USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11)
USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11)Austal USA

Austal USA launches its first steel ship for US Navy towing and salvage

Published on: 

Shipbuilder Austal USA launched its first steel vessel, the future USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11), on June 14 at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. The ship is the first built using the company's new automated steel panel line.

The 3,100-ton vessel is the heaviest ship launched by Austal USA to date. Billy Frank Jr. is the first of three Navy towing, salvage and rescue ships (T-ATS) currently under construction at the shipyard.

The vessel was over 85 per cent complete at the time of its launch and will now undergo preparations for sea trials and delivery.

The T-ATS platform is a multi-mission common hull designed to replace the capabilities of the retiring rescue and salvage ship and fleet ocean tug classes.

The vessels will provide ocean-going towing, salvage, and rescue capabilities and will feature 6,000 square feet (557 square metres) of deck space for embarked systems to support various missions, including oil spill response and humanitarian assistance.

The ship is named after Billy Frank Jr., a Native American activist and a veteran of the Korean War.

logo
Baird Maritime / Work Boat World
www.bairdmaritime.com