Former Hawaii Superferries get Navy names … and mods

The two former Hawaii Superferries recently acquired by the Navy are getting new names and some modifications, The Alakai is now USNS Puerto Rico and the Huakai is now USNS Guam.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus says the high speed ferries “will be used for peacetime operations such as troop transport training, exercise missions and humanitarian and disaster relief.”

The ferries are currently being modified to support military operations and to increase their endurance by installing crew berthing, sewage treatment plants and water-making equipment.

May 9, 2012