MOBILE, Ala. - Over this week, Austal USA launched two Navy ships - USNS Cody (EPF 14) and the future USS Kingsville (LCS 36) - demonstrating the efficiency of the shipyard’s launch process. Both ships are docked pier side for final outfitting and system activation in preparation for sea trials later this year. The launches this week are a "testament to the skill and capability of our shipbuilders but are also demonstrative of how we optimize efficiency through process discipline,” stated Austal USA Vice President of New Construction, Dave Growden. USNS Cody, which was christened in February, is the Navy’s first Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) Flight II vessel. As the first, the ship represents enhanced naval medicine afloat capabilities and will provide critical combat care in contested environments. As the Navy’s 18th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) will be deployed to the Pacific fleet. Kingsville will be christened at Austal USA’s shipyard later in April. Both ships are aluminum hulls and represent the near completion of the EPF and LCS construction programs. USNS Cody is the 14th EPF and Kingsville is the 18th of 19 Independence-variant LCS that Austal USA is building for the Navy. (Austal USA 03/29/23)
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