Austal USA Christens USNS Puerto Rico (EPF 11)

Christening, 10 November 2018, of Puerto Rico (T-EPF-11) by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor at Austal USA Shipyard Mobile, AL (Lee Wahler/NavSource)

(Article originally appears courtesy of Austal USA, 10 November 2018)

Austal celebrated the christening of Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) the future USNS Puerto Rico (EPF 11) with a ceremony at its state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility this morning. Puerto Rico is the eleventh of 12 EPFs that Austal has under contract with the U.S. Navy with a combined value of over $1.9 billion.

“Austal is excited to christen another amazing ship,” said Austal USA President, Craig Perciavalle. “Puerto Rico is one step closer to joining her sister ships in supporting important missions across the globe.” 

Nine Spearhead-class EPFs have been delivered and are serving as an affordable solution to fulfilling the Military Sealift Command’s requirements worldwide. The future USNS Burlington is scheduled for delivery to the Navy later this month and two more EPFs, including EPF 11, are under construction at Austal’s Mobile, Ala. shipyard. Austal also received instruction from the Navy to order long lead-time materials for EPF 13 in October.

“Congratulations to the incredible Navy – Industry team for achieving this important milestone,” continued Perciavalle. “You should be proud of the important service you’re providing our country.”