 GULF OF MEXICO - The future USNS Carson City (EPF 7) successfully completed its builder's acceptance trials during an underway period in the Gulf of Mexico, May 25-26. Expeditionary Fast Transport class ships (EPFs) are versatile, non-combatant, transport ships that will be used for high-speed mobility and transportation of troops, military vehicles, and equipment in support of a wide variety of missions. (US Navy photo - released). |
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EPFs, formerly
known as Joint High Speed Vessels, are versatile, non-combatant, transport
ships used for high-speed mobility and transportation of troops, military
vehicles, and equipment. EPFs employ an all-aluminum catamaran design
built largely to commercial standards, with modifications for military
use. "I am proud that we have delivered another highly capable asset to our fleet," said Capt. Henry Stevens, Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager, Program Executive Office, Ships. "Carson City is delivering ahead of schedule, which is a testament to the dedication of both our Navy and industry teams. As we deliver the seventh ship, we continue to effectively build upon the production efficiencies of this class, and I look forward to carrying them into each subsequent ship." Carson City and other ships of the EPF class are capable of operating in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and on/off-loading a combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank. The EPFs include a flight deck for helicopter operations and an off-load ramp that allows vehicles to quickly drive off the ship. With the ship now delivered, the civilian mariner crew will begin move-aboard and certification prior to beginning a post-shakedown availability and final contract trials later this year. Upon completion of those events, the ship will join the Fleet for operational tasking. Military commanders will have the flexibility to use EPFs in a variety of roles to include supporting overseas contingency operations, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, supporting special operations forces and supporting emerging joint sea-basing concepts. Carson City will be owned and operated by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command. Austal is currently in production on USNS Yuma (EPF 8) which is planned to launch later this year, and USNS City of Bismarck (EPF 9). Fabrication of the USNS Burlington (EPF 10) began June 7. |
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US Navy Accepts Delivery of Seventh Expeditionary Fast Transport USNS Carson City (EPF 7)
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