As part of its efforts to maintain global presence and support its deployed assets in various regions, the U.S. Navy has incorporated what is now the fifth of its new Lewis B. Puller-class mobile expeditionary bases, joining the one previously delivered in February.
Named USS Robert E. Simanek in honor of Robert E. Simanek, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War and receiver of the Medal of Honor, this new mobile expeditionary base is the fifth unit of the Lewis B. Puller class, with its christening ceremony having taken place last May.
Originating from a contract awarded to General Dynamics NASSCO in 2011, the U.S. Navy is in the process of incorporating this new class of mobile expeditionary bases. With an overall length of 239 meters, a beam of 50 meters, and a displacement of 90,000 tons, these vessels can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots (28 km/h) with a cruising range of 9,500 nautical miles (17,594 km).
Additionally, they feature a platform capable of operating MH-53 and MH-60 helicopters and have the potential for future upgrades. They are notable for their significant fuel storage capacity, workshops, storage areas, mission planning rooms, and accommodations for 250 personnel.
Looking ahead, NASSCO has confirmed that construction of the sixth unit of the Lewis B. Puller class is underway, which will join the current USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), and the Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7).
*Photographs used for illustration purposes.
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