WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (UPI) — The U.S. Navy has awarded Austal USA a $53,478,395 undefinitized contract to procurement and engineering support for 11 Expeditionary Fast Transports.
Formerly known as the Joint High Speed Vessel, the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) is fitted for intra-theater maneuvers of personnel and supplies for the Navy, Marine Corps, and the Army. The contract with Austal USA, a contractor based in Alabama, will cover the Navy’s procurment for long-lead-time materials, design, and construction for the vessel.
Under the contract, work on the EPF wil be performed in several locations, including Michigan, Alabama, Texas, and others.
The high-speed vessels reach speeds between 35 and 45 knots, allowing for rapid transit of materials and deployment of personnel on the battlefield.