USAV Spearhead (TSV-X1)

USAV Spearhead (TSV-X1) is the first ship of the US Army's theater support vessel program (TSV). 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 is the first of what is expected to become a fleet of as many as 17 TSVs.

The Spearhead was deployed in January 2003 to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.