EPF milestones at Austal

MOBILE, Ala. - The Navy recognized two milestones Jan. 18 in the construction of Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ships: The keel authentication of the ninth EPF, USNS City of Bismarck, and fabrication start for the 11th, USNS Puerto Rico. The keel for EPF 9 was said to be “truly and fairly laid” as it was authenticated by Robert O. Wefald, former Attorney General of North Dakota, by welding his initials into the keel plate. The ceremony at Austal USA shipyard represented a major milestone in the ship’s construction as the keel is the symbolic backbone of a ship. The start of construction on USNS Puerto Rico signifies the procurement of materials and components, and the shipyard’s ability to begin fabrication on the hull. In September, Austal USA was awarded a contract to definitize long lead-time materials and for the detail design and construction of EPFs 11 and 12. (Source: Naval Sea Systems Command 01/19/17)