Key Takeaways
- The future USNS Lansing (EPF 16) was christened at Austal USA’s manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama, on January 10, 2025.
- The ship is the first naval vessel named after Michigan’s capital and is the final U.S. Navy Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship.
- The USNS Lansing will be capable of deploying as an expeditionary fast transport, a Role 2 medical-capable platform, or a combination.
- The ship will be crewed by 31 civilian mariners and can embark up to 155 forces or an Expeditionary Medical Unit.
- The Flight II Expeditionary Fast Transport ships are designed to support a wide range of missions, including medical operations, logistics, and troop transportation.
Introduction to the USNS Lansing
The future USNS Lansing, the final U.S. Navy Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship, was christened on January 10, 2025, at Austal USA’s manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama. This significant event marked the completion of the Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship program, and the USNS Lansing is the first naval ship to be named after Michigan’s capital. The christening ceremony was attended by the ship’s two sponsors, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, who broke bottles of champagne on the ship’s bow in keeping with naval tradition.
The Christening Ceremony
The christening ceremony was a momentous occasion, and Michelle Kruger, president of Austal USA, expressed her honor at being a part of the tradition. "I was especially honored to witness this tradition that means so much to our Navy and our nation with the christening of the last ship of this great fleet," she said. The ceremony was a celebration of the ship’s completion and its upcoming role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s operations. The USNS Lansing’s sponsors, Gov. Whitmer and Rep. McClain, played a significant role in the ceremony, and their participation highlighted the importance of the ship’s namesake and its connection to the state of Michigan.
Capabilities of the USNS Lansing
The USNS Lansing is a versatile ship that can deploy in various configurations, including as an expeditionary fast transport, a Role 2 medical-capable platform, or a combination of both. The ship is designed to support a wide range of missions, including medical operations, logistics, and troop transportation. With a crew of 31 civilian mariners, the USNS Lansing can embark up to 155 forces or an Expeditionary Medical Unit, as required. The ship’s flexibility and capabilities make it an valuable asset to the U.S. Navy, and its completion marks a significant milestone in the Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship program.
The Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship Program
The Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship program has been a successful initiative, with the USNS Lansing being the final ship in the series. The Flight II Expeditionary Fast Transport ships, like the USNS Lansing, are designed to support a wide range of missions and have been built by an exceptional team of dedicated men and women at Austal USA. According to Michelle Kruger, "These ships are built by an exceptional team of dedicated men and women who consistently strive to be the best in the industry, delivering the most capable and cost-effective vessels to our superior Navy." The program has demonstrated the importance of collaboration and innovation in shipbuilding, and the USNS Lansing is a testament to the success of this approach.
Conclusion
The christening of the USNS Lansing marks the completion of the Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship program and the beginning of a new chapter in the ship’s life. With its versatile capabilities and advanced design, the USNS Lansing is poised to play a significant role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s operations and missions. As the first naval ship named after Michigan’s capital, the USNS Lansing also highlights the importance of the state’s connection to the U.S. Navy and its contributions to the nation’s defense. The ship’s sponsors, Gov. Whitmer and Rep. McClain, have played a significant role in the ship’s christening, and their participation has underscored the importance of the ship’s namesake and its connection to the state of Michigan.