US Navy christens future USNS Point Loma EPF 15 in Alabama.

 According to information published by the US DoD on August 9, 2024, the Navy christened the future USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) during a ceremony held in Mobile, Alabama. The vessel is the second of the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) Flight II configurations.
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Artist rendering of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Point Loma. (Picture source: Austal USA)

Originally conceptualized under the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) program, these ships are designed for the rapid intra-theater transport of troops, vehicles, and equipment, supporting a wide array of military operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The EPF class is built by Austal USA and features a catamaran hull constructed from aluminum, which allows the vessels to achieve speeds of up to 43 knots.

This design also permits access to austere and shallow ports that are typically inaccessible to larger ships, thereby enhancing operational flexibility. Each ship is approximately 103 meters long, with a displacement of 2,400 tons. The vessels can transport 600 short tons over 1,200 nautical miles at high speed, and they are equipped with a flight deck capable of supporting helicopter operations.

One of the key features of the Spearhead-class is its ability to interface with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, making it suitable for deploying heavy equipment such as the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank. Additionally, the EPFs have a core crew of just 21 personnel, but they can accommodate over 312 embarked forces.

Flight II

Flight II EPFs are designed with a focus on increased medical capabilities, crucial for supporting operations in austere and contested environments.

These ships include advanced medical facilities such as two operating rooms, an intensive care unit, a blood bank, and a pharmacy. This setup provides Role 2E medical capability, which enables a broader range of surgical procedures to be performed at sea. Additionally, these ships are equipped to support V-22 Osprey operations.