USA Ship Builder Cuts First Plate For Their First Steel Ship Build
Here is a great article from Lawrence Specker with this futuristic Navy ship used for rescue and salvage. This sleek oceangoing tug can reach up to 20 Knots.
By
Lawrence Specker | [email protected]
With the push of a button Monday morning, a plasma cutter flared to life and began slicing a steel plate, making the first cut on materials that will become Austal USA’s first steel ship.
“Many of you have had the opportunity to join us for similar ceremonies before. But none were quite as special as today’s,” said Dave Growden, Austal USA’s VP of new construction. Growden said this particular occasion marked not only the start of work on a ship “but also the next chapter in Austal USA’s history.”
“This is a very important ship,” said Anderson.
The ship is question will be part of the Navajo class, a type of vessel designated as the T-ATS by the Navy. It’s a multipurpose vessel primarily intended for use in salvage, towing and rescue operations. Growden and Anderson said it also might used in humanitarian relief, spill response and search and surveillance missions.
