MOBILE, Ala., — March 2, 2026 : Austal USA on February 25 launched the future USNS Lansing (EPF 16), the U.S. Navy’s 16th and final Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), from its shipbuilding facility in Mobile, Alabama. The launch came two days after the company floated the future USNS Solomon Atkinson (T-ATS 12) on February 23, marking the second vessel launch at the yard within a week.
USNS Lansing is a Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport and the third ship built in the EPF “Flight II” medical configuration. The vessel was christened on January 10, 2026, at Austal USA’s facility, with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer serving as sponsor. The ship is named after Lansing, the capital city of Michigan.
Design and Specifications
The Spearhead-class EPF is designed as a high-speed, shallow-draft aluminum catamaran intended for intra-theater transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies. USNS Lansing measures 337 feet 11 inches in length and 93 feet 6 inches in beam. Its twin-hull aluminum design provides inherent stability during operations at sea.
As a Flight II variant, the vessel incorporates Role 2 enhanced (2E) medical capabilities. The onboard medical facilities include operating rooms, intensive care units, medical ward beds, laboratory spaces, a pharmacy, and a blood bank. The configuration enables the ship to function either as a conventional expeditionary fast transport, a medical support platform, or a combined mission asset depending on operational requirements.
The ship also features an enhanced flight deck capable of supporting V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and heavy-lift helicopter operations. In addition, it is equipped with an active motion-compensated launch and recovery system designed to deploy and retrieve 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs).
The vessel includes airline-style seating and berthing accommodations for up to 312 embarked troops or additional medical personnel. Upon delivery, USNS Lansing will be operated by civilian mariners under the command of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command.
Construction Milestones
Construction of USNS Lansing began with aluminum cutting on October 3, 2023. The keel was laid on September 6, 2024. Following christening in January 2026, the ship proceeded to launch later that month as part of Austal USA’s established production schedule.
The completion of EPF 16 concludes the Navy’s 16-ship production run for the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport program.
Launch Procedure
USNS Lansing is the 26th vessel launched from Austal USA’s Mobile facility using a multi-stage translation method developed for the yard’s modular construction process.
For the launch, self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) lifted the vessel approximately three feet from its position in the final assembly bay. The ship was then moved approximately 400 feet onto a deck barge moored adjacent to the facility.
The barge transported the vessel downriver to a floating dry dock. Once positioned, the dry dock was submerged, allowing the EPF to float free for the first time. The vessel was subsequently towed upriver and returned to Austal USA’s new construction facility for continued outfitting.
The same launch methodology has been applied to 26 ships constructed at the Mobile yard.
Industry Collaboration
Gene Miller, Interim President of Austal USA, stated that the launch required coordination among shipyard teams, Navy representatives, and industry partners. Participating partners included Berard Transportation, Alabama Shipyard, and E.N. Bisso & Son tug services, alongside Austal USA’s internal test and activation, crane and rigging, and safety teams.
Next Steps
Following launch, USNS Lansing is currently pier-side at Austal USA’s facility, where production efforts are focused on final outfitting and system activation. The vessel is scheduled to undergo sea trials later in 2026 in preparation for delivery and operational service.
With the launch of EPF 16, Austal USA concludes construction of the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport program. Since 2009, the company has delivered 34 ships to the U.S. Navy and continues to execute contracts for steel and aluminum surface combatants and auxiliary vessels for the Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard.
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