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
-
![Australia’s Mogami-class frigates to feature RTX SeaRAM defence system]()
Australia’s Mogami-class frigates to feature RTX SeaRAM defence system
Under a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Raytheon will provide SeaRAM launchers, blast test vehicles and technical services for the Royal Australian Navy’s Sea3000 General Purpose Frigate programme.
-
![Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year]()
Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year
CCGS Donjek is currently being prepared to start testing and be handed over to the Canadian Coast Guard in the second half of 2026.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
