View source for Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport

{{Short description|US navy catamaran}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
|+''Spearhead'' class
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = File:USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10).jpg
| Ship caption = {{USNS|Burlington|T-EPF-10}} in 2021
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Name = 
| Builders = [[Austal USA]]
| Operators = {{naval|United States}}
| Class before = 
| Class after = 
| Subclasses = 
| Cost = *$214m/unit (initial)<ref name=GAO-13-294SP>{{cite report |chapter-url=http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/653379.pdf#page=88|title=Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs |chapter=Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) |publisher=[[Government Accountability Office]] |id=GAO-13-294SP |date=March 2013 |access-date=26 May 2013 |pages=83–84}}</ref>
*$180m/unit (production)<ref name="navytimes9dec14">[http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2014/12/09/msc-gortney-gator-amphibious-marine-bold-alligator/19791463/ Civilian-crewed vessels see larger role in amphibious ops] - Navytimes.com, 9 December 2014</ref>
| Built range = 2010–present
| In service range = 
| In commission range = 
| Total ships planned = 19
| Total ships building = 2<ref name="Cody delivery">{{cite press release|url=https://www.austal.com/news/austal-usa-delivers-14-th-expeditionary-fast-transport-united-states-navy|title=Austal USA Delivers 14th Expeditionary Fast Transport to United States Navy|publisher=Austal|date=12 January 2024|access-date=17 January 2024}}</ref>
| Total ships completed = 14<ref name="Cody delivery" />
| Total ships cancelled = 
| Total ships active = 14
| Total ships laid up = 
| Total ships lost = 
| Total ships retired = 
| Total ships preserved = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = 
| Ship class = 
| Ship type = Expeditionary Fast Transport
| Ship tonnage = 1,515 tonnes
| Ship displacement = 
| Ship length = {{convert|103.0|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship beam = {{convert|28.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship height = 
| Ship draft = {{convert|3.83|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship depth = 
| Ship hold depth = 
| Ship decks = 
| Ship deck clearance = 
| Ship ramps = 
| Ship power = 
| Ship propulsion = *Four MTU 20V8000 M71L [[diesel engine]]s
*Four ZF 60000NR2H reduction gears
| Ship speed = {{convert|43|kn|lk=in}}
| Ship range = {{convert|1200|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}}<ref name="usni20march13">[http://news.usni.org/2013/03/20/low-cost-ship-options-for-u-s-navys-drug-war Low Cost Ship Options for U.S. Navy's Drug War] - News.USNI.org, 20 March 2013</ref>
| Ship endurance = 
| Ship boats = Can deploy various [[rigid hull inflatable boat]]s<ref>[http://www.dvidshub.net/news/122346/marines-conduct-crisis-response-exercise-usns-spearhead-jhsv-1#.VDnZIsJ0wdU Marines conduct crisis response exercise from USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1)] - Dvidshub.net, 21 March 2014</ref><ref name="navytimes9nov14">[http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/tech/2014/11/09/joint-high-speed-vessel-turns-heads-during-bold-alligator/18758919/ Joint High-Speed Vessel turns heads during Bold Alligator] - Navytimes.com, 9 November 2014</ref>
| Ship capacity = 600 short tons<ref name="usni20march13"/>
| Ship troops = 312
| Ship complement = 
| Ship crew = 41
| Ship time to activate = 
| Ship sensors = 
| Ship EW = 
| Ship armament = 4x mounts for [[Browning M2|M2 .50 caliber machine guns]]<ref name="ndmmarch11">[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2011/March/Pages/Aluminum%E2%80%98Truck%E2%80%99JointHighSpeedVesselGreatPotential,ButQuestionsRemain.aspx Joint High Speed Vessel: Great Potential, But Questions Remain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130165833/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2011/March/Pages/Aluminum%E2%80%98Truck%E2%80%99JointHighSpeedVesselGreatPotential,ButQuestionsRemain.aspx |date=30 January 2016 }} - Nationaldefensemagazine.org, March 2011</ref> (2 aft, 2 forward)
| Ship armor = 
| Ship aircraft = Landing pad for a [[helicopter]], up to [[CH-53 Super Stallion]]/[[CH-53K King Stallion]],<ref name="navylive14oct14">[http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/10/14/joint-high-speed-vessels-support-marine-corps-missions/ Joint High Speed Vessels Support Marine Corps Missions] - Navylive.DoDlive.mil, 14 October 2014</ref> parking and storage area for [[MH-60 Seahawk]]<ref name="ndmmarch11"/>
| Ship aircraft facilities = 
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}

The '''''Spearhead''-class expeditionary fast transport ''' ('''EPF''') is a [[United States Navy]]–led shipbuilding program to provide a high-speed, shallow draft vessel intended for rapid intra-theater transport of medium-sized cargo payloads. The EPFs can reach speeds of {{convert|35|-|45|kn}}, and allow the rapid transit and deployment of conventional or special forces, equipment and supplies.<ref name="PMS385">{{cite web |url=http://peoships.crane.navy.mil/JHSV/default.htm |title=Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) |website=[[US Navy]] |access-date=12 March 2010}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/jhsv.htm |title=Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) |website=GlobalSecurity |access-date=12 March 2010}}</ref>

