US Navy christens newest Spearhead-class ship
USNS Apalachicola has an off-load ramp that will allow vehicles to drive off the ship quickly. (Photo: USN)
Flexibility of USNS Apalachicola will allow support for a wide range of operations.
The USN on 13 November christened its 13th Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport, the future USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF 13).
EPF ships are designed to transport 600 short tons of military cargo 1,200nmi at an average speed of 35kt. The ship can operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities and on/off-loading the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank. It also includes a flight deck for helicopter operations.
The ship will be operated by USN Military Sealift Command and is the second vessel to be named after the city of Apalachicola. The first Apalachicola (YTB 767) was a Natick-class large harbour tug launched in 1963.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) [USN]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![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.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.
-
![US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits]()
US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits
A Pentagon push to procure warships from Japanese and South Korean shipyards could reshape allied naval industrial strategy, but critics warn the approach risks hollowing out the domestic base Washington is seeking to restore.
-
![Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA]()
Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA
The accelerated delivery of the final Flight IIA destroyer, USS Patrick Gallagher, showcases the payoff of years of workforce investment and process reform at Bath Iron Works, with the lessons feeding into Flight III production.
