The US Navy has accepted delivery of USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8), the final ship in the Expeditionary Sea Base Program, from General Dynamics NASSCO.
The delivery took place in San Diego on August 25, 2026. It marks the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the navy, following completion of successful integrated sea trials earlier this summer.
The ship is named for U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata Jr., who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during the Korean War.
“Our ESBs are critical to maritime operations, providing logistics support from sea to shore for a broad range of military operations,” said Jon Thomas, acting program manager, Strategic and Theater Sealift.
“ESB 8 capabilities demonstrated during sea trials highlighted the power and flexibility of this ship and we are excited to have another ESB in the fleet. This delivery demonstrates the unwavering commitment to provide superior quality to the warfighter.”
ESBs are highly flexible platforms that bring critical access infrastructure that supports deployed forces, equipment, supplies, and warfighting capability.
To remind, the christening ceremony for the vessel took place this March. Heather Cafferata, daughter of the ship’s namesake, and Jessica Cafferata, granddaughter of the ship’s namesake, christened the ship with the traditional champagne bottle break alongside the hull.