future USNS Miguel Keith

Under construction at NASSCO shipyard. Built using modified Alaska-class oil tanker plans, ESB (Expeditionary Mobile Base) ships can be used where the threat level is lower. They are designed to support mine clearance, anti-piracy/smuggling and special forces operations.

 

Their flight deck can accommodate any USN/USMC helicopter, and there are plans to see if Osprey tilt rotors can be flown off them as well. The flight deck has 2 landing and 2 parking spots.

 

Due to the aviation facilities, the ESBs cannot partially submerge to float on/off LCACs.

 

Builder: NASSCO – San Diego, California

Cost: $134.9 million US$ (FY 2014)

Displacement:Approx. 78,000 long tons (87,000 short tons) fully loaded

Length:764 ft (233 m)

Beam:164 ft (50 m)

Draft:25.5 ft (7.8 m)

Installed power:Diesel-electric

Propulsion:Integrated power systems

Two (2) propellers

Speed:15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)

Range:9,500 nautical miles (17,600 km; 10,900 mi)

Boats and landing craft carried:Accommodation barge (298 mission-related personnel max.)

Complement:34 civilian mariners

Armament:None

Aircraft carried:Up to 4 CH-53 heavy-lift transport helicopters

Aviation facilities:Helicopter landing deck and hangar

 

Alongside her is CG-63, USS Cowpens, the 'Mighty Moo.'

Done