The Military Sealift Command's expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1) arrived in Douala, Cameroon, for a routine port visit Feb 19.

This serves as the second port where Spearhead will take on partners to work alongside U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment members for maritime security training.

Quote:

"On our return trip to Douala, we recognize the dedication of personnel and assets shows both of our country's continued commitment to help enhance maritime safety and security in the region." - Capt. Douglas Casavant, USNS Spearhead Ship's Master

Quick Facts:

Spearhead is currently in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations (AOO) to assist in U.S. and partner nation maritime law enforcement interoperability, and to support partner nation capacity building during its deployment in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS) 2016.

While on deployment, Spearhead brings a unique set of capabilities to the U.S. 6th Fleet AOO. Its crew is comprised of Sailors and civil service mariners with a wide range of capabilities from engineering specialist to a fully outfitted embarked security team.

The 338-foot-long aluminum catamaran is capable of carrying 600 tons of military troops, vehicles, supplies, and equipment, and can transit 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. It has a 20,000-square-foot mission bay area that can be reconfigured to adapt to whatever mission the ship is tasked with. Anything from carrying a containerized portable hospital to supporting disaster relief or transporting tanks and troops.

Spearhead began this scheduled deployment from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, Dec. 30, 2015.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.