SAN DIEGO, March 25 (UPI) -- Builder's sea trials on the U.S. Navy's first Mobile Landing Platform have been successfully completed, the Navy said.
The trials on the USNS Montford Point, built by General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., tested the ship's propulsion, ballasting, communications, navigation and mission systems and related support systems.
"This first-of-class ship performed very well during builder's trials, a testament to the preparation and dedication of the Navy-industry team in designing and building this transformational platform," said Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager Capt. Henry Stevens.
"The ship performed well, and pending additional trials and delivery later this year, MLP 1 will help transition the Navy toward increased modularity and operational flexibility in its ships."
The Alaska class ship is based on an existing commercial design and is a crude oil carrier with a difference. It can also carry cargo and troops and by using float-on/float-off technology, it can partially submerge, facilitating easy movement of cargo.
Fuel storage is 380,000 gallons and it has 25,500 square feet of space for carrying vehicles.
Navy acceptance trials are to begin next month.
