Austal HSV First Registered and Flagged as a U.S. Commercial Ship
Having already completed two years of service supporting the operations of the US Marine Corps’ Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) in the Western Pacific theatre, the Austal catamaran “WestPac Express” has become the first large high speed vessel (HSV) to be registered and flagged as a commercial ship in the United States. After a competitive bid process, the HSV was first chartered in July 2001 for a “proof of concept” period. This was so successful that the Military Sealift Command signed a three year charter in January 2002, again after receiving several competing offers. The III MEF charter was the first time the US military had contracted a commercial vessel of this type for military support.
USS Seawolf Makes New Home In Pacific Northwest
Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton Sailors on Delta Pier heave line in order help moor the fast attack submarine USS Seawolf (SSN 21) which transferred from Groton, Connecticut to her permanent duty station in Bremerton. Seawolf; second of her class to arrive and reside in Washington was designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and special operation forces, carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, support Carrier Strike Groups, and engage in mine warfare. U.S. By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class S. Dagendesh, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det.