The vessels are a part of [[Military Sealift Command]]'s Sealift Program.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.msc.navy.mil/inventory/inventory.asp?var=PM5 |title=Archived copy |access-date=11 January 2016 |archivedate=29 August 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829061246/http://www.msc.navy.mil/inventory/inventory.asp?var=PM5 |url-status=deviated }}</ref> The class was previously designated as "'''Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV)'''", and redesignated in September 2015.<ref name="navytimes3sept15">[http://www.navytimes.com/story/defense/2015/09/03/navy-ship-designations-jhsv-mlp-afsb-joint-high-speed-vessel-afloat-forward-staging-base-mobile-landing-platform-mabus-greenert/71642184/ A New Class of Ship – 'Expeditionary Support'] - Navytimes.com, 3 September 2015</ref>

==Capabilities==
[[File:USNS Spearhead with helicopter during sea trials.jpg|thumb|Stern view of [[USNS Spearhead|USNS ''Spearhead'']], with helicopter]]

The EPF is able to transport [[U.S. Army]] and [[U.S. Marine Corps]] [[company (military unit)|company]]-sized units with their vehicles, or can be reconfigured to become a [[Troopship|troop transport]] for an [[infantry battalion]].<ref name="PMS385"/>

The EPF has a [[flight deck]] for [[helicopter]]s and a load ramp that will allow vehicles to quickly drive on and off the ship. The ramp is suitable for the types of austere piers and quay walls common in developing countries. EPF has a shallow [[draft (hull)|draft]] (under {{convert|15|ft|m}}).<ref name="PMS385"/>

The EPF is an aluminum twin-hull [[catamaran]] shell containing four [[diesel engine]]s, rudimentary facilities for up to 40 crew members, and 312 airline-style passenger seats, with an expansive flight deck on the top. The rest of the vessel is a convertible {{convert|20000|ft2|m2|abbr=on}} mission bay that can be loaded to carry any cargo.<ref>[https://www.wired.com/2011/09/pickup-truck-of-the-sea/ Navy's Newest Ship Is Pickup Truck of the Sea] - Wired.com, 19 September 2011</ref> Vehicles and cargo are loaded and unloaded by a ramp that can support up to 100 tons of weight. Although designed for a military crew of 46, the ships usually have a crew of 26. The passenger room contains reclining seats with overhead televisions and racks for weapons and equipment.<ref>[http://www.stripes.com/news/navy-explores-new-roles-with-first-in-class-usns-spearhead-1.279984 Navy explores new roles with first-in-class USNS Spearhead] - Stripes.com, 29 April 2014</ref> Each vessel has 104 permanent berthing spaces. Without resupply, it can support 312 embarked personnel for four days, or 104 personnel for 14 days.<ref name="navylive14oct14"/>

The design is a derivative of the [[Hawaii Superferry]], also built by [[Austal USA]].<ref>{{cite report |chapter-url=http://www.gao.gov/pdfs/GAO-10-388SP?source=ra#page=82 |id=GAO-10-388SP|chapter=Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) |title=Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs |publisher=[[Government Accountability Office]] |date=March 2010 |pages=77–78}}</ref>

[[File:Southern Partnership Station 2014 140830-N-QY430-051.jpg|thumb|Ramp deployed and in use]]
The EPF has a greater level of comfort for the crew than larger Navy ships. The stateroom-style berthing areas for the ship's crew have private features including toilet stalls, outlets, air conditioning, and thermostats. People being transported are less well catered for. They may live in "[[hot racking]]"-style living arrangements of available berthing bunks if necessary. There is no ship's store in the typical Navy sense of the term, but the ship's captain may unlock the "slop chest" and sell ship's coins and other ship-specific paraphernalia on a case-by-case basis.<ref>[https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2022-title46/USCODE-2022-title46-subtitleII-partG-chap111-sec11103 46 USC 11103, Slop chests]</ref>

The ship is unstable in rough seas and at high speeds. At 10 knots in calm sea states the hull can roll up to four degrees to each side, while conventional ships would roll very little. This increases if the ship goes faster or in rougher conditions, raising the possibility of [[seasickness]].<ref name="navytimes9nov14"/> To achieve its top speed the ship has to be traveling in waters not exceeding sea state 3, waves up to {{convert|1.25|m|ft|abbr=on}} high. At sea state 4 it can travel at up to 15 knots, at only 5 knots in sea state 5, and has to hold position in any higher sea state. This reflects the ship's purpose of operating close to shore rather than in "blue water".<ref name="usni15oct15">{{cite news |url=http://news.usni.org/2015/10/16/dote-jhsv-effective-at-intra-theater-transport-but-challenged-in-other-missions |title=DOT&E: JHSV Effective at Intra-Theater Transport But Challenged in Other Missions |last1=Eckstein |first1=Megan |date=16 October 2015 |website=usni.org |publisher=USNI |access-date=16 October 2015}}</ref>

{{As of|2014}}, an EPF costs $180 million to build and has an annual operating cost of $26 million.<ref name="navytimes9dec14"/>

===Other roles===
[[File:USNS Choctaw County awaits delivery. (9135925006).jpg|thumb|The Expeditionary Fast Transport USNS ''Choctaw County'' (EPF-2) awaits delivery at the Austal USA vessel completion yard.]]

