USNS Spearhead (JHSV-1) completed the tests ahead of an initial operational capability (IOC) later this year.
“Spearhead and its crew demonstrated multiple capabilities over the course of testing, including maritime operations, replenishment, meal preparation and sustainment, SH-60S helicopter deck landing and night-flight operations and qualifications, communication systems certification, and simulated damage control and evacuation events,” according to a release from Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
The tests also included supply drops from MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor and deployment of 11 meter rigid hull inflatable boats.
Spearhead is one of ten JHSVs planned for MSC as part of a $2.5 billion program at about $255 million a ship.
The ships have a range of 1,200 nautical miles, can transport up to 600 tons of troops and material and can cruise at 35 kts. A crew of 22 MSC civilians operates the ship.
The second JHSV — Choctaw County — delivered to Military Sealift Command (MSC) in June.
The Navy has said it may use the ships for interdiction operations in 4th Fleet with an area of operations in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific.
Spearhead is a perfect match for 4th Fleet and we plan to use it across all of our lines of operations; security cooperation activities, maritime security operations and contingency operations,” U.S. 4th Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Sinclair M. Harris said in a March statement.
