The Expeditionary Fast Transport program contains T-EPFs are high-speed, shallowdraft ships capable of intra-theater personnel and cargo lift for the armed services.
Each T-EPF has a reconfigurable 20,000 square-foot mission bay that can quickly adapt to provide high-speed, agile lift capability to deliver operationally ready units to small, austere ports and flexibly support a wide range of missions including humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, theater security cooperation, maritime domain awareness and noncombatant evacuations. The design features a flight deck capable of landing a CH-53 helicopter, a stern ramp for vehicle access to the mission deck, and seating for 312 passengers. Able to reach speeds of more than 35 knots, they enable the rapid transit and deployment of conventional and special forces, equipment and supplies in support of maneuver and sustainment operations.
These vessels are crewed by civilian mariners while military personnel embark as required by mission sponsors. Eleven of the planned 12 EPFs have been delivered to MSC.
High-speed transport vessels recently acquired by the Navy also belong to MSC. USNS Guam (HST 1), formerly MV Huakai, replaced the high-speed vessel Westpac Express, whose mission is to transport military personnel and cargo for the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force between Okinawa and other U.S. Pacific Command training sites. HST 2, formerly MV Alakai, is currently on an Enhanced Use Lease in Nova Scotia.