Austal USA launches JHSV 6

MAY 20, 2015 — Austal USA’s Mobile, Ala. shipyard yesterday launched its second U.S. Navy ship in less than three months, the Joint High Speed Vessel USNS Brunswick.

The 338-foot JHSV will now undergo final outfitting and testing before sea trials and delivery later this year.
USNS Brunswick is the sixth JHSV Austal has launched as part of a $1.6 billion 10-ship block buy contract.

“The successful launch of JHSV 6 further supports the level of maturity this program has reached,” said Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle. “The credit for accomplishing this major milestone belongs to Austal’s team of talented shipbuilders in cooperation with the support provided by the other members of the Austal launch team including BAE Systems, Berard Transportation and our U.S. Navy client.”

Three JHSVs and seven Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) are currently under construction in Austal’s Mobile shipyard. USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) recently sailed away from Mobile on her way to Pensacola Naval Air Station and the future USS Jackson (LCS 6) is preparing for acceptance sea trials later this summer.