EPFs are designed to function in shallow waterways and are able to a variety of actions. These versatile, non-combatant transport ships are used for the high-speed transportation of troops, navy automobiles, and gear. Their missions embody:
- Abroad contingency operations
- Humanitarian help
- Catastrophe aid
- Help of particular operations forces
- Theater safety cooperation actions
- Rising joint sea-basing ideas
EPFs can transport 600 brief tons so far as 1,200 nautical miles at a median velocity of 35 knots. Every vessel features a flight deck to assist day and evening plane launch and restoration operations. The ships are able to interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge amenities and on/off-loading automobiles equivalent to a totally combat-loaded Abrams Primary Battle Tank.
“The supply of EPF 13 comes after a number of profitable at-sea intervals for the vessel, together with Unmanned Logistics Prototype Trials to evaluate autonomous capabilities built-in into the shipboard configuration,” mentioned Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Supervisor, Program Govt Workplace (PEO), Ships. “The Navy and our shipbuilding accomplice, Austal USA, are pleased with the work achieved and stay up for EPF 13 offering functionality and capability to Army Sealift Command, the fleet, and the U.S. Marine Corps.”
Austal USA is underneath contract to construct the longer term USNS Cody (EPF 14).
As one of many Protection Division’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is answerable for executing the event and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, particular mission, assist ships, and particular warfare craft.
