From Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA):
(MOBILE, Ala.) — The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the 12th expeditionary fast transport (EPF), USNS Newport, from Austal USA on Sept. 2.
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.
“Today’s delivery marks the 12th EPF delivered to the Navy, and I’m proud to be a part of delivering this highly-capable ship that can successfully meet a wide range of missions,” said Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships. “Newport will continue to provide flexible warfighting capabilities around the globe.”
T-EPF 12 will be owned and operated by Military Sealift Command. EPFs are capable of transporting 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. 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.
Austal USA is in production on 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.
