MOBILE, Ala. - The Navy accepted delivery of the USNS
Brunswick (EPF 6) Jan. 14.
The ship, constructed by Austal USA, is the sixth ship of
the Expeditionary Fast Transport class. EPFs are versatile, non-combatant,
transport ships that will be used for high-speed mobility and transportation of
troops, military vehicles, and equipment. EPFs employ an all-aluminum catamaran
design built largely to commercial standards, with modifications for military
use.
"This program is in full rate production and we're
excited to deliver another extremely capable platform to our Fleet," said
Capt. Henry Stevens, Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager, Program
Executive Office, Ships. "The
delivery of each ship is always a significant achievement and is the
culmination of a tremendous effort by both our Navy and industry led
teams."
Brunswick and other ships of the EPF class are capable of
operating in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with
roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and on/off-loading a combat-loaded
Abrams Main Battle Tank. The EPFs include a flight deck for helicopter
operations and an off-load ramp that allows vehicles to quickly drive off the
ship.
Brunswick will be owned and operated by the U.S. Navy's
Military Sealift Command. USNS Carson City (EPF 7) plans to launch later this
month with delivery planned later this year.
Austal is also under contract for the construction of EPFs 8-10 and
materials to support the construction of EPF 11.
As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition
organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and
procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support
ships, and special warfare craft.
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