Seaward Provides Bridge Officers for LCS and JHSV Sea Trials

Seaward Services provides bridge officers, including the master and chief engineer, for Builder and Acceptance Trials of the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV).

USNS Choctaw County, the Navy's second Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV 2), satisfactorily completed Acceptance Trials, May 3 in Mobile, Ala. under the command of Seaward Services’ master, supported by the company’s chief engineer and other deck and engine officers. During Acceptance Trials the ship's major systems and equipment were tested and evaluated, including a full power run and demonstrations of main propulsion engineering and ship control systems, anchoring, emergency and crew support systems. The ship reached speeds of over 40 knots during at-sea trials. The JHSV is a versatile, noncombatant transport ship built by Austal USA and designed for fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles and equipment.

Seaward Services also has provided bridge officers, including master and chief engineer, for LCS Builders Trials of Coronado. Built by Austal USA and designated LCS 4, Coronado is an innovative surface combatant designed to operate in littoral seas and shallow water to counter mines, submarines and fast surface craft threats in coastal regions. The ship is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep.

Seaward Services, Inc. has experience in large High-Speed Craft construction, operation, maintenance and overhaul. It has operated the Westpac Express, Spirit of Ontario, Lake Express, Alakai (now USNS Guam) and Huakai (now USNS Puerto Rico) and Seafighter. The company also provided the owners representation during construction; overseen dry dockings and overhauls; is a subject matter expert for the Navy’s Joint High-Speed Vessel program. In January of 2010 the company activated Huakai and Alakai for the relief efforts following the earth quake in Haiti. Since February of 2012 Seaward Services has been contracted by Military Sealift Command for operations and maintenance of USNS Guam and USNS Puerto Rico, which has included dry dockings and other technical services.   

“It is truly amazing to see the power and control that is provided by the quad-jet propulsion associated with the combinatory and joystick control system. The vessel performance proved even better than expectations,” according to Captain John Keever, Vice President of Pacific Region of Seaward and sea trial master on the JHSV 2.

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