USNS Point Loma Completes US Navy Acceptance Trials, Prepares for Delivery

The American shipbuilder, Austal USA, has successfully completed acceptance trials for the future USNS Point Loma (EPF 15). The trials were conducted on May 21 in partnership with the Navy’s Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) program team.

With the acceptance trials now complete, the ship is considered ready for delivery. The Navy is expected to receive Point Loma in June 2025.

A senior official from Austal USA acknowledged the effort of the shipyard workforce. According to the company’s Vice President of Surface Ship Programs, Dave Growden, the completion of these trials was possible because of the hard work of the Austal USA team, the support of the EPF program suppliers, Navy partners, and the Port of Mobile representatives involved in the process.

During the sea trials, the ship underwent a series of demanding and thorough tests while operating underway. The trials were led by Austal USA’s industry team and aimed to show the Navy that the vessel’s major systems and equipment were functioning successfully.

USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) is the second vessel in the EPF Flight II series to be built and delivered by Austal USA. The first, USNS Cody, was delivered to the Navy in January 2024.

The Flight II version of the EPF ships includes new medical support capabilities. These ships are specially designed to deliver advanced combat care while operating in challenging and contested environments. The enhanced afloat medical functions make these vessels highly valuable for missions that involve rapid medical response.

So far, Austal USA has delivered a total of 14 EPF ships to the Navy. In addition to EPF 15, two more EPF Flight II vessels are under construction at Austal USA’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.

The successful completion of sea trials brings the USNS Point Loma closer to joining the Navy’s fleet, offering expanded capabilities in both transport and maritime medical support.

Reference: Austal USA

Source: Maritime Shipping News