Navy names ship after Carson City

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., Thursday announced the U.S. Navy has, for the second time in its history, named a warship after Nevada’s capital city.

The USNS Carson City is classified as a Joint High Speed Vessel.

Reid said he was proud to announce that the vessel will enter service as soon as this week, providing high-speed waterborne transport of personnel and equipment as well as special operations.

Reid told the Nevada Appeal on Thursday that Navy Secretary Ray Mabus told him just recently about the new vessel’s name.

“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.”

Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell said the vessel is “a great honor for our community and our state.”

The Carson City will have a 20,000 square foot open mission deck and an aviation flight deck, berthing space for up to 42 crew and 104 personnel as well as airline-style seating for 312.

The vessel also will be able to support humanitarian missions and disaster relief.

It is capable of transporting up to 600 tons some 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots — about 40 mph.

In addition to being an ocean-going vessel, Naval officials say the ship can operate in shallow-draft ports to provide military forces added mobility and flexibility.

The Carson City’s predecessor was a patrol frigate. Reid pointed out the ship won two battle stars for its service in World War II.

USNS Carson City will be constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.

Austal was awarded a contract in 2008 for $185,433,564 to design and construct one vessel, according to the Navy website.