T-EPF Characteristics and Mission

The T-EPF class vessel is an Expeditionary Fast Transport designed to quickly move troops and cargo into difficult-to-reach ports. Built by Austal, the EPF has sparked controversy for several reasons. Although these ships have impressive capabilities, they have faced many maintenance issues, resulting in a lackluster service history.

With a top speed of 35 knots, a shallow draft, a stern ramp, a mission bay, and seating for 312 troops, the EPF can quickly enter a port, unload people and equipment without the need for tugs, and return to sea. However, despite their potential, their performance has often fallen short. Unlike other Military Sealift Command ships, the EPFs are made of aluminum and have a catamaran-shaped hull. While this design is lightweight and fast, it has raised concerns about structural integrity. Moreover, these ships do not perform well in rough seas, making them dependent on good weather.

Despite these challenges, many CIVMARs (civilian mariners) seek assignments on EPFs. Before joining an EPF, all crew members must complete a safety course, which can be taught onboard during the first week if the Chief Engineer is qualified. Licensed Officers, such as Mates and Engineers, need additional training to be certified according to the IMO High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code. This training, usually offered at Training Center Hampton Roads (TCHR), includes a class, simulator time, a test, and an at-sea period to gain the necessary sea days. However, the availability of this training has been inconsistent in recent years.

CIVMARs have mixed views on EPFs. Some enjoy working with a small crew, while others prefer larger teams. Some seek more adventure and time at sea, while others appreciate the extended port time and lower operational tempo. For some officers, sharing a room is a deal breaker. Generally, the pay on EPFs is high compared to the workload, which can cause tension between those on busy, deployed ships earning less and those on EPFs that are stateside or in reduced operating status (ROS) for long periods.

However, spending too much time on these unique vessels may lead to a decline in skills needed for working on larger MSC ships. The future of the EPF fleet is uncertain, and transitioning back to an operational CLF vessel after years on an EPF might be challenging. Still, if you prefer to stay home and earn good pay, EPFs can be a good option, provided you are comfortable with the trade-offs.

Reduced Operating Status (ROS)- As a result of the EPFs maintenance issues, limited use cases and the current manning crisis, many EPFs are being sent into Reduced Operating Status. Essentially, they are being mothballed or kept in reserve. However, Section 1018 of the proposed 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) states that none of the NDAA funds shall be used to send the T-EPFs into reduced operating status. About 5 million dollars was apportioned for the T-EPF program in the NDAA. The text of the NDAA States: 

SEC. 1018. EXPEDITIONARY FAST TRANSPORT VESSELS.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr2670rh/pdf/BILLS-118hr2670rh.pdf

(a) PROHIBITION ON REDUCED OPERATING STATUS.—None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by his Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2024 may be used to place an expeditionary fast transport vessel into a reduced operating status.

(b) STRATEGY FOR USE.—(1) STRATEGY AND CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief of Naval Operations, in consultation with the Commander of United States Military Sealift Command, shall develop and implement a strategy and concept of operations for the use of expeditionary fast transport vessels in support of operational plans in the area of operations of United States Indo-Pacific Command.

(2) REPORT.—Not later than 30 days after the development of the strategy and concept of operations required under paragraph (1), the Chief of Naval Operations shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing such strategy and concept of operations.

The move to place EPFs into ROS has already begun with several EPFs being sent to ROS in order to free up CIVMARs in critical billets, so they can be sent to fill other high priority billets in the operational fleet. Many wonder why the government is attempting to preserve the EPF program despite its challenges and lackluster service record, which is a fair point. Some believe that this is a form of subsidy from the government to Austal to keep US shipbuilding capacity alive.

Medical Mission: The Expeditionary Medical (EMS) Fleet- Austal and the US Navy are also looking to produce a modified T-EPF to fulfill the Navy’s medical mission. One of the main criticisms of the current T-AH hospital ship class is their large size. To combat this, the Navy is looking to transform EPF vessels into floating hospital to allow medical platforms to enter more degraded or austere environments. The EMS EPF vessels will have a very different layout than the other EPF vessels, instead of having the 312 section, it will be a medical suite.

Link to Proposed EMS Fact Sheet:  https://www.austal.com/sites/default/files/00-images-philippines/AUSTAL_Factsheet_EMS.pdf

Link to Fact Sheet: https://www.austal.com/sites/default/files/data-sheet/Austal%20%20EPF%20Data%20Sheet%20-%20April%202020.pdf

Propulsion: 4 x MTU 20V8000 M71L Diesel Engines with 4 Wartsila WLD 1400 SR Water Jets 

Length: 338 feet

Beam: 93.5 feet

Displacement: 2,400 tons

Top Speed: 35 knots (40 MPH)

Draft: 3.8 meters

Flight Deck: No embarked helicopter, but capable of receiving CH-53K

Hull Shape: Catamaran

Cargo Payload Capacity: 635 Metric Tons

Human Payload: Berthing for 150 embarked forces and airline style seating 312 people. 

MSC Crew Size: 22-26

Military Detachments (if applicable):

Air Detachments: T-EPFs do not have embarked helicopter detachments. They do not have an onboard hangar.

Other Units: T-EPFs will pick up other embarked units and entities depending on their tasking. These additional units will vary from operation to operation.

The maritime industry can be unpredictable. Missions, ports, policies and procedures frequently changes, and not having the most up to date information is frustrating. If something we wrote needs an update, or if we missed something important that should be added or highlighted, drop us a line via the form below and we will work to get the information updated as soon as possible! Safe sailing!