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Secretary of the Navy Names Navy’s Newest Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship Apalachicola

August 8, 2019 by Augusta West

APALACHICOLA, FL — Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has announced the newest Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship will be named USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF 13). Spencer travelled to Apalachicola to make the announcement personally at Apalachicola Main Street’s Independence Eve Celebration on July 3rd.

“The city of Apalachicola is one of the most historic cities in Florida, with foundations rooted in the maritime industry and support for a strong Navy and Marine Corps team,” said Spencer. “I am pleased that the history, culture, and spirit of this city will live on in the future USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF-13).”

The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) is a shallow draft, all aluminum, commercial-based catamaran that is designed for High Speed Intra-Theater Surface Lift and serves in a variety of roles for the military branches to include support of overseas contingency operations, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and supporting special operations forces.

“I am both grateful and honored that the City of Apalachicola, a small, rural costal community along Florida’s Forgotten Coast has been chosen to receive such a distinct recognition by the United States Navy,” said the Hon. Van W. Johnson, mayor of Apalachicola.  “This recognition speaks volumes about Apalachicola’s significance as an historic port City and its hardworking, dedicated and resilient residents.”

“I am proud of our community and sincerely pray that when called into action to provide assistance, relief and support to those in need, that the USNS Apalachicola and its crew will rise to the occasion and exemplify the true essence of the people who live and work in this unique and historic port City.” 

The future USNS Apalachicola is the second ship named in honor of the city of Apalachicola, Fla: the first, a large harbor tug (YTB-767), served from 1965-2002. The most recent naming is part of a program designed to honor small cities throughout the nation. “This ship and its class is to be named after smaller communities, but as I like to say, smaller communities with bigger hearts,” said Spencer. “This ship will sail around the world…and people around the world will know where Apalachicola is.”

Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, is under contract to build the new EPF, which will be 338 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 93.5 feet, displace approximately 2,362 tons and can operate at speeds of 35-plus knots.

Secretary Spencer, his wife Polly, security, and staff attended Apalachicola’s award-winning Independence Eve Celebration known for its fireworks display over the Apalachicola River. Spencer made the announcement to a crowd of 7,000 gathered downtown for the festivities which included live music, a parade, Veteran’s Tribute, remarks from the newly elected State Representative Jason Shoaf, and performances of patriotic songs culminating in the National Anthem.

“It was an honor to host Secretary and Mrs. Spencer as well as the Secretary’s staff for this exciting announcement,” said Apalachicola Main Street’s Executive Director Augusta West, who worked with Spencer’s staff to coordinate logistics.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: Apalachicola, Florida, Independence Eve, Navy, USNS Apalachicola

October is a Beautiful Time to Visit Apalachicola!

October 6, 2017 by Augusta West

This is truly a wonderful time to visit historic Apalachicola, the heart of Florida’s “Forgotten Coast.” Temperatures are pleasant and the summer crowds have faded. But there are still so many things to do!

One example is our award-winning “Autos & Oysters” Car Show coming up on Saturday, October 28. This family-friendly event has something for everyone. You’ll see vintage imports, American muscle cars, and everything in between. Enjoy music, hot dogs, and fresh Apalachicola oysters. General admission is free. Cars line up on Water Street at beautiful Riverfront Park in downtown Apalachicola.

Package deals are available. Spend the weekend and save when you shop and dine! See the show, then enjoy one of our fabulous restaurants, visit our galleries, or go shopping, all in our beautiful historic port city.

If you’d like to show your car, the registration fee is just $20. The Judging Team will be led by J. C. O’Steen of Tallahassee. For the past 40 years, J. C. has been involved in award-winning restorations of a wide range of cars.  He also has judged extensively at major national and international shows such as the Classic Car Club of America; National Corvette Restorers Society (highest Judging level attainable); and Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance and Motoring Festival. Mr. O’Steen has taught at judging schools on numerous occasions and owns a private collection of vintage cars and motorcycles.

Awards will be given for the Top 50, Best of Show, Club Participation, Greatest Distance Travelled, and Sponsor’s Choice. Awards will be presented at 4:00 p.m. Throughout the day, participants will enjoy a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and music. The first 100 cars will receive goody bags.

The effort is a downtown economic vitality initiative by Apalachicola Main Street to stimulate the economy in the off-season. To learn more, visit the website or give us a call at 844-272-2523.

Filed Under: Special Interest Tagged With: Apalachicola, car show, classic cars, downtown Apalachicola, events, Florida, forgotten coast, things to do

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APALACHICOLA MAIN STREET, INC.
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