The U.S. Navy’s newest Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessel, USNS Cody (EPF-14), launched at Austal USA’s shipyard, March 20.
U.S. Navy Launches USNS Cody (EPF-14)
Capable of transporting 600 tons of personnel and cargo up to 1,200 nautical miles / 1381 miles / 2222 km at an average speed of 35 knots / 40 mph / 65 km/h, each EPF vessel includes a flight deck to support day and night aircraft launch and recovery operations. The ships are also capable of interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and can load and off-load heavy vehicles such as a fully combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank.
«Today’s launch marks another successful milestone for the EPF-14, and it demonstrates the strength of the Navy-Austal USA partnership», said Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager, Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships, Tim Roberts. «EPFs provide capability and capacity for a variety of missions, when and where our fleet needs support».
Launching an EPF is a multi-step process, conducted over two full days. The ship is moved from the Modular Manufacturing Facility where it was constructed to a docking barge, and then transported to a floating dry dock. Submerging the dry dock into the water then launches the ship to float on its own.
EPFs operate in shallow waterways. These versatile, non-combatant transport ships are used to quickly transport troops, military vehicles, and equipment needed to support:
Overseas contingency operations;
Humanitarian assistance;
Disaster relief;
Special operations forces efforts;
Theater security cooperation activities;
Emerging joint sea-basing concepts.
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, Program Executive Office, Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft.
The U.S. Navy christened its Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport, the future USNS Cody (T-EPF-14), during a 10:00 a.m. ceremony Saturday, February 25, in Mobile, Alabama.
Navy Christened Future USNS Cody (T-EPF-14)
The Honorable Matt Hall, Mayor of Cody, Wyoming, delivered the ceremonial principal address. Additional speakers included Vice Admiral Francis Morley, principal military deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition; The Honorable Greg Reed, president pro tempore of the Alabama state senate; Rear Admiral Bruce Gillingham, Surgeon General of the Navy; Rear Admiral Michael Wettlaufer, commander, Military Sealift Command; Mr. Rusty Murdaugh, president, Austal USA; and Mr. Stan Kordana, vice president of Surface Systems, General Dynamics Mission Systems.
In a time-honored Navy tradition, Averil Spencer, the ship’s sponsor, christened the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. Spencer is the daughter of the Honorable Richard V. Spencer, 76th Secretary of the U.S. Navy.
«This ship is the first to honor the city of Cody, Wyoming, a city that proudly embodies America’s independence and fighting spirit», said Secretary of the U.S. Navy Carlos Del Toro. «The future USNS Cody (T-EPF-14) will also be the first Flight II configuration in its class, bringing enhanced medical capabilities in addition to its high-speed sealift mobility and agility. I look forward to the depth that this expeditionary fast transport will add to our fleet».
The future USNS Cody (T-EPF-14) will join the fleet as one of nearly 100 U.S. Navy ships operating globally each day ensuring freedom of the seas, protecting international law, and strengthening relationships with Allies and partners.
The Navy’s Military Sealift Command will operate the future USNS Cody (T-EPF-14), the first Flight II configured Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport (EPF). The ship is named in honor of Cody, Wyoming, and is the first ship in naval service named after the city.
EPFs, formerly designated as Joint High Speed Vessels, are all-aluminum catamarans that provide high-speed, shallow-draft transportation capability to support the intra-theater maneuver of personnel, supplies, and equipment for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Army. EPFs enable the rapid projection, agile maneuver, and sustainment of forces in response to a wide range of military and civilian contingencies such as Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO), Humanitarian Assistance, and Disaster Relief (HADR).
The Flight II ships will enhance the medical mission capability of the EPF’s mission portfolio. With an embarked medical unit, the Flight II EPF will have two operating rooms, the ability to support approximately 41 medical patients, and 147 embarked forces. Flight II EPFs will have an 11M Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) and MV-22 capability.
The future USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF-13) is performing a series of planned test events assessing autonomous capabilities integrated into the shipboard configuration, demonstrating that a large ship can become a self-driving platform.
