Austal-build EPF to be named Cody

WASHINGTON - Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has announced the newest Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship will be named USNS Cody (T-EPF 14). The future USNS Cody is the first ship named in honor of the City of Cody, Wyoming. EPFs transport personnel, equipment and supplies. They can transport 600 short-tons of military cargo with a crew of 26 civilian mariners - equipped with airline-style seating for 312 embarked troops, along with a fixed wing berthing outfitted for another 104 personnel. With a shallow draft under 15 feet, a flight deck for helicopter operations, and vehicle offload ramp, EPFs can support a wide range of operations from port access to littoral operations. Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., is contracted to build the EPF. (Source: SECNAV 09/05/19)