Future USS Robert E. Simanek Joins the Navy Fleet

The Navy’s latest vessel is dedicated to Pfc. Robert Ernest Simanek, a Medal of Honor recipient honored for his bravery during the Korean War. At the Battle of Bunker Hill, Simanek shielded his comrades from a grenade, a heroic act recognized in 1953 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

“From christening in May 2024 to delivery, it has been an exciting time for those who spend each day preparing this ship to support our fleet,” remarked Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager under the Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. He emphasized that the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship class serves a wide range of military operations, making it a pivotal asset in supporting forces and warfighting capabilities.

ESBs are designed for versatile maritime missions, including Special Operations Forces and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). With features such as a four-spot V-22 flight deck, mission deck, and hangar, these ships are built around four main capabilities: aviation facilities, berthing, equipment staging support, and command and control assets.

Construction continues on the future USS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8) at the NASSCO shipyard, highlighting the ongoing expansion of this ship class.

PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s largest acquisition organizations, oversees the development and procurement of various naval vessels, including destroyers, amphibious ships, and special mission ships. Their efforts ensure the Navy’s fleet remains equipped to meet modern challenges and operational demands.