The Navy will christen Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) Fall River on Jan. 11, during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony in Mobile, Ala. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Diane Patrick, the first lady of Massachusetts, will serve as the ship’s sponsor.
The future USNS Fall River, the fourth Spearhead-class JHSV, will be the second ship to bear this name in honor of the city of Fall River, Mass., and the service of the men and women from that city.
The first USS Fall River (CA 131) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser commissioned in 1945 and used largely on training missions. The tip of the bow of the decommissioned cruiser is on display at Battleship Cove in Fall River.
The 338 foot-long aluminum catamaran is being constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. These ships are ideal for fast, intra-theater 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, providing U.S. forces added mobility and flexibility.
JHSVs also have an aviation flight deck and berthing space for up to 104 personnel and airline-style seating for up to 312.
[mappress] Press Release, January 10, 2014