Navy’s new Carson City vessel on track

The U.S. Navy’s transport vessel to be named for Carson City is slated for delivery in mid-September next year and should begin fleet operations in March, 2017.

That was the word from Mayor Robert Crowell Wednesday as he passed along a message he received on progress toward completion of CARSON CITY (JHSV 7). That designation means the ship to be named for Nevada’s capital city is a Joint High Speed Vessel.

“I think it’s a great thing for Carson City; of course, I’m Navy,” said Crowell. The mayor served during the Vietnam era.

Crowell said it’s not only something fine for the community, but also a tribute for it that residents can be proud of now and when the vessel goes into service.

When completed, it will be a 338-foot long catamaran capable of transporting 700 tons at an average nautical speed of 35 knots. It has an aviation deck, and also can operate in shallow draft ports or waterways. Capacity includes seating for 312 and berthing for 104 additional passengers.

Crowell was told CARSON CITY (JHSV 7) currently was planned for delivery on Sept. 14, 2015, and to begin fleet operations on March 10, 2017. He was told the christening of the ship is expected to be done by Nevada U.S. Sen. Harry Reid and his wife, Landra, in Mobile, Ala. The vessel is being made at Austel USA in that southern city.

The mayor said he and his wife, Susan, plan to attend the christening event “on our own dime” to represent Carson City. He also said he’s helping arrange an appropriate commemorative item to mark the event.

“I have asked the Carson Council of the Navy League if it would assist in finding and presenting an appropriate ship’s gift,” Crowell said.

The vessel, one of 10 that has been approved, can handle more than one role. According to the Navy, the transport vessel can conduct humanitarian assistance and help with disasters as well as support special operations forces.

This is the second naval ship named for Carson City. The first was the USS Carson City (PF-50), a frigate that went into commission in 1944-45 during World War II. It was scrapped in 1971 after multiple post-war uses.