HARRY REID NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Harry Reid is announcing that the U.S. Navy will name a joint high speed vessel (JHSV) after Nevada’s capital called United States Naval Ship (USNS) Carson City. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus personally told Reid the news during a meeting this week in the U.S. Capitol.
Capable of transporting 600 short tons and traveling 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots, the JHSV can operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways, providing U.S. forces added mobility and flexibility.
“I am so pleased that Carson City, Nevada, will be memorialized and honored by the Navy,” said Reid. “We have a dynamic veterans community in Nevada, many of whom have served in the Navy and Marine Corps. These brave men and women have traveled around the world to defend the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Their actions and service are deserving of this honor.”
The USNS Carson City will be the second naval vessel to be named in honor of Nevada’s capital city. The first–a patrol frigate (PF 50)–earned two battle stars for service in World War II.
“Carson City displays American values of community, ingenuity and perseverance at their best,” Mabus said. “I chose to name the joint high speed vessel after Carson City to honor those values and the men and women of the community as well as the state of Nevada.”
About joint high speed vessels
Joint high speed vessels have a 20,000 square foot open mission deck and an aviation flight deck to support day and night air vehicle launch and recovery operations. Additionally, the ships have berthing space for up to 42 crew members, 104 personnel, and airline-style seating for up to 312.
Military commanders will have the flexibility to use the JHSV in a variety of roles to including supporting overseas contingency operations, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, supporting special operations forces and supporting emerging joint sea-basing concepts.
