USNS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3)

History

The USNS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3) is a critical Expeditionary Mobile Base (EMB) support ship operated by the United States Navy's Military Sealift Command. Constructed by NASSCO in San Diego, California, and entering service in 2017, the vessel serves as a vital component in the transportation and resupply operations of the U.S. Navy. With a displacement of 87,000 tons, the ship boasts impressive dimensions, featuring a length of 764 feet, a beam length of 164 feet, and a draft of up to 25.5 feet.

Equipped with an Integrated Electric Propulsion System (IEP) developed by GE, the USS Puller can reach speeds of up to 15 knots, covering a range of 9,500 nautical miles. Its design includes a spacious flight deck capable of accommodating helicopters like the Sikorsky CH-53 "Super Stallion" and the CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor. Additionally, the ship plays a dual role, carrying minesweeping equipment to support both special operations and general offshore or inland operations conducted by the U.S. military.

While not a direct combat vessel, the USNS Lewis B. Puller is armed with 12 Browning M2HB heavy machine guns for defensive purposes. The ship has actively participated in training exercises, such as Crocodile Dagger in 2017, and conducted mine countermeasures in 2018. In April 2020, it faced challenges in the Persian Gulf when Iranian speedboats harassed the vessel while sailing alongside U.S. Coast Guard vessels. The USS Puller remains a versatile and strategically important asset in the U.S. Navy's operational capabilities.

Specification

Foundation

Year of Service: 2017

Origins: United States

Status: In service

Class: Expedition Transshipment Terminal

Operators: United States

Amphibious Assault: Shallow draft and other characteristics enable the ship to support nearshore amphibious assault operations.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 764.0 feet (232.87 m)

Ray: 164. 0 feet (49.99 m)

Draft: 25.5 feet (7.77 m)

Displacement: 87,000 tons

POWER & PERFORMANCE

Installed Power: General Electric Power Conversion Integrated Power System (IPS) propulsion scheme driving 2 x Shafts astern.

Surface Speed: 15.0 kts (17.3 mph)

Range: 9,472 nm (10,900 mi | 17,542 km)

ARMAMENT

10 x 12. 7mm Browning M2HB air-cooled Heavy Machine Gun (HMGs) set on trainable mountings about the ship's design.

AIRCRAFT

Up to 4 x Sikorsky CH-53 "Super Stallion" heavy-lift helicopters supported through integrated flight deck and hangar facilities.

Boeing CV-22 "Osprey" types also cleared while Boeing AH-64 "Apache" attack helicopters are undergoing certification.