USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8) successfully completed Acceptance Trials July 17 following a three-day underway off the coast of southern California. ESB 8 is the final Expeditionary Sea Base in production and is scheduled for delivery later this summer.
During the underway period, the ship conducted comprehensive tests to demonstrate performance of the ship’s major systems and its ability to operate safely and effectively.
“Our ESBs are at the forefront of maritime operations, bringing operational capability and rapid response capabilities to the fleet,” said Jon Thomas, Acting Program Manager, Strategic and Theater Sealift. “As the final ship of the class, ESB 8 demonstrated its full range of capabilities, and its readiness for delivery and fleet operations.”
ESBs are mobile sea-based assets and are a part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces, equipment, supplies, and warfighting capabilities. ESBs are highly flexible platforms designed to support a variety of maritime based missions.