MOBILE, Alabama - The Navy accepted delivery of the USNS Trenton
(JHSV 5), its fifth Joint High Speed Vessel, April 13.
Having completed acceptance trials only a month ago, the ship
continues to meet key milestones as it progresses towards operational status.
Now delivered to the Navy, the ship's crew will begin move-aboard and
familiarization before the ship sails away from the shipyard to begin her
shakedown period and final contract trials later this year.
"JHSVs continue to surpass our expectations and Trenton is no
exception. Built from a mature design, unwavering requirements and with a
committed Navy/Industry partnership, JHSV 5 has been designed to support and
enable critical Navy missions throughout the world," said Strategic and Theater
Sealift Program Manager Capt. Henry Stevens.
The first two ships of the class, USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) and
USNS Choctaw County (JHSV 2) have already demonstrated their inherent
flexibility participating in international exercises and missions. Most
recently, in conjunction with multinational maritime exercises, USNS Spearhead
delivered more than 15,600 pounds of medical equipment and supplies to
non-governmental organizations operating in Ghana March 26.
"What really sets these vessels apart is their speed, agility
and transport capability," said Stevens. "Trenton can travel thousands of miles
without refueling and has over 20,000 feet of stowage space in her mission bay
for everything from vehicles and military cargo to humanitarian supplies. That
means we can equip our troops and allies with mission essential supplies faster
than ever before."
JHSVs bridge the gap between low-speed sealift and high-speed
airlift. In addition to their inherent cargo transport capabilities, JHSVs have
a 15-foot draft and the ability to interface with roll-on/ roll-off discharge
facilities, facilitating the transport of cargo to shallow-draft waterways and
ports. The vessels also features a flight deck designed to support helicopter
operations and a fast-rescue boat mounted mid-ship on the port side. The vessel
has airline-style seating for 312 embarked forces, with fixed berthing for
104.
USNS Trenton will be owned and operated by Military Sealift
Command (MSC) and will be manned by a crew of 22 civil service mariners.
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. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding
programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production
efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and
schedule.