MOBILE, Ala., May 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy's second high speed, intra-theater transport ship has successfully completed acceptance trials, the Navy announced.
The USNS Choctaw County, a Joint High Speed Vessel, was built by Austal and is for transport of troops, cargo and vehicles.
"With these extensive tests, this new, highly-flexible ship class continues to demonstrate its performance ability and endurance," said Capt. Henry Stevens, JHSV program manager. "Leveraging commercial design and technology, JHSV 2 is building on the successes and lessons learned from USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), while improving our processes for the entire JHSV program."
The ship's major systems and equipment were evaluated during the trials. Tests included a full power run, demonstrations of main propulsion engineering and ship control systems, anchoring and crew support systems.
The Navy said the JHSV reached speeds of more than 40 knots during at-sea trials.
The USNS Choctaw County and USNS Spearhead are designed to commercial standards. Modifications for military use are "limited." The vessels can transport 600 short tons each for 1,200 nautical miles and can operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways.
They also feature an aviation flight deck.
