Austal USA on Thursday launched the future USNS Newport (EPF 12) into the Mobile River.

This is the first U.S. Navy ship that Austal has launched in 2020 from its Mobile assembly facilities.

Newport is an expeditionary fast transport (EPF), one of 14 that the Navy has contracted Austal to build. The next step for this ship will be sea trials. Delivery is then expected before the end of the year.

EPFs are designed for fast, intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles and equipment with aviation support.

Last week, Austal delivered the future USS Kansas City to the Navy. This was the 11th total Independence-variant littoral combat ship delivered by Austal, as well as the first LCS delivery 0f 2020.

“It’s a testament to the work our team does to provide highly capable and affordable ships on-time and on-budget,” stated Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle. “What’s also incredible is that our team has the capacity to increase our rate of delivery while maintaining schedule and cost.”

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn