During the underway period, the ship conducted comprehensive tests to demonstrate the 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.

Acceptance Trials of ESB 8 underscore the Navy’s commitment to building America’s Fleet of the Future. This trial marks the near conclusion of the new construction portion of the program. The first ESB of the class was delivered in 2015, and the ship has now been supporting the fleet for over a decade.

For 250 years, American naval power has projected strength globally, operating forward 24/7, 365 days a year. This operational tempo demands continuous capability, and the Fleet of the Future is our answer.

The Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Maritime is the single accountable organization for delivering surface ships for the US Navy. This new centralized organizational construct will empower leaders with broader scope and greater authority to accelerate delivery of combat capability and ensure acquisition speed and discipline are driven by what the warfighter needs—when they need it.