USAV Spearhead (TSV-X1)

HSC ''T&T Spirit'' is a fast ferry operated by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Launched in 2002, she was initially built as a civilian ferry, but was converted for military use in the final stages of construction. She served from 2002 to 2005 with the United States Army's Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) as the first ''Theater Support Vessel'' (TSV). During this period she was designated . Following military service, she was converted for civilian passenger and vehicle ferry service with the Trinidad and Tobago government on the Port of Spain – Scarborough route along with the ''T&T Express'' ()

USAV ''Spearhead'' (TSV-1X)

As USAV ''Spearhead'' (TSV-1X), the ship was the first of the US Army's theater support vessel (TSV) program. The Army leased ''Spearhead'' from Australian fast ferry builder Incat in October 2002. Modifications included helicopter pads suitable for large military helicopters and a two-part hydraulic vehicle ramp that allows rapid loading and discharge of vehicles from the stern or alongside. With its 1,250-ton capacity and shallow draft, ''Spearhead'' was the first of what was expected to become a fleet of as many as 17 TSVs.

''Spearhead'' was deployed in January 2003 to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.TSV-1X Spearhead
globalsecurity.org, accessed 23 June 2010.

The vessel was withdrawn from US Army service in 2005, moving to civilian service as HSC ''T&T Spirit''.

Sister ships

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References

{{DEFAULTSORT:TandT Spirit, HSC
Ferries of Trinidad and Tobago
2002 ships
Incat high-speed craft
Ships built by Incat