U.S. Austal shipyard strengthens U.S. Navy expeditionary logistics with delivery of EPF 15 Point Loma ship.

According to information published by the U.S. Navy on June 24, 2025, the Navy officially accepted delivery of the USNS Point Loma (EPF 15), the second Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) built to the advanced Flight II configuration. Austal USA constructed the vessel at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, and the delivery signifies its formal transfer from the builder to the Navy's Military Sealift Command, which will operate the vessel in support of rapid-response and logistical missions.
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USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) at Austal USA shipyard during its official delivery to the U.S. Navy, marking a significant enhancement in expeditionary logistics and medical support capabilities. (Picture source: U.S. Navy NAVSEA)

The USNS Point Loma is a significant enhancement to the U.S. Navy’s expeditionary capabilities, offering rapid transport of personnel, cargo, tactical vehicles, and medical support to shallow-draft ports and austere environments. Notably, the Flight II variant introduces enhanced Role 2 medical capability with two fully operational operating rooms and accommodations for up to 147 patients, allowing it to serve as a forward-deployed medical platform in crisis response or combat scenarios.

Designed for high-speed operations, the ship can carry approximately 380 metric tons (419 short tons) of equipment and supplies over distances of 2,222 km (1,200 nautical miles) at an average cruising speed of 61 km/h (33 knots). Its expansive mission bay supports the on- and off-loading of Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), and it is fully capable of supporting helicopter operations.

Prior to its delivery, EPF 15 successfully completed a rigorous Acceptance Trial, demonstrating high readiness levels with no significant deficiencies, reflecting the maturity of the program and the build quality delivered by Austal USA. According to Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager at PEO Ships, this milestone underscores the Navy's commitment to agile and medically equipped expeditionary platforms across global theaters.

The Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), formerly known as the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV), is a class of high-speed, shallow-draft vessels designed to support rapid intra-theater transport of troops, military vehicles, and equipment. Built with a catamaran hull structure, EPFs combine large mission bays, aviation support capability, and roll-on/roll-off ramps for vehicle operations, enabling them to deploy quickly to poorly developed ports and coastlines. Each vessel is operated by civilian mariners under the Military Sealift Command, allowing for cost-effective logistical missions in non-hostile environments while retaining flexibility for combat support. These vessels serve as vital enablers of the Navy’s distributed maritime operations, bridging the gap between larger sealift ships and tactical landing craft. The first Spearhead-class EPF, USNS Spearhead (EPF 1), was delivered to the U.S. Navy in December 2012, marking the launch of this transformational logistics capability.

While classified under auxiliary support, the EPF can be distinctly recognized as an expeditionary logistic ship. Unlike traditional naval supply vessels designed for large-scale replenishment, EPFs focus on agile and tactical transport within operational theaters. Their shallow draft, high speed, and modular configuration make them ideal for supporting forward-deployed forces and accessing ports that are inaccessible to larger ships. The addition of medical facilities in the Flight II configuration expands their utility as mobile forward logistics and casualty care platforms, offering crucial support in both combat and humanitarian missions.

In terms of naval power projection, the EPF class provides the U.S. Navy with unmatched operational agility and responsiveness. Its shallow draft, high speed, and large payload capacity allow it to operate in littoral zones where traditional logistics ships cannot access, delivering critical supplies, troops, and medical aid directly to the frontlines or disaster zones. EPFs significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to support distributed maritime operations, joint force entry, and humanitarian assistance, while also reducing reliance on large, vulnerable logistical hubs. The addition of enhanced medical facilities in the Flight II variants further extends their value as strategic platforms for combat casualty care in denied or degraded environments.

With the delivery of the USNS Point Loma, the U.S. Navy takes another step forward in modernizing its auxiliary fleet to meet the demands of 21st-century maritime conflict and crisis response. The Spearhead-class EPF vessels, especially the Flight II variants, exemplify the shift toward versatile, modular platforms capable of operating in diverse theaters. Their ability to deliver sustained, rapid support across vast distances ensures that the Navy remains prepared for both high-intensity conflict and global humanitarian missions, reinforcing American naval dominance across the world's oceans.