The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the third joint high speed vessel, USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3), from Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., on March 21.
Delivery marks the official transfer of the vessel from the shipbuilder to the Navy and is a major milestone in the ship’s transition to operational status.
“Today, the Navy received a tremendous resource,” said Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager Capt. Henry Stevens, “Millinocket’s speed, agility and cargo capabilities will be an asset to operations around the world.”
Millinocket, the third ship of the JHSV class is commercially designed, with modifications made to suit military needs. The ship will transport troops, equipment, and supplies to littoral offload points over operational distances. She is designed to transport 600 short tons of military cargo 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots.
“The JHSV ship class – including USNS Millinocket – will play an important part in the future of our joint forces in terms of affordability, flexibility, speed and agility,” said Rear Adm. T.K. Shannon, commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC).
JHSV 3 is equipped with a flight deck and an off-load ramp which allow for vehicles and helicopters to quickly access ports and quays. Littoral operations and port access are further enhanced by the ship’s 15-foot shallow draft, ability to interface with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and ease of access to austere and deteriorated piers. This makes JHSV an extremely flexible asset, capable of supporting a wide range of operations including non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
USNS Millinocket will be owned and operated by MSC and will be manned by a crew of 22 civil service mariners.
[mappress] Press Release, March 25, 2014, Image: US Navy