MOBILE, Ala. -- The Navy accepted delivery of the USNS Trenton (JHSV 5), its fifth joint high speed vessel, April 13.
Having completed acceptance trials only a month ago, the ship continues to meet key milestones as it progresses towards operational status. Now delivered to the Navy, the ship's crew will begin move-aboard and familiarization before the ship sails away from the shipyard to begin her shakedown period and final contract trials later this year.
"JHSVs continue to surpass our expectations and Trenton is no exception. Built from a mature design, unwavering requirements and with a committed Navy/Industry partnership, JHSV-5 has been designed to support and enable critical Navy missions throughout the world," said Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager Capt. Henry Stevens.
The first two ships of the class, USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) and USNS Choctaw County (JHSV 2) have already demonstrated their inherent flexibility participating in international exercises and missions. Most recently, in conjunction with multinational maritime exercises, USNS Spearhead delivered more than 15,600 pounds of medical equipment and supplies to non-governmental organizations operating in Ghana March 26.
"What really sets these vessels apart is their speed, agility and transport capability," said Stevens. "Trenton can travel thousands of miles without refueling and has over 20,000 feet of stowage space in her mission bay for everything from vehicles and military cargo to humanitarian supplies. That means we can equip our troops and allies with mission essential supplies faster than ever before."
JHSVs bridge the gap between low-speed sealift and high-speed airlift. In addition to their inherent cargo transport capabilities, JHSVs have a 15-foot draft and the ability to interface with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, facilitating the transport of cargo to shallow-draft waterways and ports. The vessels also features a flight deck designed to support helicopter operations and a fast-rescue boat mounted mid-ship on the port side. The vessel has airline-style seating for 312 embarked forces, with fixed berthing for 104.
USNS Trenton will be owned and operated by Military Sealift Command (MSC) and will be manned by a crew of 22 civil service mariners.
As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.
