Joint High Speed Vessel USNS Spearhead Delivered

The Navy accepted delivery of its first Joint High Speed Vessel, USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), from Austal USA on Dec. 5 in Mobile, Ala. JHSV 1 is a versatile, non-combatant, transport ship designed for fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles, and equipment. The ship is the first of a planned 10-ship program.

Delivery of the Spearhead represents the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy and is a major milestone in the ship’s transition to operational status.

“Delivery of a first-in-class ship is a special moment and is the culmination of years of hard work,” said Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager Capt. Henry Stevens. “The Navy and shipbuilding team have worked diligently to deliver this ship today. JHSV 1 will provide tremendous capability and operational flexibility for the Navy.”

The ships of the JHSV 1 class are designed to commercial standards, with limited modifications for military use. The vessel is capable of transporting 600 short tons at least 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots and can operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and on/off-loading a combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank. Other features include an aviation flight deck to support day and night aircraft launch and recovery operations. JHSV 1 has airline-style seating for 312 embarked forces, with fixed berthing for 146.

JHSV 1 will have a crew of 22 federally employed civil service mariners. The first four ships will be crewed by civil service mariners, while the remainder will be crewed by civilian mariners working for private companies under contract to Military Sealift Command. Military mission personnel will embark as required.

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Delivering high-quality warfighting assets, while balancing affordability and capability, is key to supporting the Navy’s Maritime Strategy.

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Press Release, December 6, 2012