By Mark Edward Nero
On Jan. 25, San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO began construction of a fifth ship for the US Navy’s Expeditionary Transfer Dock (ESD)/Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program, formerly known as Mobile Landing Platforms.
The new ship, ESB 5, is the latest to be added to a contract between NASSCO and the US Navy that originally called for two Expeditionary Transfer Docks: USNS Montford Point (T-ESD 1) and USNS John Glenn (T-ESD 2).
The newest ESB is designed to provide advanced flexibility and capability for sea-to-shore missions. It includes a 52,000 square-foot flight deck, fuel and equipment storage, repair spaces, magazines, mission planning spaces and accommodations for up to 250 personnel.
While serving as a ‘pier at sea,’ the 784-foot-long ship is also designed to support MH-53 and MH-60 helicopters and MV-22 tilt rotor aircraft.
The first two ships in the contract, formerly classified as Mobile Landing Platforms (MLPs), were designed and constructed by NASSCO to support vehicle staging and transfers, and the movement of LCAC vessels. In 2012, a third ship, USNS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB 3), was added to the contract and reconfigured as an ESB, formerly known as a MLP Afloat Forward Staging Base, to support a wide range of military operations.
All three ships have been delivered to the US Navy, and in October 2015, NASSCO began construction on ESB 4, USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
