Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport
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 35–45 knots, and allow the rapid transit and deployment of conventional or special forces, equipment and supplies.
USNS Burlington (T-EPF-10) in 2021
Stern view of USNS Spearhead, with helicopter
Ramp deployed and in use
The Expeditionary Fast Transport USNS Choctaw County (EPF-2) awaits delivery at the Austal USA vessel completion yard.
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is an organization that controls the replenishment and military transport ships of the United States Navy. Military Sealift Command has the responsibility for providing sealift and ocean transportation for all US military services as well as for other government agencies. It first came into existence on 9 July 1949 when the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) became solely responsible for the Department of Defense's ocean transport needs. The MSTS was renamed the Military Sealift Command in 1970.
Rear Admiral Philip E. Sobeck, commander of Military Sealift Command.
MSC ships are identified by the blue and gold stripes on their stacks.
An Oiler conducts a replenishment-at-sea with USCGC Stratton, 2012
A Fleet Oiler (formerly the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force) ship, USNS Kanawha, bearing the blue-and-gold stripes on its stack