The [[U.S. 4th Fleet]] has expressed interest in using the EPF as a low-cost ship for performing drug interdiction missions around Central and South America. [[U.S. Southern Command]] is experiencing a shortage of Coast Guard cutters available to interdict drug runners due to ship age and budget cuts. In May 2013, [[HSV-2 Swift]] conducted a drug interdiction patrol, showing that an aluminum catamaran was capable of performing the role. An EPF is capable of embarking a [[Law Enforcement Detachments | Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET)]].<ref name="usni20march13"/>

The EPF has no weapons or defensive systems to fulfill combat missions, but the Navy is looking to expand its roles to include re-supplying special operations forces and conducting humanitarian assistance missions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/03/26/navy-considers-jhsv-for-special-operations-missions/ |title=Navy Considers JHSV for Special Operations Missions |website=DoD Buzz |date=26 March 2014 |first=Kris |last=Osborn}}</ref> [[Chief of Naval Operations]] [[Jonathan Greenert]] has suggested using the ships as a cheaper way to perform counter-piracy missions to free up blue-water combatants.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2014/07/26/retiring-frigates-may-leave-some-missions-unfilled/ |title=Retiring frigates may leave some missions unfilled |date=26 July 2014 |work=[[Navy Times]] |access-date=14 August 2022}}<!-- identical story in Air Force Times credited to David Larter --></ref> Offensive armament and defensive measures against pirates would be handled by a security team on board, and an EPF's speed would also be a good defense against an attack by pirates.<ref>[http://www.navytimes.com/article/20140506/NEWS04/305060075/USNS-Spearhead-returns-from-maiden-deployment USNS Spearhead returns from maiden deployment] - Navytimes.com, 6 May 2014</ref>

After various tests to explore the EPF's suitability to perform different missions, the ship was found to perform its primary role of intra-theater transport effectively, but had extreme difficulty in carrying out other suggested missions. When performing at-sea transfers of equipment with a [[Mobile Landing Platform]] (MLP), the EPF ramp used for vehicle transfers could not effectively operate with it in open ocean sea states of 2–3, and was determined to only be able to work in calm sea states found in protected harbors, an unacceptable constraint for operational deployment. The Navy has been aware of the current ramp's limitations and is developing one for use in up to sea states 3–4. When deploying a [[SEAL Delivery Vehicle]] (SDV), the EPF's stern-mounted crane could launch it in up to sea state 3 conditions, but support surface craft were needed to get divers into the underwater vehicle, which could only be launched in sea state 2.<ref name="usni15oct15"/>

===Electronic systems===
The electronic systems for this class are provided by [[General Dynamics Mission Systems]]. The infrastructure integrates the ship's electronic systems including: computing environment, internal and external communications, electronic navigation, aviation and armament systems, remote surveillance system, plus the entertainment & training system.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.gd-ais.com/News/General-Dynamics-Advanced-Information-Systems-to-Integrate-Ship-Mission-System-for-Austal-Joint-High-Speed-Vessel |title=General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems to Integrate Ship Mission System for Austal Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV)] |website=General Dynamics |date=17 November 2008}}</ref> The same General Dynamics OPEN CI is used on the {{sclass|Independence|littoral combat ship}}, also built by [[Austal USA]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gdmissionsystems.com/maritime-strategic/surface-systems/joint-high-speed-vessel/|title=Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) - General Dynamics Mission Systems|newspaper=General Dynamics Mission Systems|access-date=2016-12-09}}</ref>

===Amphibious assault===
Marine Corps General [[John M. Paxton, Jr.]] called the EPF "a very capable ship" for certain missions, but cites several deficiencies as a substitute amphibious assault ship, including inability to operate in difficult sea states, survivability in contested waters, lack of a [[well deck]] to launch amphibious vehicles, and lack of "splash capability" to drive vehicles off the ramp into the sea.<ref>[http://news.usni.org/2014/10/02/usmcs-paxton-potential-marine-deployments-lcs-jhsv-carry-risks USMC's Paxton: Potential Marine Deployments On LCS And JHSV Carry Risks] - News.USNI.org, 2 October 2014</ref> The ship has been rejected as a platform on which to base [[MV-22 Osprey]]s due to its weight, and potential flight deck damage from engines during take-off and landing.<ref>[http://news.usni.org/2015/01/13/sna-surface-leaders-make-case-modified-littoral-combat-ship SNA: Surface Leaders Make the Case for the Modified Littoral Combat Ship] - News.USNI.org, 13 January 2015</ref>

