Navy's first hybrid-drive warship goes to sea

The future of the Navy, and a baby step toward easing America’s military dependence on oil, chugged out of San Diego Bay on Monday.

Now two years old, the amphibious ship Makin Island departed on its maiden deployment, bound to prove that the Navy’s first hybrid-drive warship — part electric, part gas — can cut it in real-life scenarios.

The fuel savings to date seem impressive. On an average day, the Makin Island uses 15,000 gallons of fuel, versus 35,000 to 40,000 gallons on an older steam ship of its type, said Capt. James Landers, commanding officer.

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