USS Makin Island conducts flight ops in Pacific Ocean

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Brandt Alexander, assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), signals to an F-35B Lightning II, attached to Fixed-Wing Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, on the flight deck, July 16, 2026. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are currently underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations to enhance their combined Navy-Marine Corps readiness and lethality (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eric Nelson)