Austal USA Launches Final EPF, the Future USNS Lansing

The U.S. Navy's 16th Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) is now docked pier side for final outfitting and system activation.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Austal USA has launched the company's second ship in less than a week, the Navy's final Expeditionary Fast Transport, future USNS Lansing (EPF 16) in Mobile, Alabama. The launch process involved self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT) lifting the ship almost three feet and moving it approximately 400 feet onto a deck barge moored adjacent to the final assembly bay. The barge then moved the ship downriver where the ship was placed in a floating dry dock, submerged to enable it to float for the first time, and returned upriver to Austal USA's new construction facility.

Why it matters

The successful launch of this final Expeditionary Fast Transport is a milestone for Austal USA, reflecting the company's commitment to teamwork, continuous process improvement, and supporting the maritime industrial base. The EPF 16 will be the Navy's third EPF Flight II medical variant, further enhancing the service's amphibious and medical capabilities.

The details

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 then moved the ship downriver where the ship was placed in a floating dry dock, submerged to enable it to float for the first time, and returned upriver to Austal USA's new construction facility. This is the 26th ship launched at Austal USA using this proven process.

  • Austal USA launched the company's second ship in less than a week on February 25, 2026.
  • The EPF 16 was christened in early January 2026.

The players

Austal USA

An American shipbuilding company that specializes in the construction of aluminum vessels, including the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) for the U.S. Navy.

Gene Miller

Austal USA Interim President.

USNS Lansing (EPF 16)

The U.S. Navy's 16th Expeditionary Fast Transport, which is the final EPF in the series.

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What they’re saying

“The successful launch of this final Expeditionary Fast Transport is a true reflection of the power of teamwork and our commitment to applying lessons learned to every aspect of our work.”

— Gene Miller, Austal USA Interim President (Seapower Magazine)

What’s next

Production efforts on EPF 16 will shift to final outfitting and system activation to support future USNS Lansing, the Navy's third EPF Flight II medical variant, getting underway for sea trials.

The takeaway

Austal USA's successful launch of the final Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel, the future USNS Lansing, demonstrates the company's commitment to continuous improvement, strong partnerships, and supporting the U.S. Navy's amphibious and medical capabilities.