Austal USA delivers two ships to Navy

Delivery Ceremony for USNS Carson City (EPF 7)

JUNE 27, 2014 — Austal Limited (Austal) (ASX:ASB) reports that the U.S. Navy has accepted delivery of USNS Carson City (EPF 7) from Austal USA, during a June 24 ceremony held aboard the ship at Austal’s Mobile, AL, shipyard.

It was the second vessel delivered by Austal USA to the U.S. Navy this month. The future USS Montgomery (LCS 8) was delivered to the Navy at a June 23 shipyard ceremony, becoming the fourth Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)  the shipbuilder has delivered to the Navy and its second as the prime contractor.

Carson City is the seventh ship of the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) class.EPFs, formerly known as Joint High Speed Vessels, are versatile, non-combatant, transport ships used for high-speed mobility and transportation of troops, military vehicles, and equipment. EPFs employ an all-aluminum catamaran design built largely to commercial standards, with modifications for military use.

“I am proud that we have delivered another highly capable asset to our fleet,” said Capt. Henry Stevens, Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager,  of the Navy’s Program Executive Office, Ships. “Carson City is delivering ahead of schedule, which is a testament to the dedication of both our Navy and industry teams. As we deliver the seventh ship, we continue to effectively build upon the production efficiencies of this class, and I look forward to carrying them into each subsequent ship.”

Carson City will be owned and operated by the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. Austal is currently in production on USNS Yuma (EPF 8) which is planned to launch later this year, and USNS City of Bismarck (EPF 9). Fabrication of the USNS Burlington (EPF 10) began June 7.

Austal CEO David Singleton said the delivery of the latest EPF is further evidence of Austal USA’s success in efficient, modern shipbuilding and expertise in modular manufacturing.”Our hard working, highly skilled workforce continues to deliver on this important program, which is redefining naval capability and exceeding stakeholder expectations around the globe,” he said.