MOBILE, Ala., April 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has accepted delivery of its fifth Joint High Speed Vessel, the USNS Trenton, from Austal USA's Alabama shipyard following acceptance trials.

The ship's crew will now begin to move aboard the vessel to begin her shakedown period and final contract trials later this year, Naval Sea Systems Command reported.


"JHSVs continue to surpass our expectations and Trenton is no exception," said Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager Capt. Henry Stevens. "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."

JHSVs are Spearhead-class cargo vessels with a speed of 43 knots that support U.S. military operations around the world, including special forces operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief. They are operated by Military Sealift Command. The ships feature the ability to interact with roll-on/ roll-off discharge facilities and a flight deck designed to support helicopter operations. They can carry as many as 312 troops.

"What really sets these vessels apart is their speed, agility and transport capability," Stevens said. "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."