USNS John Glenn Passes Builder’s Trials with Flying Colors

The US Navy’s second ship of the Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) class USNS John Glenn (MLP 2) wrapped up Builder’s Sea Trials on Jan. 13 passing all tests with flying colors.

During a week-long sea trials the shipbuilder, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO), conducted comprehensive tests to demonstrate the performance of all of the ship’s major systems.

“John Glenn performed extremely well, a testament to the thorough preparation by NASSCO, the Navy MLP program office, and our Supervisors of Shipbuilding,” said Capt. Henry Stevens, strategic and theater sealift program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships. “This ship is well on its way to acceptance trials and delivery later this year.”

Designed based on Alaska-class crude oil carrier, MLP can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots and range of 9,500 nautical miles.

Acting as a mobile seabase, MLP will be part of the critical access infrastructure, providing the Navy with the capability to transfer vehicles and equipment at sea and to interface with surface connectors to deliver the vehicles and equipment ashore.

At 837 feet long, MLP displaces over 80,000 tons when loaded. The ship with its modular core capability set includes a 25,000 sq. ft. raised vehicle deck, side-port ramp, large mooring fenders, and berths for up to three Landing Craft Air Cushioned vessels (LCAC).

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Naval Today Staff, January 17, 2014; Image: US Navy