The USMC is investigating changes to the EPF ramp to enable the "splash capability" for placing [[Amphibious Combat Vehicle]]s into the water near the shore.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Freedberg Jr. |first1=Sydney J. |date=16 April 2014 |title=Marines Seek New Tech To Get Ashore Vs. Missiles; Reinventing Amphib Assault |website=breakingdefense.com |publisher=Breaking Media, Inc. |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2014/04/marines-seek-new-tech-to-get-ashore-vs-missiles-reinventing-amphib-assault/ |access-date=16 April 2014}}</ref> A single EPF could carry and deploy 20 to 30 ACVs.<ref>[http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140625/NEWS04/306250073/Amos-rejects-recent-critique-amphibious-combat-vehicle Amos rejects recent critique of amphibious combat vehicle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712084927/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140625/NEWS04/306250073/Amos-rejects-recent-critique-amphibious-combat-vehicle|date=12 July 2014}} - MarineCorpstimes.com, 25 June 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/lists/posts/post.aspx?ID=1559 Future Marine Corps Missions Depend on New Ship-To-Shore Connectors] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130165833/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/lists/posts/post.aspx?ID=1559|date=30 January 2016}} - Nationaldefensemagazine.org, 16 July 2014</ref>

=== Expeditionary Medical Ship ===
Beginning with EPF-14, the ships will be designated as EPF Flight II, with increased health services capabilities while still maintaining most of the original mission of the ship.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=New Details of Austals EPF Hospital Ship Emerge|date=5 March 2021|url=https://news.usni.org/2021/03/05/new-details-of-austals-epf-hospital-ship-emerge}}</ref> The Flight II variant is designed to bring enhanced medical capabilities at the request of Combatant Commanders, and allows patients to recover onboard rather than in a higher-level facility. They can respond faster, and to more places than the Navy's larger, slower and unarmed [[hospital ship]]s.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/04/21/speedy-ambulance-ships-high-priority-navy-medicine-admiral-says.html|title=Speedy 'Ambulance Ships' a High Priority for Navy Medicine, Admiral Says|publisher=military.com|date=21 April 2021|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> The EPF Flight II design includes upgrades to the medical facilities for resuscitation and surgery, enhanced support of V-22 flight operations, and enhanced launch and recovery of 11-meter rigid inflatable boats.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://usa.austal.com/news/MACE-Awards |title=Austal USA Engineering Team Recognized by Mobile Area Council of Engineers |publisher=Austal USA |date=4 February 2022 |access-date=6 February 2022}}</ref>

In January 2023, the Navy announced that three Expeditionary Medical Ships (EMS) had been approved in the [[Military budget of the United States#Budget for FY2023|2023 military budget]]. They will be [[USNS Bethesda|''Bethesda'']], [[USNS Balboa|''Balboa'']], and the to-be-named [[T-EMS-3]]. These are planned to be about {{convert|118|m|ft}}  versus the earlier ships {{convert|103|m|ft}}, and have a [[Draft (hull)|draft]] of {{convert|4.5|m|ft}} for operations in "austere ports". The EMS will have four  operating rooms and 124  medical beds, separated into acute care, acute isolation, [[Intensive care unit|ICU]], and ICU isolation spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Naval News |date=2023-05-13 |title=SECNAV Names US Navy's First-in-Class Expeditionary Medical Ship |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/05/secnav-names-us-navys-first-in-class-expeditionary-medical-ship/ |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref> Two 11-meter [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]]s allow for the transfer of patients from other ships or water rescue; the flight deck has room for a single [[V-22]], or an [[H-53]] or [[H-60]] helicopter. {{USNS|Bethesda|T-EMS-1}} is planned for delivery by December 2026.<ref name="ems1">{{cite web|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/01/17/these-speedy-new-navy-medical-ships-are-designed-pacific-mind.html|title=These Speedy New Navy Medical Ships Are Designed with the Pacific in Mind|publisher=military.com|date=17 January 2023|access-date=18 January 2023}}</ref><ref name="USNS Bethesda" />

==Program==
The EPF program combines the Army's Theater Support Vessel (TSV) program, dating from 2004, with the Navy and Marine Corps High Speed Connector (HSC), requirement dating from 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/tsv.htm |title=Objective Theater Support Vessel (OTSV) |website=GlobalSecurity |access-date=12 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/hsc.htm |title=High Speed Connector (HSC) |website=GlobalSecurity |access-date=12 March 2010}}</ref> The EPF program received Milestone A approval in May 2006. The Navy awarded Phase One preliminary design contracts in early 2008, and a detail design and construction contract in the 4th Quarter of FY08.<ref name="PMS385"/> The Navy's Program Executive Office, Ships will conduct acquisition for both the Army and Navy, but each service will fund its own ships. After delivery, each service will be responsible for manning, maintaining, and providing full lifecycle support for its vessels.<ref name="PMS385"/>

