Austal USA on Tuesday announced that yet another Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) built in Mobile has successfully completed integrated trials and is now ready to be delivered to the U.S. Navy.
The future USNS Newport (EPF 12) completed sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico, and is poised to become the 12th EPF delivered by Austal to the Navy.
“I can’t begin to express how proud I am of the success of our team and this ship,” Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said in a statement.
These trials reportedly involved the execution of intense comprehensive tests by the Austal-led industry team, which demonstrated to the Navy the successful operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment.
“The ability to overcome the challenges presented to conduct something as complicated as vessel sea trials in these unprecedented times proves the value of hard work and dedication,” he added.
Newport is slated for delivery to the Navy later this summer. Two more EPFs are currently under construction at Austal’s world-class facility in South Alabama.
“We’re proud of the contributions these ships are making to maritime operations around the world,” stated Perciavalle. “From serving as a mother ship to test drones in the Atlantic to providing humanitarian assistance and participating in global military training exercises enhancing the lifestyle and naval capabilities of third world nations, the EPF fleet is proving to be a great asset to our future 355-ship Navy.”
EPF 12 became the first in 2020 to be launched by Austal earlier this year.
You can read more about the EPF here.
In addition to the EPF program, Austal has also received contracts for 19 Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for the Navy. Twelve LCS have been delivered (including two already this year) with an additional five ships currently in various stages of construction.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.