Regina Garcia
Austal USA conducted the christening for the future USNS Cody, the 14th expeditionary fast transport vessel for delivery to the U.S. Navy.
The Mobile, Alabama-based shipbuilder said Saturday Cody is one of the two EPF Flight II vessels currently under construction to increase the number of naval expeditionary medical platforms.
EPF Flight II is designed to accomodate surgeries in an on-board medical operating suite. It features intensive care unit and ward beds as well as minimal x-ray, laboratory and dental support capabilities.
“Cody represents the future of naval medicine afloat and the ability to provide critical combat care in austere and contested operating environments,” said Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh.
The ceremony on Saturday was attended by the ship’s sponsor Averil Spencer, who led the champagne bottle-break tradition on the ship’s bow.
In addition to two EPF Flight II ships, a third one is also set to be constructed under a contract.
