USNS Point Loma Officially Handed Over to the Navy

On June 24, the U.S. Navy officially received the USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) from Austal USA. This vessel is the second of the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ships built under the enhanced Flight II configuration.

This handover marks the formal transition of the ship from the builder to the Navy and reinforces the Navy’s capacity to rapidly move troops, equipment, vehicles, and cargo to shallow-water ports. The Point Loma will be operated by the Military Sealift Command under Navy ownership.

“The delivery of USNS Point Loma represents the second Flight II EPF added to the fleet, offering critical rapid transport and upgraded medical capabilities to support operations in combatant command regions,” stated Tim Roberts, Program Manager for Strategic and Theater Sealift at Program Executive Office Ships (PEO Ships).

The vessel recently completed its Acceptance Trial with outstanding results and no major issues, highlighting its strong construction, quality, and operational readiness.

Flight II EPFs are equipped with advanced Role 2 medical capabilities, including two surgical suites and accommodations for up to 147 patients. Additionally, the ship can carry about 419 short tons of cargo and travel up to 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 33 knots.

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Each ship is equipped to conduct flight operations and can load and unload heavy machinery, cargo, and tactical vehicles such as the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV).

Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships—part of the Department of Defense’s acquisition framework—is tasked with overseeing the design and procurement of a wide range of naval vessels, including destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, auxiliary and support vessels, sealift ships, and special mission platforms.