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Naval
Industry News - USA |
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Austal
Launched the Future Joint High Speed Vessel USNS
Trenton (JHSV 5) |
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On
September 30, 2014, Austal USA successfully completed the launch process
of Trenton (JHSV 5) - the second Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) launched
by Austal in 2014. This 103-meter high-speed catamaran represents the
U.S. Department of Defense’s next generation multi-use platform.
It is part of a 10-ship program worth over US$1.6 billion. |
The launch of Trenton was conducted in a multi-step
process that involved having Berard Transportation transfer the ship
from Assembly Bay 3 onto a Crowley deck barge, which was then towed
to BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard. The next day, Trenton was transferred
onto BAE’s dry dock Alabama; it was floated then returned to
Austal’s facility where it will undergo final outfitting and
activation before sea trials and delivery to the Navy in Spring 2015.
Picture: Austal
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Austal USA’s president, Craig Perciavalle,
complimented the launch team by saying, “it’s amazing just
how efficient this complex launch process has become.” He continued
“It’s a true testament to the hard work and incredible teamwork
by all parties involved.”
JHSV 5 is now one of four Austal-built Navy ships moored in the Mobile
River, joining USNS Fall River (JHSV 4), Montgomery (LCS 8), and Jackson
(LCS 6).
Perciavalle added, “With the delivery of USNS Millinocket (JHSV
3) back in March, USNS Fall River (JHSV 4) last week and now the launch
of Trenton, the JHSV program is truly mature and progressing as promised.
I am honored to work with so many dedicated shipbuilders here at Austal
who should be very proud of this accomplishment.”
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GULF OF MEXICO (July 25, 2014) The joint high speed
vessel USNS Fall River (JHSV 4) completes acceptance trials testing
and evaluations in the Gulf of Mexico. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
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The JHSV is a relatively new asset that will be an
important Navy connector. In peacetime, JHSVs will be operating forward
supporting Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and riverine forces, theater
cooperating missions, Seabees, Marine Corps and Army transportation.
Each JHSV also supports helicopter operations and has a slewing vehicle
ramp on the starboard quarter which enables use of austere piers and
quay walls, common in developing countries. A shallow draft (under 4
meters) will further enhance theater port access.
Austal USA is also prime contractor for the construction of ten Independence-variant
Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), a contract totaling $3.5 billion. Six of
these ships are under construction at this time.
For the LCS and JHSV programs, Austal, as prime contractor, is teamed
with General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a business unit
of General Dynamics. For the JHSV program, General Dynamics is responsible
for the design, integration and testing of the navigation and communication
systems, C4I and aviation systems. As the Independence-variant LCS ship
systems integrator, General Dynamics is responsible for the design,
integration and testing of the ship’s electronic systems.
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