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Experimental Vessel's Expands Role; Visits Rota

Story Number: NNS030212-04

2/12/2003

By Kathy Henry, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- The Joint Venture High Speed Vessel - Experimental One (HSV-X1) made a brief stop in Rota Feb. 4 while underway in support of the global war on terrorism.

Up until this deployment, the 315-foot wave-piercing catamaran ferry had only been used in a testing capacity by various components of the U.S. military to deliver troops and equipment.

"In early January, we received deployment orders," said Capt. Phil Beierl, commanding officer, "and Joint Venture left Norfolk (Va.) approximately one week ago in execution of those orders. While experimentation continues, we now have an operational role, as well."

Leased for two years to the U.S. Army's Tank-Automotive and Armament command in October 2001, Joint Venture has undergone extensive technical and structural modifications to meet the military's requirements, including the installation of a helicopter pad suitable for large helicopters such as the SH-60 Seahawk and the CH-46 Sea Knight.

Additionally, the craft was upgraded and fitted with a two-part hydraulically-operated vehicle ramp for rapid loading and discharging of vehicles from the stern or alongside.

Joint Venture is capable of carrying 363 persons, military vehicles and equipment more than 1,110 nautical miles at a speed greater than 35 knots. Without a heavy load, the ferry can travel 48 knots, or 50 miles per hour. Joint Venture's shallow 12-foot draft also allows the ship to be effective in shallow waters.

While the vessel has so far been crewed with a combination of U.S. Army and Navy personnel, each branch will have their own catamaran, according to Beierl.

"The Navy has contracted with Incat for HSV-X2, which is now being built," he explained, "and the Army has TSV (Theater Support Vessel)-1X Spearhead."

Those vessels will be configured to meet the specifications required by each of the services.

"The Navy has had Joint Venture for almost 18 months, and we've experimented with manning, equipment and moving troops rapidly," Beierl said. "However, there's always work that can be done to make improvements. The crew is just really pleased to see this experiment go well and are proud of the work they've done to show that this (vessel) is a viable platform."