{{USNS|Spearhead|T-EPF-1|6}}, the lead ship in the class, was launched in September 2011 and delivered to the Navy in early 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=62792 |title=Navy's First Joint High-Speed Vessel Christened |id=NNS110917-10 |first=Laura M. |last=Seal |website=Navy News Service |publisher=US Navy |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=23 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924003313/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=62792 |archive-date=24 September 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Navy expected to purchase 23 EPF vessels over 30 years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brumley |first=Jeff |url=http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2011-10-05/story/unusual-ship-visits-mayport-after-6-month-deployment-african-waters |title=Unusual ship visits Mayport after 6-month deployment to African waters |newspaper=[[Florida Times-Union]] |date=5 October 2011}}</ref> On 2 May 2011, all Army JHSVs were transferred to the Navy.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14475 |title=Army Transfers High Speed Vessels to Navy |work=[[United States Department of Defense]] |id=384-11 |date=5 May 2011}}</ref> In June 2011, Austal was awarded construction contracts for EPF-6 and EPF-7.<ref>{{cite web |title=Navy Awards Construction Contracts for JHSV 6, 7 |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=61377 |id=NNS110701-10 |work=Navy News Service |publisher=US Navy |date=1 July 2011 |access-date=28 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713210232/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=61377 |archive-date=13 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2012, Austal was awarded construction contracts for EPF-8 and EPF-9.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2012/02/27/Navy-orders-more-JHSVs-from-Austal/UPI-56631330360157/ |title=Navy orders more JHSVs from Austal |work=[[United Press International]] |date=27 February 2012 |access-date=28 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228054222/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2012/02/27/Navy-orders-more-JHSVs-from-Austal/UPI-56631330360157/ |archive-date=28 February 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 December 2012, the first ship in the class, USNS ''Spearhead'', was delivered to [[Military Sealift Command]] in Mobile, Alabama. On 10 December 2012, the Navy awarded its final option under its current contract, and ordered EPF-10.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.marinelog.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3376:navy-exercises-tenth-jhsv-construction-option&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=195 |title= Navy Exercises Tenth JHSV Construction Option |work= Marine Log |date= 20 December 2012 |access-date= 21 December 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130116115558/http://www.marinelog.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3376:navy-exercises-tenth-jhsv-construction-option&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=195 |archive-date= 16 January 2013 }}</ref>

In April 2013, the EPF program was added to the remit of the Littoral Combat Ship Council, so that the capabilities of both ship types could be considered together.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navytimes.com/article/20130405/NEWS04/304050022/LCS-council-adds-new-member |first=Christopher P. |last=Cavas |title=LCS council adds new member |work=Navy Times |date=5 April 2013}}</ref> In 2014, the USN considered outsourcing the management of the fleet, but concluded that the ships would continue to be manned by civil service mariners.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nextnavy.com/big-jhsv-and-military-sealift-command-news/ |title=Military Sealift Command News: CIVMARs To Operate JHSV |last1=Hooper |first1=Craig |date=3 June 2014 |website=nextnavy.com |publisher=Craig Hooper |access-date=3 June 2014}}</ref>

Funding for the construction of an eleventh EPF was appropriated by Congress in the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141212/DEFREG/312120029/Navy-Gains-Ship-15-Growlers-Defense-Bill|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20141217061225/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141212/DEFREG/312120029/Navy-Gains-Ship-15-Growlers-Defense-Bill|archive-date=17 December 2014|title=Navy-Gains-Ship-15-Growlers-Defense-Bill|publisher=defensenews.com|date=12 December 2014|access-date=14 December 2014|url-status=dead}} (Note: URL has been excluded from the Wayback Machine)</ref>{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} In May 2016, the procurement of long-lead-time material and initial engineering support for the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) 12, formerly Joint High Speed Vessel 12, was announced under the Naval Sea Systems Command's contracting activity. In September 2016, Austal was awarded a contract to design and construct EPF-11 and EPF-12.<ref name="AustalAwardedEPF11and12">{{cite press release |url=http://www.austal.com/news/austal-awarded-new-a434-million-us-navy-contract |title=Austal Awarded new A$434 Million US Navy Contract|publisher=Austal |date=16 September 2016}}</ref> In February 2018, Navy Secretary [[Richard V. Spencer]] announced the name of T-EPF-12 as ''Newport''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=104366|title=Secretary of the Navy Names Navy's Newest Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship|publisher=navy.mil|date=13 February 2018|access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref>

