
The future Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Apalachicola (EPF 13) successfully finished Acceptance Trials and Unmanned Logistics Prototype Trials, the Navy said on Sept. 9. Whereas the acceptance trials consisted of a standard series of in-port and at-sea demonstrations to allow the shipbuilder, Austal USA, and the Navy to assess ship systems and readiness before delivery, the unmanned trials are a new feature for this specific vessel. In 2021 the Navy awarded Austal USA a $44 million contract modification…