Nichols Martin
Austal USA has authenticated the keel of the 11th Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship at the company’s shipyard in Mobile, Ala.
EPF 11 or the future USNS Puerto Rico is set to enter construction following the ceremony, and will be the third U.S. Navy ship to carry the island’s name, Naval Sea Systems Command said Thursday.
Expeditionary fast transport ships function as non-combatant vessels that support relief operations, maneuvering activities, logistics, transport and other missions on shallow-draft ports and waterways.
The ships are built to operate with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities and on/off-loading vehicles.
