Final Navy expeditionary fast transport ship christened
The U.S. Navy celebrated a significant milestone on January 10, 2026, with the christening of the USNS Lansing (EPF 16) at Austal USA’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. This event marks the completion of the Flight II expeditionary fast transport (EPF) program, which has provided the Navy and Military Sealift Command with high-speed, shallow-draft vessels designed for the intra-theater transport of personnel and cargo, rapid response operations, and global mission support.
During the ceremony, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Representative Lisa McClain, both sponsors of the ship, broke bottles of champagne on the bow and jointly declared, “For the United States of America, I christen thee Lansing. May God bless this ship and all who sail in her!” The event was attended by notable figures, including Hung Cao, Under Secretary of the U.S. Navy, and Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson, Commander of Military Sealift Command.
Austal USA President Michelle Kruger expressed pride in the shipbuilding effort, stating, “I was especially honored to witness this tradition that means so much to our Navy and our Nation with the christening of the last ship of this great fleet.” She emphasized the enhanced capabilities of the Flight II EPF ships, which are designed to support a wide range of missions, including medical operations, logistics, and troop transport.
Features and Capabilities of the USNS Lansing
The USNS Lansing is the first Navy ship named after Michigan’s capital. Its predecessor, the USS Lansing (DE-388), was commissioned in 1943. The new vessel is part of the EPF Flight II configuration, which introduces enhanced medical capabilities, including primary surgical facilities, an intensive care unit, ward beds, and limited x-ray, laboratory, and dental support. The ship’s catamaran design ensures stability for medical procedures while underway.
Measuring 337 feet 11 inches in length and 93 feet 6 inches in width, the USNS Lansing is equipped to support Distributed Maritime Operations and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. It retains the logistics and transport capabilities of earlier EPF variants while also supporting V-22 flight operations and the launch and recovery of 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boats.
The EPF program has delivered a fleet of 16 Spearhead-class vessels, with 11 currently in service. The lead ship, USNS Spearhead (T-EPF-1), was delivered in December 2012. With the christening of the USNS Lansing, the EPF program concludes its mission, having established a vital component of U.S. maritime logistics and expeditionary operations.
In addition to the EPF program, Austal USA was awarded a contract in 2023 worth $868 million for the design and construction of three expeditionary medical ships based on the EPF design, indicating ongoing advancements in naval capabilities.
