Second Joint High Speed Vessel launched

Austal USA has announced the launch of the second Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV), the US Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) next generation multi-use platforms being built for the US Navy (USN). The 103-metre high-speed catamaran was recently christened USNS Choctaw County (JHSV 2).

Austal is currently under contract with the US Navy to build nine 103-metre JHSVs under a 10-ship, US$1.6 billion contract and five 127-metre Independence-variant LCS class ships, four of which are a part of a 10-ship, US$3.5 billion contract. 

The JHSVs are designed to transport troops and their equipment, support humanitarian relief efforts, operate in shallow waters and reach speeds in excess of 35 knots fully loaded. The vessels will be a joint-use platform between the US Army and Navy.

For the LCS and JHSV programmes, prime contracter Austal is teamed with General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics. As the ship systems integrator, General Dynamics is responsible for the design, integration and testing of the ship’s electronic systems including the combat system, networks, and seaframe control. General Dynamics’ proven open architecture approach allows for affordable and efficient capability growth as technologies develop.

Brian Leathers, Austal USA interim president and chief financial officer, commented: ‘This is the ship’s first voyage, one of many in its future. Austal designed this ship to serve as a rapid transit workhorse for our military to assist in humanitarian efforts and to transport troops and their equipment from port to port. It is due to the important role that it will play in intra-theatre deployment / transportation that the Austal JHSV team takes such pride in our part in facilitating the success of the JHSV programme.’