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.
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Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) [USN]
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