Latest fast transport vessel for USN completes acceptance trials
The Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel USNS Newport (EPF 12) has successfully completed acceptance trials for the USN in the Gulf of Mexico, shipbuilder Austal USA announced on 4 August.
Acceptance trials involve the execution of a number of tests by the Austal USA-led industry team while the vessel is underway, demonstrating to the USN the successful operation of major onboard systems and equipment.
The trials are the last significant milestone before the scheduled delivery of USNS Newport later this month.
In all, 11 Spearhead-class vessels have been delivered to the USN in less than eight years.
Austal USA is also building the 13th Spearhead-class EPF (the future USNS Apalachicola). Construction of the 14th vessel (the future USNS Cody) is scheduled to begin this month.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, funding for a 15th EPF vessel was also proposed for FY2020, with the aim to start construction in January 2021.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) [USN]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress]()
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
