Navy's fifth high speed transport completes testing

MOBILE, Ala., April 2 (UPI) -- A fifth joint high speed vessel for the U.S. Navy has undergone acceptance trials to demonstrate equipment and systems operations.

The U.S. Navy said its team from the Board of Inspection and Survey Testing oversaw the weeklong trials of the USNS Trenton, which were held at the Alabama shipyard of Austal USA last month.

"Trenton performed very well during these trials," said the Navy's Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager Capt. Henry Stevens. "The rigorous testing each ship undergoes ensures the Navy receives the most capable and mission ready asset at delivery."

JHSVs are intra-theater non-combatant ships with a range of 1,200 nautical miles while sailing at an average speed of 35 knots. They can carry 600 tons and 312 troops. They feature a shallow draft for ability to operate with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities.

The Navy said the USNS Trenton will now be prepared for delivery to the Navy's Military Sealift Command later this year.