USS Makin Island conducts flight operations in the Pacific Ocean

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Taielua Gilmore, assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), directs an MV-22 Osprey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 (Reinforced), as it takes off from the flight deck, August 17, 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Apprentice Tomas Zuelke)