MOBILE, Alabama - The future USNS Carson City (EPF 7)
successfully completed Acceptance Trials during an underway period in the Gulf
of Mexico, May 25-26.
"Acceptance Trials is a major step towards
delivering Carson City to the Navy," said Capt. Henry Stevens, Strategic
and Theater Sealift Program Manager, Program Executive Office, Ships. "The
ship performed very well at Acceptance Trials, which is a great reflection of
the hard work of our contractor and government team's commitment to delivering
quality ships."
The Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV)
boarded Carson City for Acceptance Trials to examine and evaluate the ship for
delivery to the U.S. Navy. The readiness of the ship is demonstrated by
conducting numerous tests both dockside and underway. The purpose of such
thorough testing is to ensure the Navy receives a fully functional, safe, and
capable ship.
Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) are versatile,
non-combatant vessels designed to operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways,
increasing operational flexibility for a wide range of activities including
maneuver and sustainment, relief operations in small or damaged ports, flexible
logistics support, or as the key enabler for rapid transport.
They are capable of interfacing with roll-on/roll-off
discharge facilities, as well as on/off-loading vehicles such as a fully
combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank. Each vessel includes a flight deck to
support day and night aircraft launch and recovery operations. Carson City will
have airline-style seating for 312 embarked forces with fixed berthing for
104.
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.