Two Austal-build ships named

Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer announced that the U.S. Navy’s next Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship will be named USNS Newport (T-EPF 12). The new EPF is under construction at Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. It is the fourth ship to be named in honor of the Rhode Island city, which is home to Naval Station Newport and the Naval War College. USNS Newport is the 12th and final vessel in the EPF series. It was formerly known as the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). In 2008, the Navy awarded Austal USA a $185.4M contract modification for one EPF, with options for up to nine additional ships and associated shore-based spares. A modification for the contract of EPF 11 and EPF 12 was awarded to Austal in 2016, bringing the total to 12 ships. (Source: Marine Link 02/14/18) UPDATE: SECNAV also selected the names for two Littoral Combat Ships on Feb. 13: USS Nantucket (LCS 27) and USS Savannah (LCS 28). Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., will build LCS 28.