Navy test vessel may yield new warfare concepts. (Around the Fleet).(high-speed vessel named Joint Venture)(Brief Article)

The future of naval warfare is being developed not just in a laboratory, but also at the waterfront at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk. With the help of a leased commercial vessel, the Navy is exploring the application of new maritime technology to future military operations.

The ship is a "high-speed vessel" named Joint Venture. The Navy's first HSV is currently based at Little Creek, and is being operated by a joint Navy and Army crew.

The Joint Venture is a 313-foot, wave-piercing catamaran capable of 45 knots, which can operate in heavy seas and relatively shallow water.

For the demonstration period, the Navy modified a commercial …