Article Posted on : - Sep 03, 2012

The Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV 1) USNS Spearhead. An Austal photo

MOBILE, ALABAMA (BNS): The first high-speed catamaran transport ship, USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), built for the US Navy, has completed acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico last month.

During the trials which completed on August 17, the Navy conducted comprehensive tests which demonstrated successful performance of the ship's major systems and equipment to include the propulsion plant, ship handling and auxiliary systems, Austal USA, prime contractor for the JHSV programme, said.

The trials were the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy which is expected over the coming months, the shipbuilder said.

Austal had launched Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV 1) Spearhead in September 2011.

The 103-metre catamaran has been designed as a multi-use platform, capable of providing rapid intra-theatre deployment and transportation of personnel, equipment and supplies, while supporting military logistics, sustainment and humanitarian relief operations.

The first JHSV will soon be followed by Choctaw County (JHSV 2) which will be christened on September 15, Austal USA, which has been contracted by the US Defence Department to build up to nine such vessels, said.

The new class of ships is designed to replace smaller, slower transport vessels of both the US Army and Navy.