A sixth joint high speed vessel for the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command has been launched by Austal USA Shipyard.

The future USNS Brunswick is about 337 feet long, has a beam of about 93 feet and a speed of 43 knots.

The intra-theater transport vessel will be capable of transporting 600 tons of cargo 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots and features a flight deck for helicopter operations and an off-load ramp for quick vehicular access to and from the ship.

"Launch marks a major milestone for this ship as this is the first time it's entered the water, signifying its readiness to prepare for tests and trials and eventual delivery," said Navy Capt. Henry Stevens, Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager, Program Executive Office, Ships.

"This is a very busy time for the Navy and the shipbuilder as we continue to mark the major milestones that bring each ship closer to delivery and eventual in-service operations."

JHSV 5, USNS Trenton, was christened in January and delivered to the Navy in April. Brunswick had her keel authenticated less than six months ago and was christened earlier this month. It will be delivered to the Navy by the end of the year.

BAE Systems supply 40mm naval guns to Brazil
Karlskoga, Sweden (UPI) May 20, 2015 - BAE Systems has announced a contract to produce and deliver four Bofors 40 Mk4 naval guns for use on patrol vessels of the Brazilian Navy.

Production of the guns is being started immediately, the company said, and deliveries will begin next year and end in 2018.

"The versatility of our new 40mm naval gun and ammunition system is attractive to customers around the world," said Lena Gillstrom, managing director of Weapon Systems, Sweden, at BAE Systems. "This award illustrates our strong position as a leading naval gun provider in the Americas."

BAE Systems said its partners in Brazil would conduct the manufacturing of some parts and sub-systems and would also conduct final assembly and testing of the guns.

Company partners in Brazil include Ares Aeroespacial e Defensa S.A. of Rio de Janeiro for manufacturing, assembly, installation, and after-sales activities for the 40 Mk4 guns.

"This local production for the naval guns illustrates our commitment to establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with Brazilian industry," said Llyr Jones, vice president for Latin America and Canada at BAE Systems. "We're applying similar principles with our other Brazilian programs."

BAE Systems has delivered nearly 100 of its 40mm guns to the Brazilian Navy, Marine Corps, and Army over the past 40 years.