Austal USA launches USNS Point Loma (EPF 15)
MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA launched USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) at the company’s state-of-the-art ship building facility in Mobile, Ala. today. The U.S. Navy’s 15th Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), christened in the beginning of August, is now docked pier side for final outfitting and system activation in preparation for sea trials later this year.
During the launch process, self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT) lifted the ship almost three feet and moved it approximately 400 feet onto a deck barge moored adjacent to the final assembly bay. The barge moved the ship downriver to Austal USA’s West Campus repair yard where the ship was placed in a floating dry dock. The EPF was submerged in the dry dock enabling it to float for the first time, and it was returned back upriver to Austal USA’s new construction facility.
“The continued success of this launch process is a testament to the value of teamwork and applying lessons-learned to everything we do,” stated Austal USA Vice President of New Construction Programs, Dave Growden. “Our test and activation, crane and rigging, and safety teams work methodically alongside our Navy partners and key vendors such as Berard Transportation and E.N. Bisso & Son tug services. These partnerships allow us to continually examine our process, identify opportunities for improvement, and more effectively achieve these major ship milestones.”
Production efforts on EPF 15 will shift to final outfitting and system activation to support USNS Point Loma getting underway for sea trials.
