Austal USA Christens the future USNS Newport (EPF 12)

In the words of the future USNS Newport ship sponsor, long-time Newport resident Charlotte Marshall, today, “Let’s get this party started,” and with one whack of the bottle, the ship was officially christened.

“It’s an awesome day at Austal when we christen one of our amazing Navy ships,” said Austal USA President, Craig Perciavalle. “Like the Navy’s other EPF vessels, Newport is destined for great things with the support she’ll soon provide to the global fleet.” 

“Excellent Navy – Industry teamwork resulted in the achievement of this important milestone,” continued Perciavalle. “The team here is one of the best in the industry, as evidenced by the success of the EPF program, and we should be proud of how well we are directly supporting the strengthening of our Navy.”

Austal USA is an advanced ship manufacturer headquartered in Mobile, Alabama, with operations in San Diego, Seattle, Portland, and Singapore. Its headquarters and manufacturing facility are located on its state-of-the-art campus designed uniquely with moving assembly lines for module construction and guided by lean manufacturing principles. Austal USA is positioned to support both commercial and government ship construction as well as services and support worldwide. The company is under contract with the U.S. Navy to build the advanced small surface combatant Independence-variant littoral combat ship and the auxiliary ship expeditionary fast transport. With excellence awards in five consecutive years, Austal USA continues to be one of the safest shipyards in America and was ranked by Forbes as the 49th best midsize employer in the U.S.