Austal launches Joint High Speed Vessel USNS Brunswick

This is the second U.S. Navy ship launched at Austal USA’s Mobile, Ala. shipyard in less than three months.

MOBILE, Ala. –Austal launched the recently christened USNS Brunswick (JHSV 6) at its state-of-the-art ship manufacturing facility in Mobile, Ala., today.

With the 338-foot Joint High Speed Vessel entering the water for the first time, the ship will undergo final outfitting and testing before sea trials and delivery to the U.S. Navy later this year. USNS Brunswick is the sixth JHSV Austal has launched as part of a $1.6 billion 10-ship block buy contract.

Launch of USNS Brunswick

The JHSV provides the U.S. Department of Defense a multi-use platform, capable of supporting rapid intra-theater deployment of personnel, equipment and supplies. The JHSV transports medium-size operational units with their vehicles, or can be reconfigured as a troop transport for an infantry battalion, allowing units to transit operational distances while maintaining unit integrity. The vessel, with an average speed of 35 knots, also supports military logistics, sustainment and humanitarian relief operations. With its CH-53-capable flight deck, the JHSV supports helicopter operations while the slewing vehicle ramp on the aft starboard quarter enables the use of austere piers and quay walls, common in developing countries. A shallow draft (under 4.6 meters) further enhances theater port access.

“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, Ala. 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.

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About Austal

Austal is a global defense prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defense and commercial ships. For more than 25 years Austal has been a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of revolutionary ships for governments, navies and ferry operators around the world. More than 250 vessels have been delivered in that time.

Ships

Defense vessels designed and built by Austal include multi-mission combatants, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the U.S. Navy and military high speed vessels for transport and humanitarian relief, such as the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) for the U.S. Navy and High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman. Austal also designs, constructs, integrates and maintains an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels for government agencies globally, including the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program for Australian Customs and Border Protection. Defense vessels are designed and constructed in Mobile, Ala. and Henderson, Western Australia.

Austal has been at the forefront of the high speed ferry market since the early days of the industry. Our market leading designs of high performance aluminum vessels have long been at the heart of Austal’s research and development. Today, commercial ship construction is centered on our shipyard in Balamban, Philippines.

Systems

Austal has expertise in integrating complex systems into its ships, including ride control, ship management, and communication, sensors and weapon systems.

Support

Austal provides a wide range of support services, including through life support, integrated logistics support, vessel sustainment and systems support. These services are delivered through our global support network in the USA, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East together with partner shipyards worldwide.

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Contact:

Michelle Bowden

Manager, Media and Marketing

Austal USA

(251) 445-7304

michelle.bowden@austalusa.com