Austal USA has begun cutting the aluminum for the hull of EPF 16, the final new Expeditionary Fast Transport ship being built for the U.S. Navy.
This ship, the third of the EPF Flight II variation to be built at Austal, offers enhanced medical capabilities, including surgery, x-ray, intensive care and laboratory facilities. Two additional EPF Flight II ships are also in progress at Austal.
Overall, it is the 16th EPF to be crafted at the Mobile shipbuilder.
“Austal USA is proud of the accomplishments of the shipbuilders that have worked on the EPF program and made it such a successful shipbuilding program — both from an acquisition perspective and an operational perspective,” said Dave Growden, vice president of new construction. “The EPF is an important component of the Navy’s fleet and provides the ability to rapidly deploy military personnel and equipment around the world. The program has been successful in delivering ships on-time and on-budget, and Austal USA is committed to continuing this trend with future deliveries.”