Congress allocated money for a 13th Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) in the FY 2018 budget, and a 14th EPF in the FY 2019 budget.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2018/10/navy_takes_step_forward_on_new.html |title=Navy takes step forward on new Austal transport ship|date=19 October 2018}}</ref> In October 2018, the navy awarded Austal a&nbsp;$57.8 million order to fund the procurement of long lead-time&nbsp;materials, which included diesel engines, water jets and reduction gears, for the construction of the 13th EPF.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.austal.com/news/us-navy-contracts-austal-order-materials-epf-13/ |title= U.S. NAVY CONTRACTS AUSTAL TO ORDER MATERIALS FOR EPF 13 |publisher=Austal |date=18 October 2018 |access-date=16 November 2018}}</ref> In December 2018, the navy awarded Austal a&nbsp;$40.4 million order to fund the procurement of long lead-time&nbsp;materials, which included diesel engines, water jets and reduction gears, for the construction of the 14th EPF.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.austal.com/news/us-navy-contracts-austal-order-materials-epf-14/ |title= U.S. NAVY CONTRACTS AUSTAL TO ORDER MATERIALS FOR EPF 14 |publisher=Austal |date=3 December 2018 |access-date=4 December 2018}}</ref>

In March 2019, the Navy awarded Austal a $262 million contract for the design and construction of two additional Expeditionary Fast Transport Ships, EPF-13 and EPF-14. This follows the long lead-time materials contracts awarded in October 2018, of $57.8M for EPF-13, and $40.4M in December 2018 for EPF-14. Construction of EPF-13 is scheduled to begin in late 2019, and EPF-14 is to follow in the middle of 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.austal.com/news/austal-awarded-a369-million-us-navy-contract |title=AUSTAL AWARDED A$369 MILLION U.S. NAVY CONTRACT|publisher=Austal USA |date=26 March 2019 |access-date=28 March 2019}}</ref> In February 2021, the U.S. Navy awarded Austal a $235 million contract for the detailed design and construction of EPF-15. EPF-15 will include enhanced medical capability.<ref name="AustalAwardedEPF15">{{cite press release |url=https://usa.austal.com/news/EPF-15-announcement |title=Austal Receives Contract Award for EPF 15 from US Navy |publisher=Austal USA |date=28 February 2021 |access-date=1 March 2021}}</ref>

Austal USA secured a contract from the US Department of Defense to carry out the detailed design, procurement, production implementation, and demonstration of autonomous capability in EPF-13.<ref>{{Cite web|last=White|first=Ryan|title=A Big Step for US Navy Unmanned Programs: Unmanned EPF Apalachicola - Naval Post|date=8 June 2021|url=https://navalpost.com/unmanned-expeditionary-fast-transport-epf-vessel-13-apalachicola/|access-date=2021-06-09|language=en-US}}</ref>

===History===
In June 2011, a fifty-ton module was damaged at the Austal shipyard in Mobile during the construction of USNS ''Choctaw County''.<ref>{{cite news |first=Christopher P. |last=Cavas |title=JHSV Module Damaged at Ala. Shipyard |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6817725&c=SEA&s=TOP |archive-url=https://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20180228040413/https://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i%3D6817725%26c%3DSEA%26s%3DTOP |archive-date=28 February 2018 |work=[[Defense News]] |date=14 June 2011 |access-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2013 a Frost & Sullivan report predicted that sales could be made to [[Asia-Pacific|APAC]] countries.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/joint-high-speed-vessels-may-answer-the-changing-logistics-needs-of-navies-finds-frost--sullivan-208130031.html |title=Joint High-Speed Vessels May Answer the Changing Logistics Needs of Navies, Finds Frost & Sullivan |publisher=[[Frost & Sullivan]] |agency=[[PR Newswire]] |date=20 May 2013 }}</ref>

During operations in 2015, the first ship of the class, USNS ''Spearhead'', experienced bow damage from rough seas requiring more than a half-million dollars (USD) to repair. It was determined that a design change that Austal recommended to the Navy late in the design phase to save weight, has resulted in a weakened bow structure. The first five ships in the class will require additional work done to improve the superstructure, at a cost of $350k-$1.2M each. The remaining ships which are still various stages of construction will require upgrading following construction as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-14/navy-s-fast-sealift-ships-can-t-stand-buffeting-from-high-seas|title=New Navy Ships Have Trouble Surviving the High Seas|publisher=bloomberg.com|date=14 January 2016}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2016/01/yar-the-navy-is-fixing-its-busted-high-speed-transport-ships|title=Yar! The Navy Is Fixing Its Busted High-Speed Transport Ships|magazine=Wired|publisher=wired.com|date=20 January 2016|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref>

==Derivatives==
===HSSV===
In early 2014, Austal announced it had been awarded a $124.9 million contract for two High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV) for a foreign customer, later revealed to be the [[Royal Navy of Oman]]. The HSSV has a similar catamaran hull design as the EPF and supports naval operations including helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, and search and rescue missions. It is {{convert|72.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and can travel at 35 knots. An HSSV has a crew of 69 personnel with 69 berths, can seat another 250, and has a cargo capacity of 320 tonnes (350 short tons). Both are to be delivered by 2016.<ref>[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1889 Austal contract for two 72m High Speed Support Vessels is for the Royal Navy of Oman] - Navyrecognition.com, 10 July 2014</ref>

