Navy accepts EPF 9 from Austal

MOBILE, Ala. - The Navy accepted delivery of its ninth Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel, USNS City of Bismarck (EPF 9), on Dec 19, from the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. EPFs are shallow draft, all-aluminum, commercial-based catamarans capable of intra-theater personnel and cargo transport, which provide high-speed sealift mobility. The non-combatant vessels provide increased operational flexibility that includes maneuver and sustainment, relief operations, and logistics support. EPFs include a flight deck to support aircraft launch and recovery operations. The vessel was constructed by Austal USA, which is currently under contract for building three more EPFs. Burlington (EPF 10) held its keel laying ceremony in September; Puerto Rico (EPF 11) and EPF 12 (no name) were awarded in September 2016 and are in the early stages of production. (Source: Seapower Magazine 12/19/17)