Austal OKd to start JHSV work

MOBILE, Ala. - Austal USA received approval from the Navy and Department of Defense to start work on its first Joint High Speed Vessel. JHSV is a 103-meter military transport ferry that’s part of a potential $1.6 billion, 10-vessel contract. Fortitude, or JHSV 1, will carry military equipment, including vehicles and a helicopter, and troops at speeds of up to 43 knots. Austal is also building its second of two 127-meter littoral combat ships, Coronado, and held a keel laying this week. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 12/17/09)