Austal Launches Its First Steel Ship: The USNS Billy Frank Jr.

Written by Carla Teles

Published on 24/06/2025 at 13:47

Updated on 24/06/2025 at 15:22

A Austal USA lança seu primeiro navio de aço, o USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11). Saiba tudo sobre este marco na construção naval, suas capacidades multimissão e os próximos passos para a entrega à Marinha dos EUA. Imagem: Austal USA

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Austal USA Shipbuilder Celebrates Historic Milestone With Launch of T-ATS 11, The Heaviest Vessel Ever Launched By The Company and The First of Its Steel Production Line.

Austal USA has successfully launched its first steel vessel, the future USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11). The event, which took place on June 14, 2025, marks a significant moment for the company, which now demonstrates its capability in building steel vessels. This is the first of three towing, salvage, and rescue ships under construction for the U.S. Navy.

The Historic Milestone of Austal USA in Shipbuilding

The launch of the future USNS Billy Frank Jr. represents a remarkable advancement for Austal USA. Being the first product of the company’s automated steel panel line, this steel vessel is also the heaviest ever launched by the company to date, weighing 3,100 metric tons. The construction, which is over 85% complete, is moving into the final stages.

Harley Combs, Vice President of Surface Ship Programs, expressed his pride. “It has been amazing to see the flawless implementation of our first steel ship,” he stated. “The completion of this milestone is the result of the hard work and dedication of our talented workforce.”

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Technical Details of The New Steel Ship

The T-ATS will be a common and versatile hull platform. It has been designed to tow U.S. Navy ships and features a 560 square meter deck. This space is meant to accommodate various onboard systems, enhancing its operational functionalities.

More Than a Tugboat

This new class of vessel will combine the capabilities of the rescue and salvage platforms (T-ARS 50) and the ocean-going tugs of the fleet (T-ATF 166). According to Austal, the T-ATS will be able to support a wide range of missions, including towing, salvage, rescue, oil spill response, and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the platform is prepared for search and surveillance in wide areas and for future capability upgrades.

Next Steps for The USNS Billy Frank Jr.

With the launch completed, the future USNS Billy Frank Jr. now enters the final stages of preparation. The next steps include sea trials, which precede the official delivery of the vessel. The project timeline began with the keel-laying ceremony in 2023, followed by the christening of the vessel in March 2025.

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Austal Launches Its First Steel Ship: The USNS Billy Frank Jr.

Austal USA Shipbuilder Celebrates Historic Milestone With Launch of T-ATS 11, The Heaviest Vessel Ever Launched By The Company and The First of Its Steel Production Line.

The Historic Milestone of Austal USA in Shipbuilding

Technical Details of The New Steel Ship

More Than a Tugboat

Next Steps for The USNS Billy Frank Jr.

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Austal Launches Its First Steel Ship: The USNS Billy Frank Jr.

Austal USA Shipbuilder Celebrates Historic Milestone With Launch of T-ATS 11, The Heaviest Vessel Ever Launched By The Company and The First of Its Steel Production Line.

The Historic Milestone of Austal USA in Shipbuilding

Technical Details of The New Steel Ship

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