Austal designed the ship. Now the Navy has given the company the green light to build it.

An Austal spokesperson tells News 5 that the Navy has approved $99 million in funding for Austal to buy long lead-time material need to build two Joint High Speed Vessels. The materials include diesel engines, water jets and reduction gears.

The JHSV will be capable of transporting troops and their equipment, supporting humanitarian relief efforts, operating in shallow waters and reaching speeds in excess of 35 knots fully loaded.

Construction of the first JHSV is scheduled to start in November at Austal's shipyard in Mobile