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.
navy worldwide news29 may 2025 | 23:33 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print
fot. Naval Sea Systems Command
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.
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Kamil Kusier
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