NASSCO lays keel for future USNS Miguel Keith

Construction of the US Navy's future Montford Point-class USNS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) has begun with a keel-laying ceremony at General Dynamics' National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) shipyard in San Diego, California.

ESB ships support a range of maritime-based operations, including Special Operations Force, airborne mine counter measures support operations, humanitarian support and the sustainment of traditional military missions.

Designed for aviation facilities, berthing, equipment staging support, and command and control assets, the navy ships are equipped with a four-spot flight deck and hangar, and a versatile mission deck.

The Montford Point-class fleet comprises five vessels across two variants.

She will join USNS Montford Point (T-ESD 1) and USNS John Glenn (T-ESD 2), USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) and USNS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4).