Austal christens second JHSV
Austal USA christened the USNS ‘Choctaw County’ (JHSV 2) at its shipyard in Mobile in Alabama this week – the second christening at Austal in less than a year.
The USNS Choctaw County is part of a 10 ship contract worth US$1.6bn which Austal has with the US Navy. The 103m long aluminium catamaran, like the other nine, has been designed to be fast and flexible.
The vessels are capable of transporting 600 short tonnes of military troops, vehicles, supplies and equipment 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. They can operate in shadow waters, providing the US Navy with added mobility and flexibility. Aviation decks also support the US forces day and night flight operations.
The christening ceremony was held in Austal’s final assembly bay with other 600 guests in attendance.
Austal are also under contract with the US Navy to build five 127m LCS class ships, four of which are part of a 10 ship US$3.5bn contract.
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