MOBILE, Alabama — The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the first Flight II Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel, USNS Cody (EPF 14), Jan. 11, according to a release by the U.S. Navy.

It’s the next step in a process that began in 2019 with the announcement that a new fast transport vessel would be named after the City of Cody.

The ship was delivered from Austal USA which constructed it.

In September of 2019, when the name of the ship was announced, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer praised the city.

“The people of Cody are staunch supporters of a strong Navy and Marine Corps team and it is fitting to name a ship in honor of this great city,” Spencer said in a statement. “I am pleased that the spirit of Cody will live on in the future USNS Cody (T-EPF-14).”

EPFs are designed to operate in shallow waterways and are capable of a wide range of activities. These versatile, non-combatant transport ships are used for the high-speed transportation of troops, military vehicles, and equipment.

“The delivery of the first Flight II EPF is a significant milestone. The ship’s enhanced medical capabilities will ensure that it provides critical support to our sailors and marines, while still performing its other mission sets.” said Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager, Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships.

Flight II EPF vessels have added medical mission afloat capabilities. The ships can also transport approximately 419 short tons and travel 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 33 knots. Each vessel includes a flight deck to support day and night aircraft launch and recovery operations. The ships are capable of on/off-loading heavy equipment and vehicles such as a fully combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank.

Austal USA is also constructing two additional Flight II vessels, the future USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) and EPF 16.

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, support ships, and special warfare craft.

At least 28 other U.S. Navy ships have been named after the state of Wyoming’s cities, places and people. That includes the Vietnam War-era USS Park County, although that tank landing ship was technically named for all three Park counties in Wyoming, Montana and Colorado.