U.S. Navy Support Ship Point Loma Launched in Alabama

On August 10, Austal USA officially christened the Point Loma, a Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport Flight II ship, at its facility on Blakeley Island in Mobile, Alabama. This vessel is the second of three ships being constructed by Austal for the U.S. Navy. The ship is named to honor the Point Loma community and its longstanding relationship with the Navy, which dates back to the establishment of the Naval Coaling Station in 1901 and the Naval Supply Center San Diego in 1943. The Point Loma is designed for rapid transport and enhanced medical capabilities, capable of accommodating up to 147 medical patients and featuring two operating rooms. As a non-commissioned vessel owned by the U.S. Navy, it will be operated by a civilian crew under the Military Sealift Command. The Flight II EPFs are also equipped to carry the U.S. Navy's 11M Rigid Inflatable Boat and can land the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, which is known for its vertical and short takeoff and landing capabilities. During the christening ceremony, Austal USA president Michelle Kruger expressed excitement over the ship's launch, highlighting its dual mission of transport and medical support. She praised the dedicated team behind the construction of the Point Loma, emphasizing their commitment to delivering cost-effective and capable vessels to the Navy. The Point Loma follows its sister ship, the USNS Cody, which was accepted into Military Sealift Command in January as the first Flight II variant with enhanced medical capabilities. A previous ship named Point Loma was decommissioned in 1993.