US Navy future fast transport ship USNS Newport successfully completes acceptance trials.

Austal Limited is glad to announce that the future USNS Newport (EPF 12), future fast transport ship, has successfully completed acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico. USNS Newport is the 12th Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport ship built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, for the United States Navy (USN).
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The future USNS Newport (EPF 12) was constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. (Picture source: Austal USA)

Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said the successful completion of acceptance trials for EPF 12 was yet another important milestone for a program that has seen 11 vessels delivered to the US Navy in less than 8 years.

Acceptance trials involve the execution of a number of tests by the Austal USA-led industry team while the vessel is underway; demonstrating to the US Navy the successful operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment. The trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the vessel, scheduled for August 2020.

One additional Spearhead-class EPF is under construction at Austal USA’s shipyard; the future USNS Apalachicola (EPF 13) while the future USNS Cody (EPF 14) is scheduled to commence construction in August 2020.

In addition to the EPF program, Austal USA is contracted to deliver 19 Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for the U.S. Navy. Twelve Independence-class LCSs have been delivered, with an additional five ships in various stages of construction.

This ASX announcement has been approved and authorised for release by David Singleton, Austal Limited’s Chief Executive Officer.

The future USNS Newport (EPF 12) was constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. (Picture source: Austal USA)

About the Spearhead-class EPF:

The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport (EPF) is a United States Navy–led shipbuilding program to provide "a platform intended to support users in the Department of the Navy and Department of the Army. The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) program is a cooperative effort for a high-speed, shallow draft vessel intended for rapid intratheater transport of medium-sized cargo payloads.

The Spearhead-class EPF is a 103-metre high-speed aluminium catamaran with a large, 1800 square metre cargo deck, medium-lift helicopter deck and seating for 300+ embarked troops, providing a fast, high-payload transport capability to combatant commanders around the world.

With seven EPF’s currently deployed internationally, the Austal-designed EPF’s support a wide range of missions – from maritime security operations to humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The ship’s flexibility also allows it to support potential future missions such as special operations, command and control, and primary medical operations.