‘Supreme’ authenticates EPF-11’s keel

MOBILE, Ala. - A ceremony celebrating the keel authentication of the Navy’s 11th Spearhead-class of Expeditionary Fast Transport ship, the future USNS Puerto Rico (EPF 11), was held in Mobile at Austal USA’s shipyard, where the ship will undergo construction. The keel was said to be “truly and fairly laid” as it was authenticated by the ship’s sponsor, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, by welding her initials into the keel plate. EPFs are versatile, non-combatant vessels designed to operate in shallow ports and waterways, increasing flexibility for a wide range of missions, and a key enabler for rapid transport. EPFs are capable of interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities and vehicles, such as a fully combat-loaded Abrams battle tank. Each vessel includes a flight deck to support day and night aircraft launch and recovery operations. (Source: Naval Sea Systems Command 08/09/18)