USNS Montford Point Bound for San Diego

The U.S. Navy’s first Mobile Landing Platform, USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), set sail for San Diego April 20, following installation of the ship’s Core Capability Set (CCS) at Vigor Marine, LLC in Portland, Oregon.

Montford Point’s unique Core Capability Set allows for the easy transfer of vehicles, personnel and equipment from other vessels such as the Large, Medium-speed, Roll-on/Roll-off Ships onto Landing Craft, Air Cushioned vehicles for transportation to shore.

“Sail away and installation of the CCS bring this significant asset one step closer to in-service mission support,” explained Capt. Henry Stevens, strategic and theater sealift program manager for Program Executive Office Ships. “Its flexible cargo and vehicle transport and stowage capabilities will make the MLP an invaluable multi-mission support asset for our forward deployed forces across the world.”

As the ship sails to San Diego, it will undergo at-sea testing before arriving at the General Dynamics-NASSCO shipyard where preparations will begin for Initial Operational Test and Evaluation.

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships and special warfare craft. Delivering high-quality warfighting assets – while balancing affordability and capability – is key to supporting the nation’s maritime strategy.

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Press Release, April 25, 2014; Image: US Navy