HMS Global Maritime Extends Westpac Express Contract
HMS Global Maritime (HMSGM) announce the extension of the HSV WestPac Express’ charter with the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the Third Marine Expeditionary Force, beginning in February 2012. The contract can last up to an additional two years.
The HSV WestPac Express has been operated by HMSGM for the past nine years as a high-speed transport vessel for military personnel and equipment over a 1,200 mile range in Asia. The 101-meter vessel, home ported in Okinawa, Japan, can carry 970 troops and 236 vehicles at speeds of 35 knots.
Over the past nine years, the HSV WestPac Express has experienced many achievements. One of those achievements came in March, 2011 when the HSV WestPac Express was called into service after the devastating earthquake and tsunami as a part of Operation Tomodachi. The HSV allowed for helicopters to fly continuous rescue and support missions using the vessel as a Forward Aiming and Refueling Point while also transporting supplies, equipment and personnel to the area.
"The high speed craft ‘support role concept’ was proved to meet the expectations of the military during both its support of the Japan Tsunami disaster as well as the Haiti relief exercise" says John Keever, President and COO of Seaward Services.
For their outstanding service, MSC Admiral Mark Buzby awarded the HMSGM crew with United States Merchant Marine Medals for Outstanding Achievement at an onboard ceremony in November 2011.
HMS Global Maritime Inc. has extensive experience in the High Speed Craft construction, operation, and maintenance. It has operated the LAKE EXPRESS, the SPIRIT OF ONTARIO, ALAKAI and HUAKAI for Hawaii Superferries and the SEAFIGHTER. HMSGM also provided the builders representative on the construction of the Hawaii Superferry vessels and is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Navy’s Joint High-Speed Vessel (JHSV) program. In January of 2010, HMSGM activated HUAKAI and ALAKAI for the relief efforts in Haiti after the earthquake.
To further support its high-speed and other military services, HMSGM has recently reorganized its HMS-Westpac and Seaward Services programs into one Government Services Division. To lead this new division, John Keever has been selected as President/COO with Bill Annand as Executive Vice President.
“Everyone at HMSGM is looking forward to continuing our support of the U.S. Military, particularly the high-speed surface fleet,” said Bill Annand.