JHSV 4 completes trials

The Austal USA-built Joint High-Speed Vessel Fall River (JHSV 4) has completed its last significant milestone, before delivery to the Navy, concluding acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico at the end of July. The ship passed a number of comprehensive tests while underway demonstrating the operation of its major systems and equipment. "Each ship of this class leverages lessons learned from previously-delivered vessels," Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager Capt. Henry Stevens, told Aviation Week. "JHSV-4 is no exception." Since delivery of JHSV 1, the ships have supported operations in European, African, Southern and Pacific regions. JHSV-4 is being prepared for delivery to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command later this year. Austal builds JHSVs at its Mobile, Ala., shipyard. Austal’s contract was for $1.6 billion. (Source: Aviation Week 08/05/14)