USNS Point Loma (T-EPF-15) completes sea trials, marking milestone in medical transport capability
USNS Point Loma (T-EPF-15), the fifteenth vessel in the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport (EPF) program, has successfully completed acceptance trials in Mobile, Alabama. Built by Austal USA, the ship demonstrated full system functionality and mission readiness during a series of rigorous at-sea tests.
In brief
USNS Point Loma, the fifteenth Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport, has completed acceptance trials at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. The vessel represents the Flight II version, combining the functions of a fast transport and a mobile Role 2 Enhanced military hospital with two operating rooms, 147 patient berths and a 38-member civilian crew. Military Sealift Command, which supports United States Navy operations, will take over operation of the ship. The name Point Loma was assigned by decision of Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Harker on 16 July 2021.
The ship is operated by the Military Sealift Command and is the second vessel to bear the name Point Loma, honoring the coastal community in San Diego, California. The name was officially announced on 16 July 2021 by then-Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Harker. The first ship to carry the name was USS Point Loma (AGDS-2), a deep submergence support ship.
Dual-role capability in a new generation of EPF vessels
USNS Point Loma belongs to the Flight II subclass of EPF ships, designed not only for fast logistical support but also for enhanced medical response operations. These vessels fill a critical gap between transport capacity and forward-deployed medical support.
Key onboard capabilities include:
- Two fully equipped operating rooms
- An embarked medical unit capable of trauma care and surgery
- Support for up to 147 patients
- A civilian crew of 38 personnel maintaining 24/7 operations
These features make Flight II EPFs ideal for humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and combat support missions, especially in regions lacking shore-based medical infrastructure.
Building future naval readiness
Construction of USNS Point Loma is being carried out by Austal USA at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. The successful sea trials confirm the ship’s technical maturity and bring it one step closer to entering service with the U.S. Navy.
As maritime operations grow more complex, Flight II EPFs represent a new generation of multi-mission naval platforms, combining speed, modularity, and medical capability in one integrated design.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
Related articles
Navy and defence ORP Gopło will not be preserved intact. Prototype laminate minesweeper passes to Poland's Military Property Agency 
Navy and defence HMS Prince of Wales takes on ammunition in Norway. First resupply outside the UK 
Navy and defence ORP Mewa marks four months with SNMCMG1. Poland's first Kormoran II deployment runs to year-end 
Shipbuilding industry Ex-Enterprise towed to Mobile under $418.5m contract. Test case for Nimitz-class disposal begins 
Navy and defence Norwegian submarine Utstein completes NATO patrol guarding offshore oil and undersea infrastructure 
History Polish Naval Museum in Gdynia opens its doors on Independence Day, 11 November
Comments (0)
The discussion is moderated by the editors: a comment appears after review. Your e-mail address is not published.
Nobody has commented on this article yet.