Military Power

Leased jointly by the US Navy and the US Army (hence the name) in July 2001 for four years, the futuristic-looking catamaran was based on a successful car ferry design by Australian shipbuilders. Modified to carry some 800 tons of military vehicles and equipment, as well as 360 people, the Navy was the first to test the ship's capabilities. The Navy focused on counter mine warfare, special-operations support and anti-submarine operations. A highlight of Joint Venture's Navy evaluation was the participation in NATO exercise Strong Resolve in northern Europe in early 2002. In April 2002, the US Army took command of HSV-X1 at Rota, Spain, and evaluated its capabilities as a high-speed logistics-support platform. The Army crew took the vessel across the Mediterranean, through the Suez Canal and into the Persian Gulf. HSV-X1 operated there for two months, moving all types of cargo in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In its final mission in that region, the ship left the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, delivered cargo in the United Arab Emirates, then sailed for the US West Coast via Kwajalein Atoll and Hawaii.

Very nice! Good to see the services working together like this. A couple of questions though. How much room is there actually in the ship? Also, I assume it isn't considered an amphibious landing craft. How do you load and unload?

I remember the first time I saw one of these, it was featured on a James Bond movie wasn't it?

General Forestry wrote:it was featured on a James Bond movie wasn't it?

No. That was the Sea Shadow

Ahhhh, I "sea" now . Thanks Max.