The future USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF-13) performed a series of planned test events – known as Unmanned Logistics Prototype trials – assessing autonomous capabilities integrated into the shipboard configuration, demonstrating that a large ship can become a self-driving platform, July 14
Known as Unmanned Logistics Prototype trials, each test event increases the perception capabilities and complexity of behaviors demonstrated by the autonomous systems. Test evolutions to date include point-to-point autonomous navigation, vessel handling and transfer of vessel control between manned to unmanned modes.
«The autonomous capabilities being demonstrated by this prototype system represent a major technological advancement for the EPF platform, the U.S. Navy at large and our industry partners. EPF-13 will be the first fully operational U.S. naval ship to possess autonomous capability including the ability to operate autonomously in a commercial vessel traffic lane», said Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. «This testing is a game changer and highlights that there is potential to expand unmanned concepts into existing fleet assets».
Collaboration for the test events include team members from PEO Ships, PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants, Naval Systems Engineering and Logistics Directorate – Surface Ship Design and System Engineering, Supervisor of Shipbuilding – Gulf Coast, Naval Surface Warfare Center support from Carderock, Combatant Craft Division, Dahlgren and Philadelphia and the Navy’s shipbuilding and industry partners, Austal USA, L3 Harris and General Dynamics.
Future test events will add levels of difficulty and include night navigation, and differing weather and sea states. These trials will set crucial groundwork for autonomous vessel operations, to include vessel encounter and avoidance maneuvering and compliance with International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
EPFs are shallow draft, commercial-based, catamaran designed for rapid, intra-theater transport of personnel and equipment. The EPF’s high speed, shallow draft, and ability to load/unload in austere ports enables maneuver force agility in achieving positional advantage over intermediate distances without reliance on shore-based infrastructure.
USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF-13) is scheduled to deliver to the U.S. Navy later this year.
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats and craft.
Austal Limited (ASX) is pleased to announce that the United States Navy has exercised a US$230,545,382 (A$324.6M) fixed-priced incentive (firm target) contract option for the detail design and construction of Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) 16 by Austal USA.
T-EPF-16 will be the third ship constructed by Austal USA in «Flight II» configuration, which has enhanced medical and aviation capabilities (image: Austal USA)
T-EPF-16 will be the third ship constructed by in «Flight II» configuration, which has enhanced medical and aviation capabilities. Austal USA has successfully delivered twelve EPF ships to the U.S. Navy since 2012, on schedule and on budget and is currently constructing EPFs 13, 14 and 15 at the company’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF-13) is being developed as a prototype for autonomous operations, while USNS Cody (T-EPF-14) and USNS Point Loma (T-EPF-15) were redesigned to deliver greater medical capability and capacity.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the contract for another EPF with enhanced medical capabilities highlighted both the success of the high-speed vessel platform and its flexibility to deliver various mission profiles.
«Austal’s Flight II EPF’s will further enhance the US Navy’s capability and enable a fast response with expanded medical support facilities available for any mission or theatre of operation», Mr. Gregg said. «We are delighted to see the EPF platform being deployed globally and we’re excited to begin production of another highly capable ship for the United States Navy».
The United States Navy’s fleet of Expeditionary Fast Transport ships conduct humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, maritime security, surveillance, command and control, and counter narcotic missions around the globe. The versatility of the EPF design provides a significant operational capability that can be tailored to the needs of each fleet and combatant commander’s geographic command.
Flight II ships enhance the original capabilities of the Spearhead-class EPFs through incorporation of reconfigurable spaces for operating and post-surgical recovery efforts. Combined with the ship’s V-22 Osprey capable flight deck, Flight II ships provide unmatched versatility.
Construction of T-EPF-16 will commence later this year with delivery projected for 2025. In addition to EPFs 13, 14 and 15 currently in production, Austal USA is currently constructing the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) 32, 34 and 36; and is under contract for LCS 38. Following the opening of the company’s new steel shipbuilding production line, construction will soon commence on the first of two Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ships (T-ATS), T-ATS 11 and 12 for the United States Navy.
