The US Navy has christened the future USNS Point Loma (EPF 15), the second of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport (EPF) Flight II configurations, at a ceremony in Mobile, Alabama.
As informed, the ceremony took place on August 10, 2024. Elizabeth Asher is the sponsor of Point Loma, one of 16 expeditionary fast transports the US Navy has contracted Austal USA to build.
The future USNS Point Loma is named after the San Diego seaside community, which has a long-standing naval presence.
Point Loma, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay and the San Diego River, is home to Naval Base Point Loma. Comprised of six installations, the base provides support to 70 US Pacific Fleet afloat and ashore-based tenant commands.
EPF 15 is the second naval vessel to represent this naval community.
EPF Flight II provides a Role 2E (enhanced) medical capability which 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.
EPF 15 is the second EPF Flight II ship built by Austal USA.
The US Navy is currently embarking an expeditionary medical unit (EMU) aboard the first EPF Flight II ship delivered by Austal USA, USNS Cody (T-EPF 14).