Austal Debuts First US Navy Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium in Over 40 Years

Austal USA has launched the US Navy’s first Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium (AFDM) in more than four decades.

Construction of the vessel, designated AFDM 15, began in 2023 to provide the military with a modern platform for submerging and lifting heavy surface combatants across shipyards and forward operational zones.

The vessel is built with a “Rennie” dry dock model that incorporates continuous walls and sectional pontoons for enhanced repair flexibility, in addition to features drawn from Austal’s own experiences in managing a similar system at its center in Mobile, Alabama.

The AFDM can carry loads up to 18,000 long tons (20,160 short tons), has a deck area of 90,8000 square feet (8,436 square meters), an overall length of 694 feet (212 meters), and a height of 65 feet (20 meters).

According to Austal, the AFDM 15 is the largest vessel launched into the Mobile Channel and the largest handled by the company’s test and activation team in the firm's 26-year history.

Development of the dry dock was supported by experts from the US Navy, the Alabama Port Authority Harbor Pilots, ASY, Berard Transportation, EN Bisso and Son Towing, and Crescent Towing.

During the launch ceremony, Austal USA President Gene Miller described the milestone as a “proud moment” and a “remarkable achievement” for the enterprise.

“Building the Navy's first Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium in over 40 years is no small feat, and to see it launched into the Mobile River is a testament to the skill, dedication, and expertise of our workforce,” Miller stated.

“This launch reflects the incredible capability we have right here on the Gulf Coast. We are grateful for the strong partnerships with the Navy and our industry partners that made this milestone possible, and we look forward to delivering a world-class asset that will serve the fleet for decades to come."