USS Makin Island Public Affairs

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) volunteered their time with children at the Bukit Harapan Therapeutic Community children's home in Kota Kinabalu, May 19.

A group of Makin Island Sailors, along with Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), interacted with children in the home and cleaned out a drainage trench on the property.

"The kids are always very excited to have the U.S. Navy come here," said Audra Keyworth, the Bukit Harapan administrator. "We were also happy to host the U.S. Marine Corps too."

"Even though there is a language barrier, the kids always enjoy themselves when [U.S. military members] visit, and the yard work is a big help too," she added.

After briefly greeting the children, half of the volunteers split away from the group to take on the task of removing mud out of a drainage trench.

For one of the trench workers, Operations Specialist 3rd Class Byron Reynolds, the event was his first community service project overseas. He said he didn't know what to expect, but was told to wear his Navy Working Uniform because he might get a little dirty.

"It was a laborious time, but it was well worth it," said Reynolds, whose lower body was covered in mud after the project was completed. "If I have a chance to do another event like this, I will.

"I will definitely remember this day for all the hard work we did, but I don't mind putting in the effort because it feels great to help people, and it feels even better to help kids who are less fortunate than us," added Reynolds.

Bukit Harapan provides medical care, education opportunities and a caring home for handicapped and orphaned children, as well as abused single women.

While the trench work was going on outside, the other half of the group was inside the home playing games with the children.

"First we played 'Duck, Duck, Goose,' then I colored with them, and took pictures with them," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Thao Miller. "I had a really good time, and I will definitely try to do something like this again, especially if it involves kids."

To conclude the day, representatives from Makin Island's First Class Petty Officer's Association presented a $500 donation to Bukit Harapan.

This is the first time Makin Island has visited Malaysia. The ship and its crew, along with the embarked 11th MEU, departed San Diego Nov. 14, 2011, on deployment.

Makin Island is the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy using a hybrid-electric propulsion system. By using this unique propulsion system, the Navy expects over the course of the ship's lifecycle, to see fuel savings of more than $250 million, proving the Navy's commitment to energy awareness and conservation.

This initiative is one of many throughout the Navy and Marine Corps that will enable the Department of the Navy to achieve the Secretary of the Navy's energy goals to improve our energy security and efficiency afloat and ashore, increase our energy independence and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy.

Makin Island is the flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group that is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

The 7th Fleet area of operations includes more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific and Indian oceans, stretching from the international date line to the east coast of Africa, and from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south.

Emory S. Land Sailors Conduct Dive with Royal Malaysian Navy

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Samuel Souvannason, USS Emory S. Land Public Affairs

SEPANGAR, Malaysia (NNS) -- Navy divers assigned to submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) conducted a coordinated scuba diving evolution with Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) divers April 8.

"We were honored by our Malaysian counterpart's invitation to conduct joint diving operations," said Chief Navy Diver Jose Castilla. "This was an opportunity to enhance the enlisted side of our two militaries' growing relationship."

Before the dive, the RMN sailors toured Emory S. Land and exchanged t-shirts.

"It's sort of a tradition," said Navy Diver 2nd Class Jody Kappen. "When divers get together with other divers we exchange t-shirts. It allows us to showcase the different places we dive and the different divers we meet, and this is certainly one I'll want to show off."

Royal Malaysian Navy diver Seruji and Navy Diver 1st Class Peter Kozminsky took to the water to conduct a scuba diving evolution involving the inspection of the ship's screw as part of a pre-underway check.

"The Malaysian divers' familiarity with these waters was critical to the success of the evolution," said Castilla.

Land is in Malaysia as part of a theater security cooperation and good will mission in the region. Land is currently on an extended deployment to Guam serving as 7th Fleet's lead afloat fleet maintenance activity. USS Emory S. Land is homeported in Diego Garcia.

To learn more about USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) visit www.as39.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/emorysland.

Emory S. Land and Louisville Continue to Help Malaysian Community During Port Visit

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Chris Williamson, USS Emory S. Land Public Affairs

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (NNS) -- Sailors from submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) and Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) help improve the quality of life for children at Bukit Harapan Therapeutic Community Orphanage in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, April 5.

Bukit Harapan Orphanage is a non-profit organization for the physically and mentally handicapped. Established by founder Anne "Mama Anne" Keyworth on Nov. 8, 1989 under the Malaysian Trustees Ordinance Act, this facility offers children and adults the trust and love of a family; a family that Sailors from Land and Louisville are now a part of, said Keyworth.

"Everyone who helps out my children, the orphans, is considered family," she said. "I'm so glad that the children deem themselves brothers and sisters with Sailors from the U.S. Navy."

Bukit Harapan currently has 46 residents from ages four to 54 years old, some of whom live with cerebral palsy and other special needs. According to Keyworth, a couple of the orphanage's objectives are to help special needs children understand, handle and develop their emotions in a proper direction; foster, as much as possible, the healing of their mental, emotional and physical health; and ultimately train them according to their individual capabilities so they may become self dependant.

"Everything my staff and I do is for the children and women who stay here," said Keyworth. "We are not government funded, so everything is donated. We do as much as we can to help them succeed. Truly the Sailors' efforts here today are a blessing that we will never forget."

Land's religious ministries department worked together with the orphanage and the Kota Kinabalu Rotary Club to put the event together, with 30 Sailors and one civilian mariner volunteering during their off time to perform maintenance and socialize with the children.

"It's the people that drive community service projects," said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Norman Oehring. "If it wasn't for all the volunteers who showed up to help, this never would have been accomplished. The orphans greatly valued all of our support."

Originally, Sailors planned to spend the day playing with the children. However, several Sailors from Land's repair department went to the site to conduct repairs on a basketball hoop, the facility's water reservoir, playground equipment and even the roof of the orphanage itself.

"I'm just glad I could help out," said Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class (SW) Josh Taylor. "Seeing the kids' faces as they play on the equipment that we fixed is definitely well worth my time."

Another eager volunteer, Chief Sonar Technician Submarine (SS) Winfred Cameron, attached to Louisville, said that their involvement had a major impact on the community.

"It couldn't have gone any better," Cameron said. "It was a chance for the tender and submarine to interact with children who needed our help and care."

According to Keyworth, it has always been the goal of Bukit Harapan to aid the helpless, from young to old. The orphanage is grateful that many individuals from the local community, including the U.S. Navy, give their support in the form of donating time, effort and smiles.

"The Sailors not only helped with repairs and play time," she said. "They helped the orphans find confidence in life again, and to look forward to the future."

The U.S. Navy has been the first military service to provide support to the orphanage.

Land is in Malaysia conducting a coordinated tended mooring with Louisville as part of a theater security cooperation and good will mission in the region. Land is currently on an extended deployment to Guam serving as 7th Fleet's lead afloat fleet maintenance activity from the ship's permanent home port of Diego Garcia.