This ASX announcement has been approved and authorised for release by Paddy Gregg, Austal Limited’s Chief Executive Officer.
The keel for the future USNS Cody, Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship (EPF-14), the first of the Spearhead-class EPF Flight II configuration, was laid at Austal USA, January 26.
Keel authenticated for the future USNS Cody (T-EPF-14)
A keel laying is the recognition of the start of a ship’s construction. It is the joining together of a ship’s modular components and the authentication or etching of an honoree’s initials into a ceremonial keel plate.
«The new capabilities of this variant of EPFs fulfills a critical need for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps», said Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Ships. «Ensuring that the fleet has fast access to the right medical care increases both the safety and readiness of our Sailors and Marines».
EPFs are operated by the Military Sealift Command and the USNS Cody (T-EPF-14) is the first ship in naval service named after Cody, Wyoming.
Beginning with EPF-14, the Flight II configuration will enhance current EPF capabilities by including a combined forward resuscitative care capability with a limited Intensive Care Unit and medical ward, while maintaining most of the original requirements of the ship. Flight II EPFs will be able to stabilize postsurgical cases for evacuation without the requirement to first route them through a higher facility.
EPF ships provide high speed, shallow draft transportation capabilities to support the intra-theater maneuver of personnel, supplies and equipment for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. The design of the EPF allows flexibility to support the fleet in maintaining a variety of roles, including humanitarian assistance, maritime security, disaster relief and more.
Austal USA is also in construction on the future USNS Point Loma (EPF-15) with production efforts commencing earlier this month.
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, sealift ships, support ships, boats and craft.
Austal Limited is pleased to announce that Austal USA has been awarded a US$235 million (approximately A$295 million) undefinitised contract by the United States Navy (USN) for the detailed design and construction of the 15th Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessel.
USNS Newport (EPF-12) was constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama (Image: Austal)
Austal USA has delivered twelve EPFs to the U.S. Navy since 2012, on schedule and under budget, from the company’s Mobile, Alabama, shipyard.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the new contract was a clear demonstration of confidence by the US Navy in the versatile EPF platform, designed by Austal Australia and manufactured by Austal USA. «The EPF has become a real success story, delivering a fast, flexible and versatile capability to the US Navy. The EPF has made a real difference to military operations and other humanitarian and disaster relief missions over many years now, and this additional vessel contract reflects the continuing confidence in the unique high-speed platform», Mr. Gregg said.
«This latest EPF will expand the medical facilities available on-board, further enhancing the proven operational capabilities of the ship, which has been used for various medical missions in the Pacific, South East Asia and Western Africa. Austal USA is understandably proud of its record of success with the EPF, which has been deployed and operated by U.S. Military Sealift Command (USMSC) for the US Navy, in theatres around the world».
The Spearhead-class EPF is a 103-meter/338-foot high-speed aluminium catamaran with a large, 1,863 m2/20,053 feet2 cargo deck, medium-lift helicopter deck and seating for 300+ embarked troops; providing a fast, high-payload transport capability to combatant commanders around the world. The Austal-designed and built EPFs support a wide range of missions – from maritime security operations to humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
An EPF’s flexibility also allows it to support potential future missions; such as special operations, command and control, and primary medical operations.
One Spearhead-class EPF, the future USNS Apalachicola (EPF-13), is currently under construction at Austal USA’s shipyard, while the future USNS Cody (EPF-14) is scheduled to commence construction in the second half of FY2021. In addition to the EPF program, Austal USA is contracted to deliver 19 Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for the U.S. Navy.
Thirteen Independence-class LCS’ have been delivered, with an additional five ships in various stages of construction and one contracted but yet to commence construction.
This ASX announcement has been approved and authorised for release by Paddy Gregg, Austal Limited’s Chief Executive Officer.
SPECIFICATIONS
PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
Material
Hull and superstructure – aluminium alloy
Length overall
103 m/337.9 feet
Beam overall
28.5 m/93.5 feet
Hull draft (maximum)
3.83 m/12.57 feet
MISSION BAY
Area (with tie-downs)
1,863 m2/20,053 feet2
Clear Height
4.75 m/15.6 feet
Turning diameter
26.2 m/86.0 feet
ISO TEU (Twenty Equivalent Units) Stations
6 Interface Panels
ACCOMMODATIONS
Crew
41
Single SR
2
Double SR
6
Quad SR
7
Troop Seats
312
Troop Berths
Permanent: 104
Temporary: 46
Galley and Messing
48
PROPULSION
Main Engines
4 × MTU 20V8000 M71L Diesel Engines 4 × 9.1 MW
Gear boxes
4 × ZF 60000NR2H Reduction Gears
Waterjets
4 × Wartsila WLD 1400 SR
PERFORMANCE
Average Speed
35 knots/40 mph/65 km/h @ 90% MCR with 635 mt (700 st) payload
Maximum Speed
43 knots/50 mph/80 km/h without payload
Maximum Transit Range
1,200 NM/1,381 miles/2,222 km
Self-Deployment Range
5,600 NM/6,444 miles/10,371 km
Survival Through
SS-7
AVIATION FACILITIES
NAVAIR Level 1 Class 2 Certified Flight Deck for one helicopter
Centreline parking area for one helicopter
NAVAIR Level 1 class 4 Type 2 Certified VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment)
Helicopter Control Station
AUXILIARY SYSTEMS
Active Ride Control
Transcom Interceptors
Foils: 3.24 m2/34.9 feet2 each, forward on inboard sides of demi-hulls
USNS Newport is the 12th Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship to be delivered to the United States Navy – and brings the total number of ships delivered to the Navy by Austal USA to 24 in ten years, including three this year.
USNS Newport (EPF-12) was constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama (Image: Austal)
Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said the delivery of EPF 12 by Austal USA further strengthens the status of its Mobile, Alabama shipyard as an industry-leading facility.
«Austal USA has now delivered 24 ships to the US Navy, in just over ten years, including three in this year alone. This is a remarkable achievement and testament to the productivity and efficiency of the shipyard, which is now expanding to enable the shipbuilding and support of steel vessels», Mr. Singleton said. «The ongoing, successful delivery of both the Spearhead-class EPF and Independence-class LCS shipbuilding programs has positioned the Austal USA shipyard to pursue new aluminium and steel shipbuilding opportunities in the future».
The Spearhead-class EPF is a 103-metre high-speed aluminium catamaran with a large, 1800 square meter cargo deck, medium-lift helicopter deck and seating for 300+ embarked troops; providing a fast, high-payload transport capability to combatant commanders around the world.
The Austal-designed EPFs support a wide range of missions – from maritime security operations to humanitarian aid and disaster relief. An EPF’s flexibility also allows it to support potential future missions; such as special operations, command and control, and primary medical operations.
One additional Spearhead-class EPF is under construction at Austal USA’s shipyard; the future USNS Apalachicola (EPF-13), while the future USNS Cody (EPF-14) is scheduled to commence construction before the end of the year.
In addition to the EPF program, Austal USA is contracted to deliver 19 Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for the U.S. Navy. Twelve Independence-class LCSs have been delivered, with an additional five ships in various stages of construction and two contracted but yet to start.
SPECIFICATIONS
PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
Material
Hull and superstructure – aluminium alloy
Length overall
103 m/337.9 feet
Beam overall
28.5 m/93.5 feet
Hull draft (maximum)
3.83 m/12.57 feet
MISSION BAY
Area (with tie-downs)
1,863 m2/20,053 feet2
Clear Height
4.75 m/15.6 feet
Turning diameter
26.2 m/86.0 feet
ISO TEU (Twenty Equivalent Units) Stations
6 Interface Panels
ACCOMMODATIONS
Crew
41
Single SR
2
Double SR
6
Quad SR
7
Troop Seats
312
Troop Berths
Permanent: 104
Temporary: 46
Galley and Messing
48
PROPULSION
Main Engines
4 × MTU 20V8000 M71L Diesel Engines 4 × 9.1 MW
Gear boxes
4 × ZF 60000NR2H Reduction Gears
Waterjets
4 × Wartsila WLD 1400 SR
PERFORMANCE
Average Speed
35 knots/40 mph/65 km/h @ 90% MCR with 635 mt (700 st) payload
Maximum Speed
43 knots/50 mph/80 km/h without payload
Maximum Transit Range
1,200 NM/1,381 miles/2,222 km
Self-Deployment Range
5,600 NM/6,444 miles/10,371 km
Survival Through
SS-7
AVIATION FACILITIES
NAVAIR Level 1 Class 2 Certified Flight Deck for one helicopter
Centreline parking area for one helicopter
NAVAIR Level 1 class 4 Type 2 Certified VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment)
Helicopter Control Station
AUXILIARY SYSTEMS
Active Ride Control
Transcom Interceptors
Foils: 3.24 m2/34.9 feet2 each, forward on inboard sides of demi-hulls
The U.S. Navy’s twelfth Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessel, USNS Newport (EPF-12), successfully competed Integrated Sea Trials, July 30.
The U.S. Navy’s twelfth Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessel, USNS Newport (EPF-12), successfully competed Integrated Sea Trials, July 30 (Photo by Austal USA)
Integrated Trials combine Builder’s and Acceptance Trials, allowing for the shipyard to demonstrate to the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey the operational capability and mission readiness of all the ship’s systems during a single underway period. During trials, the shipbuilder conducted comprehensive tests to demonstrate the performance of all of the ship’s major systems. The USNS Newport (EPF-12) is the second EPF ship to undergo the Integrated Trial, signifying the stability and maturity of the shipbuilding program.
«Achieving this milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the shipbuilding team and our partners in industry», said Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships. «We are eager to press forward with delivering USNS Newport (EPF-12) to the fleet this year and to enhance the operational flexibility available to our combatant commanders».
EPFs are designed to operate in shallow waterways and are capable of a wide range of activities. The vessels are versatile, non-combatant, transport ships that are being used for high-speed transportation of troops, military vehicles, and equipment. Their missions include overseas contingency operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, support of special operations forces, theater security cooperation activities and emerging joint sea-basing concepts.
EPFs are capable of transporting 600 short tons/544 metric tons 1,200 nautical miles/1,381 miles/2,222 km at an average speed of 35 knots/40 mph/65 km/h. Each vessel includes a flight deck to support day and night aircraft launch and recovery operations. The ships are capable of interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, as well as on/off-loading vehicles such as a fully combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank.
The USNS Newport (EPF-12) is on track to deliver later this year. Austal USA has also started construction of the future USNS Apalachicola (EPF-13) and is under contract to build the future USNS Cody (EPF-14).
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft.
SPECIFICATIONS
PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
Material
Hull and superstructure – aluminium alloy
Length overall
103 m/337.9 feet
Beam overall
28.5 m/93.5 feet
Hull draft (maximum)
3.83 m/12.57 feet
MISSION BAY
Area (with tie-downs)
1,863 m2/20,053 feet2
Clear Height
4.75 m/15.6 feet
Turning diameter
26.2 m/86.0 feet
ISO TEU (Twenty Equivalent Units) Stations
6 Interface Panels
ACCOMMODATIONS
Crew
41
Single SR
2
Double SR
6
Quad SR
7
Troop Seats
312
Troop Berths
Permanent: 104
Temporary: 46
Galley and Messing
48
PROPULSION
Main Engines
4 × MTU 20V8000 M71L Diesel Engines 4 × 9.1 MW
Gear boxes
4 × ZF 60000NR2H Reduction Gears
Waterjets
4 × Wartsila WLD 1400 SR
PERFORMANCE
Average Speed
35 knots/40 mph/65 km/h @ 90% MCR with 635 mt (700 st) payload
Maximum Speed
43 knots/50 mph/80 km/h without payload
Maximum Transit Range
1,200 NM/1,381 miles/2,222 km
Self-Deployment Range
5,600 NM/6,444 miles/10,371 km
Survival Through
SS-7
AVIATION FACILITIES
NAVAIR Level 1 Class 2 Certified Flight Deck for one helicopter
Centreline parking area for one helicopter
NAVAIR Level 1 class 4 Type 2 Certified VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment)
Helicopter Control Station
AUXILIARY SYSTEMS
Active Ride Control
Transcom Interceptors
Foils: 3.24 m2/34.9 feet2 each, forward on inboard sides of demi-hulls
The U.S. Navy’s 12th Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessel, the future USNS Newport (T-EPF-12), was launched at Austal USA’s shipyard, February 20.
