MOBILE, Ala. (WTXL) — The United States Navy christened a new boat and the name is ringing a bell to people living in our area. The USNS Apalachicola was christened Saturday morning in Mobile, Alabama at a ceremony at Austal USA.
“Apalachicola’s sister ships are successfully supporting naval commands on the US East and West Coasts, along with forward deployments in the Middle East, Africa, Mediterranean, South America, and Asia regions," says Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh. "In the coming months, this highly complex, high-speed ship will join the others to support our great Navy.”
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro says the ship honors Apalachicola, "a city that represents America’s fighting spirit and dedication to duty.”
The ship is named in honor of the City of Apalachicola and is the second U.S. Navy ship to bear that name. The first— a Natick-class large harbor tug set sail in 1963. The Navy says the boat provided
harbor services to boats in the Puget Sound, Washington.
The USNS Apalachicola is a classified as an Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF). According to the Navy, an EPF can transport 600 short tons of military cargo more than 1,000 miles at an average speed of 35 knots.
Apalachicola Mayor Brenda Ash delivered the principal ceremonial address.
