Austal’s USA shipyard, based in Mobile, Alabama, recently celebrated the successful launching of the US Department of Defence’s first-of-class Joint High Speed Vessel, “Spearhead”.
The 103m 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.
As prime contractor, Austal was awarded the construction contract for the first 103-metre JHSV in November 2008, with options for nine additional vessels between FY09 and FY13. Construction on JHSV 2, “Vigilant”, is well underway at Austal’s Module Manufacturing Facility, and contracts have been awarded for a further five JHSVs.
[mappress]
Source: Austal, September 14, 2011.