The final ship of the SPEARHEAD-class, a Flight II Expeditionary Fast Transport, was christened on January 10, 2026, at Austal USA’s ship manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama. Co-Sponsors Governor Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Representative Lisa McClain led the ceremony. Guests gathered in one of the massive production buildings beneath the elevated hull, with the podium and seating arranged between the ship’s two large catamaran pontoons; an impressive setting that highlighted both the ship’s unique design and Austal’s production environment. USNS LANSING is the first ship named after Michigan’s capital city. The ship adds needed capacity to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command, adding capabilities in troop transport, logistics and Medical Support. The dual pontoon structure allows for increased stability while at sea, allowing for surgeons to operate in their fully outfitted surgical suites, a feature of the last two ships of this class.  Added support for Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and V-22 flight operations and the ability to sail at over 30 knots round out the enhanced capabilities of this ship. She will be manned by Merchant Marines led initially by her Prospective Master, Captain Brandon J. Varner, who was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan!

The Christening ceremony was preceded that morning by a Mast Stepping attended by a group of military and civilian dignitaries, Austal executives and supporters of the Co-Sponsors. Challenge coins, actual circulated US coins, and mementos highlighting the manufacturing culture of Lansing were placed in the metal box. Society of Ship Sponsors of the United States Navy President Ann Zumwalt placed a bandana featuring the logo of the Interlochen Arts Academy. Since 1928, Interlochen has been central to the cultural life of Michigan and our nation.

After rendering of honors to Governor Whitmer by the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One Color Guard, Michelle Kruger, President of Austal USA, led off the Speakers. Ms. Kruger spoke of the dedicated men and women who built this ship and their ability to deliver quality in a cost-effective manner. After several uniformed Naval officers spoke, the keynote speaker was the current Under Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Hung Cao.  Secretary Cao spoke of the value of this ship in building the Navy of the future and his commitment to deliver more ships and better ships to foster the goal of peace through strength. He noted that the ship would enter a robust trial and testing phase to ensure LANSING would be up to the task when called to serve.

Co-Sponsor U.S. Representative Lisa McClain is serving her third term representing Michigan’s 9th Congressional District. She also serves as the Republican Chairwoman of the Conference for the 119th Congress. She lives in Romeo, Michigan with her husband Mike and has four children plus her dog Peanut. She spoke of the strength and grit of the people of Michigan whose contributions to military manufacturing led the nation in WWII and beyond. Congresswoman McClain, whose background includes building a business from the ground up focuses on agriculture, homeland security, national defense and economics in Congress. She has named Representative Sheri Biggs (3rd District SC) as her Matron of Honor.

Co-Sponsor Governor Gretchin Whitmer has been a leader in Michigan whose focus has been on getting things done. A lifelong Michigander and graduate of Michigan State (Undergraduate and Law School) she lives in Lansing with her husband Dr. Marc Mallory and two dogs. She has two daughters who will serve as Maids of Honor, Sydney Shrewsbury and Sherry Shrewsbury as well as three stepsons. She emphasized Lansing Michigan’s history of building great things and generating bold ideas. She also spoke of her M3 initiative (Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative) which funds training in shipbuilding skills to support the defense manufacturing industry.

The Co-Sponsors then proceeded to the platform and jointly christened the USNS LANSING, which is powered by two engines built in Michigan. Attendees then were hosted by AUSTAL USA at a Sponsors Luncheon in Mobile, where several gifts were presented to each Sponsor.

Submitted by Ann Zumwalt Sponsor USS ZUMWALT (DDG 100)