JHSV clears acceptance trials

MOBILE, Ala. -- Austal USA's USNS Spearhead successfully completed Navy acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico Aug. 17, company officials said. The Joint High Speed Vessel built in Mobile demonstrated the catamaran's propulsion plant, ship handling and auxiliary systems. Austal is under contract to build nine 103-meter JHSVs for the Navy under a 10-ship, $1.6 billion contract. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/30/12)