USS Makin Island (LHD 8) crew successfully completed the Mobility Damage Control Warfare (MOB-D) Assessment, April 14, bringing the ship and crew another critical certification closer to full deployment readiness.

The ship's multiple-stage certification assessment, which began in October 2015, included a comprehensive review of the material readiness of damage control equipment, shipboard training in DC fundamentals and Sailor level of knowledge in damage control tactics, techniques and procedures.

"Damage control is vital to a warship's readiness to deploy," said Commanding Officer Capt. Jon P. Rodgers. "Damage Control is an all hands effort; and every crew member proudly demonstrated their ability to defend the ship. I couldn't be more proud of our crew for this noteworthy achievement."

Afloat Training Group Pacific assessed the crew's ability to respond to the full range of damage control and emergency situations. Sailors completed more than 40 damage control drills, including fires, flooding, toxic gas leaks, chemical, biological, and radiological attacks, major conflagration and loss of power scenarios for the assessment.

Makin Island's Damage Control Training Team (DCTT) spent weeks improving Sailors' knowledge on basic damage control procedures, such as fire hose handling, pipe patching, and erecting shoring to defend against structural damage.

"Long hours over many months went into training our Sailors," said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class, and DCTT member, Casey Jones from Smyrna, Delaware. "We were ready well before the assessment."

"We succeeded because we maintained a forward-leaning attitude throughout the entire certification," said Damage Control Assistant Lt. Cmdr. Ty Wiese, from Satellite Beach, Florida. "The entire crew put forth a huge effort, from managing schedules, to frequently and clearly communicating with our training teams and ATG, and coordinating evolutions with multiple, simultaneous shipboard operations."

With a successful damage control certification complete, and knowing they are fully prepared to ensure the ship's survivability, Makin Island Sailors are focusing on the remaining deployment preparations as they prepare to enter the integrated training phase.

"I was impressed with the level of commitment and determination by the crew," said Chief Damage Controlman Jason Carwile, from Centerville, Virginia. "They were motivated, unwavering and ready - a true testament to this crew's resolve as we prepare for deployment."

Makin Island's task is to embark, deploy, and land elements of a Marine landing force in an amphibious assault by helicopters, landing craft, and amphibious vehicles. The ship is midway through its training cycle as it prepares for a scheduled deployment this fall.

For more news from USS Makin Island (LHD 8), visit www.navy.mil/.