Spearhead-class joint high speed vessel USNS Choctaw County (JHSV 2) is conducting proof-of-concept testing during Exercise Bold Alligator 2014 as an afloat forward staging base style platform.
Bold Alligator 2014 is underway in multiple states and along the Eastern Seaboard. In addition to 18 other U.S. Navy and coalition ships, one of the Navy’s newest platforms is getting an opportunity to test itself.
Choctaw County’s Chief’s Mate Patrick Mullaney said:
That includes the communications portion, launching of small boats and also helicopter operations.
This shows us what we’re able to do as a crew.
In the last week, Choctaw County hosted members of Special Boat Team 20 (SBT 20) and critical skills operators from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command to conduct scenario training.
Mullaney said these scenarios give the ship’s crew an opportunity to accurately represent what the vessel is capable of.
In addition to reaching maximum speeds of 35-45 knots, Choctaw County is equipped with an expansive flight deck, a load ramp capable of supporting 100 tons of weight and a 20,000 square-foot mission bay.
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Press release, Image: US Navy