MOBILE, Ala., Nov. 3 (UPI) — The future USNS Brunswick, the U.S. Navy’s newest Expeditionary Fast Transport, has completed acceptance trials, the U.S. Navy announced Tuesday.
The trials were completed on October 23. The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) was constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. The class of ships were formerly known as Joint High Speed Vessels, and are designed for rapid transport of personnel and supplies during maritime operations. Capt. Henry Stevens, Strategic and Theater Sealift Program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships, says the completion of acceptance trials marks an important milestone for the EPF program.
“We are very proud of our contractor and government team’s commitment to delivering affordable, quality ships, and look forward to the delivery of EPF 6 later this year,” Stevens said in a statement.
While being developed for military use, EPFs are not meant for combat missions. Instead, they are designed for fast intra-theater transit of troops, vehicles and equipment. The ship is capable of moving 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles. They can reach speeds of about 35 knots. The vessels also come equipped with a flight deck and airline style seating for 312 embarked forces.
PEO Ships was responsible for executive development and procurement of the EPF.
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