The U.S. Navy has formally christened the future USNS Lansing (EPF 16) at Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama, shipyard, completing construction of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport fleet. The ceremony reflects continued U.S. emphasis on agile sealift, intra-theater logistics, and afloat medical support amid growing operational demands in both the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
Highlighted by Military Sealift Command and Austal USA, the event marks the transition of Lansing from the shipyard to sea trials. As the sixteenth and final vessel in the class, the ship represents a sustained commitment to fast, flexible logistics platforms that support distributed maritime operations. In strategic terms, the christening reinforces that U.S. naval investment is focused not only on combat power, but also on the logistical infrastructure required to sustain operations in contested and geographically dispersed theaters.
Built as the third Flight II variant of the Spearhead class, USNS Lansing combines high-speed transport capability with enhanced medical facilities. The aluminum-hulled catamaran is approximately 103 meters long, with a beam of about 28.5 meters and a shallow draft near 3.8 meters, enabling operations in shallow ports and littoral regions. Propulsion is provided by four MTU 20V8000 diesel engines coupled to waterjets, delivering speeds in excess of 35 knots and approaching 40 knots under optimal conditions.
The ship’s operational flexibility is centered on a reconfigurable mission bay spanning roughly 20,000 square feet, suitable for vehicles, containers, and palletized cargo. A large flight deck supports heavy-lift helicopters and, in the Flight II configuration, is adapted for tiltrotor operations, including the MV-22 and CMV-22. This blend of speed, cargo volume, and aviation support gives Lansing a unique role in enhancing the U.S. Navy’s ability to move forces, equipment, and medical capability rapidly within theater.