USNS Newport (T-EPF-12) launched
The launching of an EPF is a multi-step process. The ship modules are constructed in Austal’s manufacturing facility, then transported to the assembly bay. When ready for launch, the ship is translated by heavy lift machinery to a docking barge in the Mobile River and further translated onto a floating dry dock. From there, the dry dock is submerged and the ship is launched. The translation and launch takes place over the course of two days.
«We are excited to get Newport in the water, so we can shift focus to final outfitting and trials», said Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. «EPFs increase our reach, improving our ability to sustain our Navy and Marine Corps forces around the globe».
EPFs are versatile, non-combatant, transport ships that are being used for high-speed transportation of troops, military vehicles, and equipment. The vessels support a variety of missions including overseas contingency operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, support of special operations forces, theater security cooperation activities and emerging joint sea-basing concepts.
EPFs are capable of transporting 600 short tons 1,200 NM/1,381 miles/2,222 km at an average speed of 35 knots/40 mph/65 km/h. Each vessel includes a flight deck to support day and night aircraft launch and recovery operations. The ships are capable of interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, as well as on/off-loading vehicles such as a fully combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank.
The future USNS Newport (T-EPF-12) is on track to deliver later this year. Austal USA has also started construction of the future USNS Apalachicola (Е-EPF-13) and is under contract to build the future USNS Cody (Е-EPF-14).
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft.
SPECIFICATIONS
PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
Material
Hull and superstructure – aluminium alloy
Length overall
103 m/337.9 feet
Beam overall
28.5 m/93.5 feet
Hull draft (maximum)
3.83 m/12.57 feet
MISSION BAY
Area (with tie-downs)
1,863 m2/20,053 feet2
Clear Height
4.75 m/15.6 feet
Turning diameter
26.2 m/86.0 feet
ISO TEU (Twenty Equivalent Units) Stations
6 Interface Panels
ACCOMMODATIONS
Crew
41
Single SR
2
Double SR
6
Quad SR
7
Troop Seats
312
Troop Berths
Permanent: 104
Temporary: 46
Galley and Messing
48
PROPULSION
Main Engines
4 × MTU 20V8000 M71L Diesel Engines 4 × 9.1 MW
Gear boxes
4 × ZF 60000NR2H Reduction Gears
Waterjets
4 × Wartsila WLD 1400 SR
PERFORMANCE
Average Speed
35 knots/40 mph/65 km/h @ 90% MCR with 635 mt (700 st) payload
Maximum Speed
43 knots/50 mph/80 km/h without payload
Maximum Transit Range
1,200 NM/1,381 miles/2,222 km
Self-Deployment Range
5,600 NM/6,444 miles/10,371 km
Survival Through
SS-7
AVIATION FACILITIES
NAVAIR Level 1 Class 2 Certified Flight Deck for one helicopter
Centreline parking area for one helicopter
NAVAIR Level 1 class 4 Type 2 Certified VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment)
Helicopter Control Station
AUXILIARY SYSTEMS
Active Ride Control
Transcom Interceptors
Foils: 3.24 m2/34.9 feet2 each, forward on inboard sides of demi-hulls
Austal Limited is pleased to announce that Austal USA has delivered the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship USNS Puerto Rico (T-EPF-11) to the U.S. Navy during a ceremony aboard the ship at the shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
USNS Puerto Rico (T-EPF-11) was the first EPF to perform and successfully complete integrated sea trials – combining builder’s trials and acceptance trials into one at-sea event (Image: Austal USA)
In August this year USNS Puerto Rico (T-EPF-11) was the first EPF to perform and successfully complete integrated sea trials – combining builder’s trials and acceptance trials into one at-sea event – returning to port flying a broom at her mast indicating a «clean sweep» of the tests the ship and her crew performed in the Gulf of Mexico.
