A Prophet is not without honour...

A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
Matthew 13:57

From Channel Nine News :

A high-speed catamaran built by Hobart shipbuilder Incat Australia is being used in the rescue and relief efforts in Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The 98m HSV Swift left the Incat shipyards in 2003 and is now operated by the US Navy as a fast supply vessel and troop transport.

It has seen service in the Middle East and South-East Asia after the Tsunami disaster and it is part of the military hurricane relief effort called Joint Task Force Katrina.

Swift has joined many vessels and aircraft of the US Air Force, Army, Navy and National Guard to rescue survivors, deliver supplies and repair communications infrastructure.

Incat Group chairman Robert Clifford told the Hobart Mercury he was pleased to see one of Incat's vessels being put to good use in assisting with the relief efforts.

"I look forward to the day when our Australian Government has available similar craft for use in Australian waters," Mr Clifford said.

Swift has a helicopter deck capable of day and night landings at sea, a helicopter shelter and a mission deck with the capacity to load a range of heavy vehicles and equipment.

Mr Clifford lives more in hope than expectation. It won't be the first time, and is unlikely to be the last, that Australian High Technology has been enthusiastically adopted overseas - but not here.

Hat Tip : Chris DeBoe