Austal USA launches its first steel ship — T-ATS 11
Austal USA Launches USNS Billy Frank Jr. – A Steel Milestone
Austal USA, based in Mobile, Ala., recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its first steel ship, the USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11). This Navy Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship, named after a Korean War veteran and environmental activist, marks a remarkable achievement for the company.
Maiden Voyage of USNS Billy Frank Jr.
Austal USA’s launch of the USNS Billy Frank Jr., measuring 262.8’x59.1’x24.6′, represents a monumental step forward in the company’s shipbuilding capabilities. This steel vessel, part of a series of three under construction, showcases Austal USA’s cutting-edge automated steel panel line technology.
Versatile Capabilities of T-ATS 11
The USNS Billy Frank Jr., weighing 3,100 metric tons, boasts impressive ocean-going towing, salvage, and rescue capabilities essential for supporting fleet operations. With an endurance range of 8,170 nm at 10 knots, the T-ATS series offers a multi-mission common hull platform designed to meet a range of naval requirements.
Austal USA’s successful launch of the USNS Billy Frank Jr. signifies a significant achievement in the company’s shipbuilding endeavors. Named after a notable veteran and activist, this steel vessel not only embodies technological advancement but also honors a legacy of service and environmental stewardship.
“Austal USA Launches USNS Billy Frank Jr. – A Steel Milestone” stands out as a compelling title that encapsulates the significance of this recent news story. By emphasizing the launch of the company’s first steel ship and its symbolic namesake, the title effectively captures the reader’s attention and conveys the sense of achievement and progress represented by this event.
