A future US Navy Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport (EPF) will be named to honour the San Diego seaside community of Point Loma, Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas W. Harker confirmed on Friday, July 16.
The future USNS Point Loma will be the second US Navy vessel to bear this name, the first being a deep submergence support ship that was decommissioned in 1993. The name selection follows the American naval tradition of honouring small American cities or communities with ties to the navy.
Currently, Naval Base Point Loma comprises six installations and provides support to 70 US Pacific Fleet afloat and shore-based tenant commands headquartered on the base.
The future Point Loma will be the 15th Spearhead-class catamaran EPF to be built for the US Navy. Construction will take place at the facilities of Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama.
