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.
Showing posts with label U.S. Navy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. Navy. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Friday, August 5, 2016
NASSCO Lays Keel for USNS Vessel
By Mark Edward Nero
On Aug. 2, General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a keel laying ceremony for the future USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams, the US Navy’s second Expeditionary Sea Base under construction at the company’s San Diego shipyard.
USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams is the Navy’s second ESB ship. The 784-foot-long vessel is to serve as a flexible platform to support a variety of missions, including air mine countermeasures, counter-piracy operations, maritime security and humanitarian missions.
Features of the vessel include accommodations for up to 250 personnel; a 52,000-square-foot flight deck; and fuel and equipment storage. It will also support MH-53 and MH-60 helicopters with an option to support MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft. The ship’s expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018.
The vessel’s namesake, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, spoke at the keel laying ceremony, and his two daughters, Travie Ross and Tracie Ross, welded their initials onto the keel of the ship. Williams, a retired US Marine, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. He is the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor from that battle.
“The story of Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams is remarkable. It’s a story of valiant devotion, extraordinary courage and American heroism,” General Dynamics NASSCO vice president and general manager Kevin Graney said. “We have the distinct honor of constructing a ship that will reflect the strength and fearlessness of its namesake and will provide global, advanced capabilities for future generations of Marines and sailors to come.”
General Dynamics NASSCO has so far delivered three ships in the class to the Navy: USNS Montford Point (ESD 1), USNS John Glenn (ESD 2) and USNS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 1). USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams is the fourth ship to be constructed by NASSCO shipbuilders under the program, and a fifth ship is currently under contract for advanced procurement.
On Aug. 2, General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a keel laying ceremony for the future USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams, the US Navy’s second Expeditionary Sea Base under construction at the company’s San Diego shipyard.
USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams is the Navy’s second ESB ship. The 784-foot-long vessel is to serve as a flexible platform to support a variety of missions, including air mine countermeasures, counter-piracy operations, maritime security and humanitarian missions.
Features of the vessel include accommodations for up to 250 personnel; a 52,000-square-foot flight deck; and fuel and equipment storage. It will also support MH-53 and MH-60 helicopters with an option to support MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft. The ship’s expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018.
The vessel’s namesake, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, spoke at the keel laying ceremony, and his two daughters, Travie Ross and Tracie Ross, welded their initials onto the keel of the ship. Williams, a retired US Marine, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. He is the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor from that battle.
“The story of Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams is remarkable. It’s a story of valiant devotion, extraordinary courage and American heroism,” General Dynamics NASSCO vice president and general manager Kevin Graney said. “We have the distinct honor of constructing a ship that will reflect the strength and fearlessness of its namesake and will provide global, advanced capabilities for future generations of Marines and sailors to come.”
General Dynamics NASSCO has so far delivered three ships in the class to the Navy: USNS Montford Point (ESD 1), USNS John Glenn (ESD 2) and USNS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 1). USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams is the fourth ship to be constructed by NASSCO shipbuilders under the program, and a fifth ship is currently under contract for advanced procurement.
