In May 2015, Austal and the U.S. Navy launched JHSV 6, the USNS Brunswick. (Photo Credit: Austal USA)
This is the second U.S. Navy ship launched at Austal USA's Mobile, Ala. shipyard in less than three months.
MOBILE, Ala. - Austal launched the recently christened USNS Brunswick (JHSV 6) at its state-of-the-art ship manufacturing facility in Mobile, Ala., today.
With the 338-foot Joint High Speed Vessel entering the water for the first time, the ship will undergo final outfitting and testing before sea trials and delivery to the U.S. Navy later this year. USNS Brunswick is the sixth JHSV Austal has launched as part of a $1.6 billion 10-ship block buy contract.
The JHSV provides the U.S. Department of Defense a multi-use platform, capable of supporting rapid intra-theater deployment of personnel, equipment and supplies. The JHSV transports medium-size operational units with their vehicles, or can be reconfigured as a troop transport for an infantry battalion, allowing units to transit operational distances while maintaining unit integrity. The vessel, with an average speed of 35 knots, also supports military logistics, sustainment and humanitarian relief operations. With its CH-53-capable flight deck, the JHSV supports helicopter operations while the slewing vehicle ramp on the aft starboard quarter enables the use of austere piers and quay walls, common in developing countries. A shallow draft (under 4.6 meters) further enhances theater port access.
The successful launch of JHSV 6 further supports the level of maturity this program has reached, said Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle. The credit for accomplishing this major milestone belongs to Austal's team of talented shipbuilders in cooperation with the support provided by the other members of the Austal launch team including BAE Systems, Berard Transportation and our U.S. Navy client.
Three JHSV's and seven Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) are currently under construction in Austal's Mobile, Ala. shipyard. USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) recently sailed away from Mobile on her way to Pensacola Naval Air Station and the future USS Jackson (LCS 6) is preparing for acceptance sea trials later this summer.
About Austal and General Dynamics Mission Systems
Austal, as prime contractor, is teamed with General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) for the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV)program. As the ship mission system integrator, General Dynamics designs, integrates and tests the ships electronic systems including an open architecture computing infrastructure (OPEN CI), internal and external communication, electronic navigation, aviation and armament systems.Learn more here
Austal is a global defense prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defense and commercial ships. For more than 25 years Austal has been a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of revolutionary ships for Governments, Navies and Ferry operators around the world. More than 250 vessels have been delivered in that time.
Click here to see Austal USA's full press release.
Austal Media Contact:
Michelle Bowden
Manager, Media and Marketing
Austal USA
(251) 445-7304
michelle.bowden@austalusa.com