The ninth Austal USA-built Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel, the USNS City of Bismark (EPF-9), finished acceptance trials in October, the company said last Friday.
The trials included “intense comprehensive tests” in the Gulf of Mexico by the Austal-led team while the ship was underway, demonstrating the successful operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment.
The trials occur with the service’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), which inspects and evaluates the ship to certify readiness for delivery. This is the last milestone before the Navy takes delivery of the vessel.
EPFs are non-combat vessels operated by the Military Sealift Command, aimed at operating in shallow-draft ports and waterways to transport troops, military vehicles, and cargo as well as relief equipment in damaged or small ports, provide flexible logistics support, and enable rapid transport.
EPFs include a flight deck to support aircraft launch and recovery operations, an off-load ramp for roll-on/roll-off capabilities, and can carry vehicles like the combat loaded General Dynamics [GD] M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank.
EPF-9 finished its builder’s trials in September and the ship is set to be delivered to the Navy before the end of the year (Defense Daily, Sept. 15).
“We are so proud of the great things we are hearing about these ships from the Military Sealift Command and what they are doing around the world,” Craig Perciavalle, Austal USA president, said in a statement.
“From downed airplane search and rescue missions and hurricane relief assistance in the Caribbean to historic port calls in South Asia to pirate activity intervention off the coast of Africa, these are just a few of the many examples of how versatile the EPF fleet has proven to be in every corner of the globe,” he added.
The City of Bismark has seating for 312 embarked forces and fixed berthing for 104 with a crew size of 22.
Clif Mitchell, deputy program manager of PMS 385 (Strategic and Theater Lift), said at the NDIA Expeditionary Warfare Conference last month that the Navy expects EPF-9 to be delivered in the December timeframe (Defense Daily, Oct. 27).