Austal Launches Two Aluminum Ships

Mobile-based Austal USA recently launched two U.S. Navy ships, USNS Cody (Expeditionary Fast Transport [EPF] 14) and the future USS Kingsville (Littoral Combat Ship [LCS] 36), which the shipbuilder said demonstrated the efficiency of its launch process. Both ships are now docked for final outfitting and system activation in preparation for sea trials later this year. The ships, each of which weighs more than 2,500 mT, were lifted almost 3 ft in the air. Using transporters, they were moved approximately 400 ft onto a moored deck barge adjacent to the final assembly bay. They were then transferred from the deck barge to a floating drydock, which is then submerged. Their production now transitions to final outfitting and system activation to support their preparation for sea trials. The Cody, which was christened last month, is the Navy’s first EPF Flight II vessel, which has enhanced naval medicine afloat capabilities and will provide critical combat care in austere and contested operating environments. As the Navy’s 18th Independence-variant LCS, the future USS Kingsville will be deployed to the Pacific fleet supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence. It will be christened at the shipyard next month.