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The HVS-2 Swift hugs the Naval Academy quay like an aluminum-clad bastion, looking more like a fortress than the high-speed, cutting-edge Naval vessel it truly is.</p>
<p>The $21 million, 320-foot-long, wave-piercing catamaran, which can be reconfigured to carry cargo, troops and even a full surgical ward, is at the forefront of military technology and the visit to Annapolis this weekend is its first trip to America after docking in ports as far-flung as Jamaica, Lebanon and Indonesia....
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<p>This vessel was docked next to the Robert Crown Sailing Center yesterday during CVW. Too bad we have to give it back to the Aussies.</p>
<p>could not believe how much "Stuff" this ship can hold-------- and with a draft of only 12 feet!!!!! how is that possible???!!!!!!</p>
<p>the seals onboard did a great job in displaying, explaining, and in some cases, demonstating what it is they do and the "stuff" they get to do it with!!! Our Mid came away saying "those SEALS are amazing!".... "did you see how fit they are?" He was most impressed!!</p>
<p>I tried to lift up a diving helmet... solid brass ...... about 35 lbs sitting right on your head!!!!! Forget the scuba tanks- even with both arms, could not lift them AT ALL off the ground!!!!!! (our mid did try to do an arm curl with them- only managed a few inches before he put them right back down!!!!!)</p>
<p>they had this torpedo-sub-missle thing that can fit 4 and deliver (covertly of course) right to the shore---- talk about close quarters!!!!!</p>
<p>oh- and this thing can fly!!! they said about 55+ knots.......... (65+MPH).... can you imagine!!!!!! And that's "filled" weight!!!</p>
<p>apparently it's costing us a bundle to "rent" from the aussies..... but with the ability to carry all that stuff and plant it right on shore is amazing...... and it even carries with it it's own dock! </p>
<p>the hull is the most amazing part.... the pontoons on the side hit the water, but the central "hull" barly touches the surface!!! I asked someone if it has ever "flipped".... "we came close, Mamm, but she stayed true!!!!!"<br>
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>Can't say enough about the seals on board- most either just back or just going to Iraq.... hats of to all of them!!! They were so happy to talk about what they did to anyone willing to ask and listen........ and clearly proud of what it is they do!!!!! just amazing!!!!!!</p>