Austal launched the first HSSV, RNOV ''Al Mubshir'', in October 2015 at its [[Henderson, Western Australia]] facility.<ref name="SpaceWar">[http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Austal_launches_Oman_Navy_support_ship_999.html Austal launches Oman Navy support ship], Richard Tomkins, www.SpaceWar.com, 26 October 2015, accessed 3 November 2015</ref><ref>Austal's quick delivery ''[[Ships Monthly]]'' February 2016 page 14</ref> It was delivered to Oman in May 2016.<ref>[http://www.austal.com/news/austal-delivers-first-high-speed-support-vessel Austal Delivers First High Speed Support Vessel] Austal 20 May 2016</ref>

==Ships in class==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Ship
! Laid down
! Launched
! Delivered
! Status
|-
! colspan="5" |Flight I
|-
|{{USNS|Spearhead|T-EPF-1}}
|22 July 2010
|12 September 2011
|5 December 2012
|Currently inactive<ref>{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF1}}|title=Spearhead|publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=18 January 2023}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Choctaw County|T-EPF-2}}
|8 November 2011
|1 October 2012
|6 June 2013
|Currently inactive<ref name="NVR Choctaw County">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF2}}|title=Choctaw County |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Millinocket|T-EPF-3}}
|3 May 2012
|5 June 2013
|21 March 2014
|In service<ref name="NVR Millinocket">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF3}}|title=Millinocket |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15324 |title=Secretary of the Navy Names Joint High Speed Vessel USNS Millinocket |publisher=[[United States Department of Defense]] |id=438-12 |date=30 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2013-news/december-2013-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/1442-future-usns-millinocket-jhsv-3-completes-builders-sea-trials.html |title=Future USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3) completes builder's sea trials |date=20 December 2013}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Fall River|T-EPF-4}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13407 |title=Fourth Joint High Speed Vessel Named |publisher=[[United States Department of Defense]] |id=235-10 |date=26 March 2010 |access-date=26 March 2010}}</ref>
|20 May 2013
|16 January 2014
|15 September 2014
|Inactive<ref name="NVR Fall River">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF4}}|title=Fall River |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=24 May 2023}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Trenton|T-EPF-5}}
|10 March 2014
|30 September 2014
|13 April 2015
|In service<ref name="NVR Trenton">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF5}}|title=Trenton |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="237-13">{{cite press release |url=http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15932 |title=Secretary of the Navy Names Multiple Ships |date=12 April 2013 |number=237–13 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |access-date=24 June 2015}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Brunswick|T-EPF-6}}
|2 December 2014
|19 May 2015
|14 January 2016
|In service<ref name="NVR Brunswick">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF6}}|title=Brunswick |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="237-13" />
|-
|{{USNS|Carson City|T-EPF-7}}
|31 July 2015
|20 January 2016
|24 June 2016
|In service<ref name="NVR Carson City">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF7}}|title=Carson City |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="237-13" />
|-
|{{USNS|Yuma|T-EPF-8}}
|29 March 2016
|17 September 2016
|21 April 2017
|In service<ref name="NVR Yuma">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF_8_4501}}|title=Yuma |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=2 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="415-13">{{cite press release |url=http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=16077 |title=Navy Names Multiple Ships |date=6 June 2013 |number=415–13 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |access-date=24 June 2015}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|City of Bismarck|T-EPF-9}}
|18 January 2017
|7 June 2017
|19 December 2017
|In service<ref name="NVR City of Bismarck">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF9}}|title=City of Bismarck |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="NNS171219-13">{{cite press release|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=103836|title=Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS City of Bismarck|id=NNS171219-13|publisher=U.S. Navy|date=19 December 2017|access-date=20 December 2017}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Burlington|T-EPF-10}}
|26 September 2017
|1 March 2018
|15 November 2018
|In service<ref name="NVR Burlington">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF10}}|title=Burlington|publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=2 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="Burlington delivery">{{cite press release |url=https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Media/News/Article/1691864/navy-accepts-delivery-of-usns-burlington/ |title= Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Burlington |date=15 November 2018 |publisher=U.S. Navy |access-date=16 November 2018}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Puerto Rico|T-EPF-11}}
|9 August 2018
|13 November 2018
|10 December 2019
|In service<ref name="NVR Puerto Rico">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF11}}|title=Puerto Rico |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="NNS170119-03">{{cite press release |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=98450 |title=Navy Marks Milestones for Two Expeditionary Fast Transports |date=19 January 2017 |id=NNS170119-03 |publisher=U.S. Navy |access-date=20 January 2017}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Newport|T-EPF-12}}
|29 January 2019
|20 February 2020
|3 September 2020
|In service<ref name="NVR Newport">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF12}}|title=Newport|publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=2 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="Newport delivery">{{cite press release |url=https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Media/News/Article/2335817/navy-accepts-delivery-of-usns-newport/ |title=Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Newport |date=3 September 2020 |publisher=U.S. Navy |access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Apalachicola|T-EPF-13}}
|21 January 2021
|13 November 2021
|16 February 2023
|In service<ref name="NVR Apalachicola">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF13}}|title=Apalachicola |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=1 March 2021}}</ref><ref name="Apalachicola delivery">{{cite press release |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3300920/navy-accepts-delivery-of-usns-apalachicola/ |title=Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Apalachicola |date=16 February 2023 |publisher=U.S. Navy |access-date=16 February 2023}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="5" |Flight II<ref name=":0" />
|-
|{{USNS|Cody|T-EPF-14}}
|26 January 2022
|20 March 2023
|11 January 2024
|In service<ref name="NVR Cody">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF14}}|title=Cody |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=17 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Point Loma|T-EPF-15}}
|27 June 2023
|3 September 2024
|
|Fitting out<ref name="NVR Point Loma">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF15}}|title=Point Loma |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=22 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="Point Loma launched">{{cite press release|url=https://usa.austal.com/news/EPF-15-Launch|title=Austal USA Launches USNS Point Loma (EPF 15)|publisher=Austal USA|date=3 September 2024|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Lansing|T-EPF-16}}
|6 September 2024
|
|
|Under construction<ref name="NVR Lansing">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EPF16}}|title=Lansing |publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=22 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="Lansing Keel">{{cite press release|url=https://usa.austal.com/news/EPF-16-KLC|title=Austal USA Celebrates Keel Laying for Final EPF - Lansing (EPF 16)|publisher=Austal USA|date=6 September 2024|access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="5" |Expeditionary Medical Ship
|-
|{{USNS|Bethesda|T-EMS-1}}
|
|
|
|Awarded<ref name="NVR Bethesda">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EMS1}}|title=Bethesda|publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=22 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="EMS Award">{{cite press release|url=https://usa.austal.com/news/EMS-Award|title=Austal USA Receives Expeditionary Medical Ship (EMS) Contract Award From U.S. Navy |date=21 December 2023|access-date=22 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="USNS Bethesda">{{cite press release|url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3395319/secnav-names-navys-first-in-class-expeditionary-medical-ship-after-national-nav/|title=SECNAV Names Navy's First-in-Class Expeditionary Medical Ship after National Naval Medical Center Bethesda|publisher=United States Navy|date=15 May 2023|access-date=15 May 2023}}</ref>
|-
|{{USNS|Balboa|T-EMS-2}}
|
|
|
|Awarded<ref name="NVR Balboa">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EMS2}}|title=Balboa|publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=22 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="EMS Award" /><ref name="USNS Balboa">{{cite press release|title=SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Medical Ship USNS Balboa (EMS 2) |url=https://www.med.navy.mil/Media/News/Article/3580342/secnav-del-toro-names-future-medical-ship-usns-balboa-ems-2/ |website=Navy Medicine |access-date=27 December 2023 |date=6 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|(T-EMS-3)
|
|
|
|Awarded<ref name="NVR EMS3">{{cite web|url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=EMS3}}|title=No Name|publisher=Naval Vessel Register|access-date=22 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="EMS Award" />
|-
|}