Austal Chief Executive David Singleton said the EPF continues to impress stakeholders, with a flexible platform that is delivering multi-mission capability to the U.S. Navy’s global operations.
«Puerto Rico joins the growing fleet of EPFs constructed by Austal USA and proudly serving with the U.S. Navy in locations as diverse as the USA, Middle East and South East Asia», he said. «The EPF continues to impress the U.S. Navy and indeed many other navies around the world with the genuine flexibility and operability of the platform».
The Spearhead-class EPF, a 103 metre/337.9 feet high-speed aluminium catamaran, provides high-payload transport capability to U.S. combatant commanders around the world and has quickly become known as ‘the pickup truck’ of the fleet; with 10 EPFs in service, including seven deployed internationally.
The Austal-designed EPF’s large flight deck, open mission bay and habitability spaces provide an opportunity to conduct a wide range of missions – from maritime security operations to humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions. The ship’s flexibility also allows it to support potential future missions such as special operations, command and control, and primary medical operations. With its ability to access small, austere and degraded ports with minimal external support, the EPF provides unique options to fleet and combatant commanders.
Two additional Spearhead-class EPFs remain under construction at Austal USA’s shipyard. USNS Newport (T-EPF-12) is in final assembly, while construction recently began on the future USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF-13) at Austal USA’s state-of-the-art Module Manufacturing Facility (MMF).
In addition to the EPF program, Austal is under contract to build Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for the U.S. Navy. Ten LCSs have been delivered, while an additional six are in various stages of construction.
SPECIFICATIONS
PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
Material
Hull and superstructure – aluminium alloy
Length overall
103 m/337.9 feet
Beam overall
28.5 m/93.5 feet
Hull draft (maximum)
3.83 m/12.57 feet
MISSION BAY
Area (with tie-downs)
1,863 m2/20,053 feet2
Clear Height
4.75 m/15.6 feet
Turning diameter
26.2 m/86.0 feet
ISO TEU (Twenty Equivalent Units) Stations
6 Interface Panels
ACCOMMODATIONS
Crew
41
Single SR
2
Double SR
6
Quad SR
7
Troop Seats
312
Troop Berths
Permanent: 104
Temporary: 46
Galley and Messing
48
PROPULSION
Main Engines
4 × MTU 20V8000 M71L Diesel Engines 4 × 9.1 MW
Gear boxes
4 × ZF 60000NR2H Reduction Gears
Waterjets
4 × Wartsila WLD 1400 SR
PERFORMANCE
Average Speed
35 knots/40 mph/65 km/h @ 90% MCR with 635 mt (700 st) payload
Maximum Speed
43 knots/50 mph/80 km/h without payload
Maximum Transit Range
1,200 NM/1,381 miles/2,222 km
Self-Deployment Range
5,600 NM/6,444 miles/10,371 km
Survival Through
SS-7
AVIATION FACILITIES
NAVAIR Level 1 Class 2 Certified Flight Deck for one helicopter
Centreline parking area for one helicopter
NAVAIR Level 1 class 4 Type 2 Certified VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment)
Helicopter Control Station
AUXILIARY SYSTEMS
Active Ride Control
Transcom Interceptors
Foils: 3.24 m2/34.9 feet2 each, forward on inboard sides of demi-hulls
