Euronaval 2024: Austal USA’s EPF Flight II brings advanced medical and aviation capabilities to US Navy.

At Euronaval 2024, Austal USA is showcasing the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) Flight II, an advanced variant of the Spearhead-class vessels tailored to meet the U.S. Navy's evolving needs. This latest version builds upon the Spearhead-class but brings crucial upgrades to meet the demands of modern military operations, particularly in providing advanced medical support in remote and contested areas.
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At Euronaval 2024, Austal USA presents the EPF Flight II—a next-generation vessel equipped with medical facilities and expanded aviation capabilities, designed to enhance U.S. Navy missions with rapid response and medical readiness. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Unlike previous EPF models, Flight II is designed with a comprehensive Role 2 Enhanced (Role 2E) medical suite. This suite features two fully functional operating rooms, a dedicated pharmacy, a blood bank, and a laboratory. This onboard capability allows the ship to deliver a high standard of care, including life-saving surgeries, far from established medical facilities. These additions offer a significant advantage in providing real-time medical intervention close to combat zones or disaster areas, potentially saving lives that would otherwise be at risk due to evacuation delays.

In addition to its medical capabilities, EPF Flight II is also optimized for expanded aviation operations. The vessel can support the V-22 Osprey, giving it the versatility needed for rapid personnel deployment, logistical resupply, or casualty evacuation by air.

EPF Flight II’s utility extends to surface operations, as it is equipped with systems to launch and recover 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). This capability supports the rapid deployment and recovery of small boats for a range of missions, including maritime security, search and rescue, or troop movements to shore locations. These systems reflect the Navy’s focus on versatility, allowing EPF Flight II to respond quickly in dynamic scenarios.

Austal USA’s delivery of the USNS Cody (EPF-14), the first vessel in the Flight II series, marked a key milestone in 2024, integrating the enhanced medical capabilities and setting a new standard for expeditionary transports. The EPF-15 and EPF-16 are under active construction.

Austal

The company’s notable contributions include the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), designed for agility and versatility in littoral (near-shore) waters, where rapid response and adaptability are key. These vessels are optimized for missions requiring quick, maneuverable ships that can handle diverse threats in confined waters.

Additionally, Austal USA has broadened its portfolio to include Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ships (T-ATS), which are designed to aid in towing and salvage operations. 

The US company is also active in enhancing the U.S. Coast Guard’s medium-endurance patrol capabilities through its production of the Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC).

While Austal USA concentrates primarily on U.S. military contracts, its parent company, Austal Limited, serves a global market, building naval and commercial vessels for organizations such as the Australian Border Force, the Royal Australian Navy, and other international commercial clients.