The Joint High Speed Vessel USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) completed Acceptance Trials (AT) on March 13, the last major milestone before delivery of the ship, builder Austal USA said on Wednesday.

The AT involved the performance of intense comprehensive tests by the U.S. Navy while underway to demonstrate the operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment, the company said.

The Joint High Speed Vessel. Photo: U.S. Navy
The Joint High Speed Vessel. Photo: U.S. Navy

“We’re very pleased with how well Trenton performed, a true testament of the incredible skills of the JHSV Team, and the strong partnership of the Industry/Navy team.  These trials proved USNS Trenton is ready to start her naval service and are a testament to the teamwork required to deliver a ship that is ready to enter the fleet,” Craig Perciavalle, Austal USA’s president, said in a statement.

The JHSV is 103-meters long and planned to be used by the Department of Defense as a multi-use platform, capable of supporting rapid intra-theater deployment/transportation of personnel, equipment and supplies. The vessel is able to transport medium-size operational units with their vehicles but can be reconfigured to provide troop transport for an infantry battalion.

The JHSV also supports military logistics, sustainment, and humanitarian relief operations. It has a CH-53 helicopter-capable flight deck to support helicopter operations while a slewing vehicle ramp on the art starboard quarter allows concurrent use of piers and quay walls, Austal said.

The vessel has an average speed of 35 knots and a shallow (under 4.6 meter) draft to enhance theater port access.

The Trenton is the fifth of 10 JHSVs Austal was contracted to build in its Mobile, Ala., shipyard. The next JHSV set to be delivered in 2015 is the Brunchwick (JHSV 6), which is planned to be launched this spring and delivered later in 2015, Austal said.

Fabrication is also underway for the Carson City (JHSV 7) and the first aluminum was recently cut for the Yuma (JHSV 8), the company said.  

Austal was awarded a $1.6 billion block buy contract for the JHSVs in 2008. General Dynamics [GD] is the ship systems integrator, making it responsible for the design, integration, and testing of navigation, communications, and aviation systems.

“The JHSV Program has matured very well. The first four JHSVs are doing great things for our country and Navy, and I have no doubt that JHSV 5 will follow in their wake.  These ships have proven their value world-wide, participating in numerous major international naval exercises, serving several branches of the military including Navy, Marines and Coast Guard,” Perciavalle said.