An expeditionary fast transport vessel Austal USA built for the U.S. Navy completed a series of builder’s and acceptance trials Thursday. The future USNS Puerto Rico, designated EPF 11, returned to the company’s shipyard after two days of integrated sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico, the service branch said Monday.
Austal USA demonstrated the performance of the ship’s systems to the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. The noncombatant vessel is designed to support various missions in shallow-draft waterways or ports. The christening ceremony for the 11th Spearhead-class EPF ship took place in November.
Construction of the future USNS Newport (EPF 12) is underway at Austal USA’s facility in Mobile, Ala. The company also received a contract to build two more EPF ships.
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