scope:

Scope and Applicability.

This instruction applies to all EPF and EPFFlight II class ships.

Purpose.

a. This issues the required operational capabilities (ROC) and the projected operational environment (POE) for expeditionary fast transport (EPF) and EPF Flight II logistics ships.

b. Enclosures (1) and (2) have been prepared per OPNAVINST C3501.2L. This document provides the necessary details to describe the mission areas, environment and operational capabilities for which the EPF and EPF Flight II were designed and organized per OPNAVINST C3501.2L. It provides resource agencies information concerning EPF and EPF Flight II mission requirements, capabilities and the types and locations of expected operations.

c. EPF is a shallow draft, commercial-based, catamaran designed for rapid, intra-theater transport of personnel and equipment. EPFs high speed, shallow draft and ability to load and unload in austere ports enables maneuver force agility in achieving positional advantage over intermediate distances without reliance on robust shore-based infrastructure. At the lower end of the competition continuum, EPF supports forward presence and deterrence operations. These ships provide lift for tailored, modular forces into areas where austere, unimproved or degraded port facilities preclude access by larger ships. At the higher end of the continuum, the EPF will support the closure of forces for combat operations, particularly in support of sea based operations (limited to Sea State 1 operations).

d. EPF Flight II incorporates engineering, design and operational improvements that will provide Combatant Commanders with a more flexible and capable platform and enable an embarkable Role 2 Enhanced (R2E) medical capability. EPF Flight II will conduct the same missions conducted by the EPF with the qualification that its lift capacity to transport personnel and cargo 1,200 nautical miles without refueling is reduced from 600 short tons (ST) to 330.69 ST. The EPF Flight II will support the closure of forces for combat operations, particularly in support of sea based operation (limited to Sea State 5 at reduced speed).

e. Like commercial ships, the EPF and EPF Flight II will operate following the requirements imposed by regulatory bodies, port states or operating contracts.

f. Administrative control and life cycle management of EPFs and EPF Flight IIs will be provided by Military Sealift Command (MSC).

g. The EPF and EPF Flight II are naval auxiliary vessels, not warships, crewed by government civilian mariners. While they will transport operational combat-ready units, the EPF will not provide an assault capability. These ships will be capable of transporting nearly all classes of military tactical vehicles in addition to other cargo, equipment and personnel in the littoral region. EPF and EPF Flight II ships have all aluminum hulls that are optimized to provide high speed movement in low sea states. Open ocean operations require careful voyage planning to avoid damage to the aluminum hull, especially for EPFs which do not have the design and engineering improvements found in the Flight II.