This is part of a 10-ship program potentially worth over US$1.6 billion.
"Spearhead" (JHSV 1) will be a US Army vessel (USAV) and its name represents a major feature of the Regimental Insignia of the Transportation Corps.
The ceremony signified the erection of the modular components that will form part of a 103-metre aluminium catamaran capable of transporting troops and their equipment, supporting humanitarian relief efforts, operating in shallow waters, and reaching speeds in excess of 35 knots fully loaded.
Austal USA is the prime contractor, responsible for designing and constructing the 103-metre high-speed catamaran.
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is the platform mission systems engineering agent responsible for the design, integration and testing of the ship's mission systems, including internal and external communications, electronic navigation, and aviation and armament systems.
"Spearhead" will be the first ship built from modules fabricated entirely in Austal's Module Manufacturing Facility.
Austal's initial JHSV contract included options for nine additional vessels to be awarded between FY09 and FY13 for a total value of up to US$1.6 billion.
JHSV 2 is scheduled for start of construction in northern autumn 2010 and JHSV 3 in spring 2011.
Austal also recently received an award from the US Navy which funds long lead-time material acquisition efforts for JHSV 4 and 5.