AMO Currents - HSV2 Swift expected to enter service in October

AMO Currents - Posted: July 11, 2008

HSV2 Swift expected to enter service in October

The latest addition to the Sealift Inc. fleet—the high-speed craft HSV2 Swift—is expected to go on hire Oct. 1 with members of American Maritime Officers in all licensed positions under a charter recently awarded to the company by Military Sealift Command.

The all-aluminum vessel measures 319 feet with a beam of 87 feet, and can maintain a cruising speed of 35 knots and has a maximum speed of 42 knots. In addition to permanent berthing for the crew and 55 military personnel, the HSV2 Swift has temporary berthing for an additional 87 people and can accommodate a maximum of 353 people and carry 500 short tons.

The vessel also has a helicopter deck for day and night landings, a roll-on/roll-off deck with a ramp capable of loading an M1A1 tank and is powered by four high-speed 10,000 hp Caterpillar 3618 marine diesel engines and four Wartsilia LIPS LJ120E water jets.

“This is a strong charter and will provide good jobs for AMO members. It will also place AMO ahead of the curve in training and experience with this particular type of vessel as the military develops and expands the seabasing concept,” said AMO National President Tom Bethel.

“We think this will be an exciting venture and look forward to getting onboard,” said Jim Hannon, crewing manager for Sealift Inc., which operates 12 vessels under contract with AMO, including the HSV2 Swift.

The HSV2 Swift will be based in Norfolk, Va. The contract covers a 12-month charter and includes four options—three 12-month extension options and one 11-month option—for a total of 59 months with all options exercised. The Swift is expected to operate worldwide in support of U.S. Fleet Forces Command and the war on terrorism, and will also be used for emerging operational concepts, such as seabasing and the Global Fleet Station.

The vessel’s missions have included seabasing exercises, humanitarian aid and hurricane assistance. Earlier this year, the HSV2 Swift participated in a seabasing exercise and humanitarian aid mission in Liberia with two Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron One ships, including the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo.