SECNAV Del Toro Unveils New Navy Fast Transport Ship ‘Lansing’; Michigan Governor to Sponsor

LANSING, Michigan (July 22, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that a future Expeditionary Fast Transport, EPF 16, will be named USNS Lansing on July 22.

During a press conference at the Michigan State Capitol, Secretary Del Toro revealed that this forthcoming USNS Lansing is the first vessel to be named after Michigan’s capital city. Previously, USS Lansing (DE 388) was named for Aviation Machinist Mate First Class William Henry Lansing and was decommissioned in 1965.

“This city is a testament and monument to American ingenuity and our democratic ideals,” said Secretary Del Toro. “It is my deepest honor to announce that the next Expeditionary Fast Transport, EPF 16, will be named USNS Lansing.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lansing’s Mayor Andy Schor joined Secretary Del Toro in making this significant announcement. Both officials reflected on the honor of having the Navy’s newest EPF named after Lansing.

“On behalf of the City of Lansing and our residents, I am truly grateful that the Navy has decided to name this new vessel in honor of our city,” Mayor Schor stated. “Lansing, in addition to being Michigan’s capital, is a manufacturing hub that has proudly supplied and supported those serving this country in every conflict since the Civil War. Knowing that this tradition lives on in this new vessel is a testament to the work our residents have done to support our military throughout the years.”

Additionally, Secretary Del Toro announced that Governor Whitmer will serve as the sponsor of the future USNS Lansing, establishing a lifelong relationship with the ship and its crew.

“Lansing has something for everyone, and everyone has a place in Lansing,” said Governor Whitmer. “This is a diverse, inclusive city where people from around the world have come to build better lives for themselves and their loved ones.”

Historically, Lansing has been a pivotal city since becoming Michigan’s capital in 1847. Initially called the Village of Michigan, the state legislature renamed it Lansing in 1849. A massive development followed, including the construction of roads and later railroads, connecting the city to other significant locations like Detroit.

The turn of the 20th century saw Lansing booming as an industrial hub, particularly in the automotive sector. While the decline of the automotive industry in the late 2000s posed challenges, the city diversified its economy to include healthcare, education, government service, insurance, banking, and information technology, showcasing its resilience.

The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) is an all-aluminum, shallow-draft catamaran designed for rapid personnel and cargo transport. These vessels provide high-speed sealift mobility, bridging the gap between low-speed sealift and high-speed airlift. EPFs can access austere and degraded ports, supporting military and civilian operations alike, including non-combatant evacuation, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

More information on Expeditionary Fast Transport ship programs can be found here.

Read Secretary Del Toro’s full remarks here.