==Related/similar projects==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
The Army and Navy have been operating HSVs for some time, including;
*{{ship|HSV-X1|Joint Venture}} (joint Army/Navy)
*{{ship|HSV-2|Swift}} (Navy)
*{{ship|USAV|Spearhead|TSV-X1}} (Army)
*{{MV|Westpac Express|HSV-4676}} (Navy)
*''[[Sea Slice]]'' (an experimental HSV) (Navy)
{{Col-break}}
Other ships of note;
*{{USNS|Guam|HST-1}} (Navy)
*[[HST-2]] (ex-''Puerto Rico'') (Navy)
*[[Sea Fighter|''Sea Fighter'' (FSF-1)]] (Navy)
*[[Sea Shadow (IX-529)|''Sea Shadow'' (IX-529)]] (Navy)
*[[M80 Stiletto]] (an experimental [[pentamaran]]) (DoD/ Navy)
*[[Juliet Marine Systems Ghost|Juliet Marine Systems ''Ghost'']] (an [[supercavitation|advanced super-cavitating stealth ship]]) (DoD/ Darpa/ Navy)
{{Col-end}}

==See also==
* {{sclass|Independence|littoral combat ship}}
* [[Sea Fighter (FSF-1)]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Spearhead class Joint High Speed Vessel}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.austal.com/en/products-and-services/defence-products/naval-vessels/joint-high-speed-vessel.aspx?source=category |title=Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) |website=[[Austal]] |access-date=10 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023013359/http://www.austal.com/en/products-and-services/defence-products/naval-vessels/joint-high-speed-vessel.aspx?source=category |archive-date=23 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}
* [https://gdmissionsystems.com/maritime-strategic/surface-systems/joint-high-speed-vessel/ General Dynamics Mission Systems], ship mission system integrator for the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF)
* {{navsource|09/77/77101|USNS Spearhead (JHSV-1)}}

{{Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport}}
{{US Navy High Speed Vessels}}
{{Active ship classes of the United States Navy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Spearhead-class Joint High Speed Vessel}}
[[Category:Spearhead-class Joint High Speed Vessels| ]]
[[Category:Military catamarans]]