The U.S. Army’s first production Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) is nearing delivery after Vigor Marine Fabrication, Vancouver, Wash., unveiled USAV Craney Island, the second vessel built under the program.
Craney Island is scheduled for delivery this fall and follows the prototype SSG Elroy F. Wells, which Vigor launched in 2022. Three additional MSV(L)s are currently under construction at Vigor’s Vancouver facility.
The production vessel incorporates changes stemming from testing of the prototype in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii. Vigor said improvements include updates to the electrical and HVAC systems, along with modifications to the forward portion of the vessel aimed at improving reliability.
“We are proud to reach this important milestone with the unveiling of Craney Island,” Vigor Marine Group CEO Francesco Valente said. “This is a critical milestone for both the U.S. Army and for our skilled Vigor Marine Fabrication workforce in Vancouver, where this journey began years ago.”
The MSV(L) is designed to replace the Army’s Landing Craft Mechanized-8 fleet, providing greater payload capacity and speed while retaining the ability to operate in shallow water. The vessel has drive-through capability using stern access and a bow ramp, allowing combat equipment, troops and logistics to move through the vessel.
Army program material lists a payload of up to 82 tons and speeds of 21 knots fully laden and 30 knots unloaded. The MSV(L) uses waterjet propulsion and has at least three independent propulsion systems.
Cargo configurations can include one M1A2 Abrams tank, two Bradley Fighting Vehicles, two Strykers, four Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, one Palletized Load System with trailer or two 20′ equivalent units.
Testing of SSG Elroy F. Wells has included exercises in Hawaii demonstrating the class’s role in littoral operations. In February, the prototype transported a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher to an unimproved beach during the Army’s first MSV(L) insertion and extraction of a HIMARS platform. The vessel was also used during littoral medical training off Oahu in March.
More than 300 workers at Vigor Marine Fabrication’s Vancouver facility contributed to Craney Island, along with more than 40 Washington companies and suppliers and partners elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest and U.S.
Vigor said its Vancouver facility is now in full-rate production of MSV(L) hulls. The yard also continues to build Combatant Craft Medium vessels and has produced more than 30 CCMs.