Future USNS Carson City ends acceptance trials

MOBILE, Ala., June 7 (UPI) -- The future USNS Carson City (EPF 7) successfully completed acceptance trials late last month in the Gulf of Mexico, the Navy announced Monday.

The ship, built by Austal, performed "very well" during the trials, moving it closer to joining the fleet, Capt. Henry Stevens, Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager, Program Executive Office, Ships, said in a statement.

Acceptance trials involve a variety of dockside and underway readiness tests.

EPFs are versatile, non-combat vessels designed to operate in shallow ports and waterways, increasing flexibility for activities that include maneuver and sustainment, relief operations in small or damaged ports, logistical support and rapid transport.

They are also compatible with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities and can take on or offload vehicles such as a combat-loaded Abrams tank.

Each vessel also features a flight deck and airline-style seating for 312 embarked forces and fixed berthing for 104.

The 338-foot shallow draft aluminum catamaran was christened in January and is the seventh of 10 EPFs, formerly known as joint high speed vessels, that Austal has under contract with the Navy as part of a $1.6 billion deal, the company said.