The USNS Montford Point, the Navy’s first mobile landing platform, departed from Naval Station San Diego, Calif., July 12 bound for Everett Naval Station, Wash. The new vessel will undergo tests there, with final sea trials slated for September. Once those are complete, Montford Point will receive the equipment required to perform its mission – to provide the Navy with a floating platform that can deploy troops and provide equipment and supplies. Montford Point and its class will be able to operate as far as 25 miles offshore, and transfer equipment in seas with 1.25-meter waves. By removing its mission deck, the ship can perform salvage and point-to-point operations while partially submerged. It should be fully operational by 2015.
