Pictured is Elizabeth Asher christening the future USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) as the ship’s sponsor at a ceremony on 10 August 2024 at Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama ship manufacturing facility. Credit: Austal USA via X.

The US Navy unveiled USNS Point Loma (EPF-15), in a christening ceremony at the shipbuilding facility of the original equipment manufacturer, Austal USA, in Mobile, Alabama on 10 August 2024.

With the smash of a champagne bottle on the bow of the ship, Elizabeth Asher christened the future EPF-15 vessel – the 16th ship in a class that, when it reaches full operating capability, will amount to an auxiliary force of 19 units.

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Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels transport troops, military vehicles, cargo and equipment for a range of global missions. They will also support military logistics and humanitarian relief operations.

This latest EPF vessel is the second in an evolving configuration known as the Flight II variant, which incorporates “a new enhanced medical capability,” according to the president of Austal USA, Michelle Kruger.

One that will bring “lifesaving support to our forward deployed sailors and Marines and will be a sign of America’s humanitarian presence and support throughout the world’s global commons.”

Flight II includes, among other capabilities: basic secondary health care built around primary surgery; intensive care unit; ward beds; and limited x-ray, laboratory and dental support.

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The EPF ship USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9) departs Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Credit: Austal USA.

An EPF’s catamaran design provides inherent stability to allow surgeons to perform underway medical procedures in the ship’s operating suite.

Enhanced capabilities to support MV-22 flight operations and launch and recover 11-metre Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats complement the ship’s medical facilities.

Likewise, these Flight II upgrades along with EPF’s speed, manoeuvrability and shallow water access are key enablers for mission support of future Distributed Maritime Operations and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations around the world. Flight II retains the capability of the Flight I to support other missions including core logistics.