Austal has rolled out the US Navy’s 15th Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel in Mobile, Alabama.
During the ceremony, the USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) was lifted via a self-propelled modular platform 3 feet (approximately 1 meter) above ground at a distance of 400 feet (122 meters) to a deck barge adjacent to the final assembly bay.
The barge moved the vessel to the firm’s West Campus repair yard, where it was submerged via a floating dry dock to complete its first float.
It was returned upriver to Austal’s latest facility at the site and is now pier side to undergo the final construction phase and system activation in preparation for sea trials later this year.
“The continued success of this launch process is a testament to the value of teamwork and applying lessons-learned to everything we do,” Austal USA New Construction Programs VP Dave Growden stated.
“Our test and activation, crane and rigging, and safety teams work methodically alongside our Navy partners and key vendors.”
“These partnerships allow us to continually examine our process, identify opportunities for improvement, and more effectively achieve these major ship milestones.”
The Spearhead Program
The US Navy’s Spearhead program was formed to employ a modern fleet supporting rapid in-theater logistics under the Military Sealift Command.
Including the USNS Point Loma, the initiative planned to manufacture up to 19 platforms, 14 of which are already commissioned.
Each vessel built from this effort measures 103 meters (338 feet) and has a capacity for over 300 personnel, heavy-lift helicopters, and rigid hull inflatable boats.
The system is powered by four MTU diesel engines for a top speed of 43 knots (79.6 kilometers/49.4 miles per hour) and a range of 1,200 nautical miles (2,222 kilometers/1,381 miles).
Although intended for transport missions, the Spearhead is equipped with mounted machine guns for enhanced protection near its front and stern.
