Austal has laid the keel of the US Navy’s 16th Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship in Mobile, Alabama.
The ceremony formally started the USNS Lansing’s (EPF 16) construction, which was awarded to the company in 2022.
It is the first naval platform to bear the name of Michigan’s capital. At the event, the initials of the ship’s sponsor, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, were etched into a keel plate that will be wielded onto the vessel’s hull.
The first module to complete the logistics platform was delivered to Austal’s assembly bay simultaneously with the roll-out of the 15th Spearhead, the USNS Point Loma (EPF 15), last August.
“This ship highlights the success and importance of our Maritime Statecraft initiative, encompassing a national, whole-of-government effort to restore the comprehensive maritime power of our Nation,” US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro remarked.
“The future USS Lansing is named for the capital city of the state that is a leader in developing the techno-industrial workforce we need to build and assemble the ships, munitions, parts, and pieces our Naval fleet requires, and where, last month, the sponsor, Gov. Whitmer and I announced the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) initiative.”
Final Flight II Medical Ship
The Lansing is the third and final Spearhead ship to be configured according to the US Navy’s EPF Flight II configuration.
This variant employs a Role 2E enhanced medical function, which delivers basic secondary health care. It incorporates facilities for primary surgery, intensive care, patient wards, x-ray, dental, and laboratory applications.
Lead Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel, the USNS Spearhead (EPF 1). Photo: William Cook/US Navy
The design also supports V-22 Osprey tiltrotor and 11-meter (36-foot) rigid hull inflatable boat deployments to complement at-sea medical procedures.
“It’s a tremendous honor to work with the men and women of Austal USA in the construction of these great ships,” Austal USA New Construction VP Dave Growden said.
“Together, thanks to the support of the Navy, our suppliers, and our local, state, and federal delegations, we are able to celebrate this major milestone for this amazing Navy ship.”