U.S. Navy Christens Future Expeditionary Fast Transport, USNS Point Loma

Austal USA, a well-known American shipbuilder, christened the future USNS Point Loma (EPF-15), the second flight II Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) on August 10, 2024, at its Mobile, Alabama shipbuilding facility.

The ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Elizabeth Asher, performed the traditional christening ceremony by smashing a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow.

Mrs. Asher graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in art history from the University of Maryland at College Park and has been a Navy wife since 1991.

She and her husband, retired Navy Doctor Dean Asher, lived in Point Loma while he served aboard the USS La Jolla (SSN 701), a U.S. Navy attack submarine. Their son, Jacob Asher, is currently a naval aviator in training posted in Milton, Florida.

The ceremony featured remarks from prominent speakers, including the US Navy’s assistant secretary for research, development and acquisition- Nikolas Guertin; Austal USA President- Michelle Kruger; US Navy, Commander, Navy Installations Command, Vice Admiral Scott Gray; and VP of Program Execution at General Dynamics Mission Systems, Stan Kordana.

Michelle Kruger expressed enthusiasm for the christening ceremony, stating that Austal USA was thrilled to witness Mrs Asher christen the second Flight II EPF and that these EPFs are enhanced with new medical capabilities to provide life-saving support to mariners and sailors.

Kruger also emphasized the Austal USA team’s commitment to delivering cost-effective, high-capability ships to the Navy.

The future USNS Point Loma is named after a San Diego seaside community that has a strong naval presence.

The community’s long-standing relationship with the US Navy began in 1901 with the establishment of the Naval Coaling Station, La Paya, followed by the Naval Supply Center San Diego in 1943.

EPF-15 is the second vessel to honour the naval community.

The EPF’s Flight II configuration improves the ship’s medical capabilities by providing Role 2e support, which includes advanced medical care facilities for basic secondary health care, dental assistance, intensive care units, limited x-rays, laboratory, and ward beds.

The ship’s catamaran design ensures stability for performing medical procedures at sea.

It also supports V-22 flight operations and can launch and recover 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats.

These enhancements are crucial for supporting future Distributed Maritime Operations and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations.

The USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) is the second Flight II EPF built by Austal USA.

The US Navy is currently integrating an Expeditionary Medical Unit (EMU) aboard the first Flight II ship, the USNS Cody (T-EPF-14), at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

The Expeditionary Medical Unit provides advanced medical support both afloat and ashore.

Reference: Austal USA, US Navy

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Source: Maritime Shipping News