(MOBILE, Ala.) — Austal USA launched the company’s first steel ship, the future USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11), on June 14. Named after a native American Korean War veteran who, as an activist, fought for justice and environmental preservation in the northwestern United States, Billy Frank Jr. is a Navy towing, salvage and rescue ship – one of three under construction at Austal USA and the first steel product of the company’s automated steel panel line.
“It was amazing to see the flawless rollout of our first steel ship,” said Harley Combs, vice president of surface ship programs. “The completion of this milestone is the result of the hard work and dedication of our talented workforce. I am so proud of all they have accomplished.”
At 3,100 metric tons, T-ATS 11 is the heaviest ship Austal USA has launched to date. The launch was executed with the proven process used to launch most of the 32 Navy ships the company has built and delivered to the service over the past 15 years…