Article Posted on : - May 08, 2013

'USNS Spearhead' the first of 10 US Navy Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV). Photo: Austal

MOBILE, ALABAMA (BNS): The US military's third Joint High-Speed Vessel, USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3), was recently christened at Austal's shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.

The 338-foot (103 metre) catamaran vessel was named Millinocket by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus after the Maine towns of East Millinocket and Millinocket, Austal said in a statement.

The catamaran is being constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. The U S Navy has contracted Austal to build ten JHSVs, one of which has already been delivered.

The JHSVs are ideal for fast, intra-theatre transportation of troops, military vehicles, supplies and equipment. They are capable of transporting 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots and can operate in austere ports and waterways.

It also has an aviation flight deck to support day and night air vehicle launch and recovery operations. JHSVs have berthing space for up to 104 personnel and airline-style seating for up to 312.

The first four JHSVs -- including Millinocket -- will be crewed by federally employed civil service mariners, and the remaining six will be crewed by civilian contract mariners working for private shipping companies under contract to MSC.