General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) started construction on the future USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), the sixth ship for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet oiler program, on March 27, 2023.
General Dynamics NASSCO Begins Construction on Sixth Ship in the T-AO Fleet Oiler Program for the U.S. Navy
Sojourner Truth was an American abolitionist of New York Dutch heritage and a women’s rights activist. Truth was born into slavery in Swartekill, New York, but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826. After going to court to recover her son in 1828, she became the first black woman to win such a case against a white man.
Gwen Phillips, a Production Support Specialist II with 34 years as part of the NASSCO team, served as the honoree for the ceremony and initiated the first cut of steel that will be used to construct the vessel.
Thank you to our honoree, the U.S. Navy and our dedicated shipbuilders for helping create this historic day!
General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) christened the future USNS Earl Warren (T-AO-207), the third ship for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet oiler program, on January 21, 2023. Secretary of the U.S. Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro, served as the principal speaker at the ceremony, in addition to remarks from NASSCO and U.S. Navy representatives. Following brief remarks, the ship’s sponsor, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, christened the ship with the traditional champagne bottle break alongside the hull.
The future USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207) Christening Ceremony
«Along with its namesake, this majestic vessel will be instrumental in shaping the future of our nation. The shipbuilders of NASSCO are proud to have ensured Earl Warren’s legacy will live on in this ship», said David Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. «On behalf of the 48-hundred employees of General Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud to present the USNS Earl Warren for christening to our sponsor the Supreme Court Justice, Elena Kagan».
The ship honors Earl Warren, 14th Chief Justice of the United States of the Supreme Court. During his 16 years as Chief Justice, a period of time when the Supreme Court was known as the “Warren Court”, civil rights and civil liberties were dramatically expanded, marking this period as one of the most important periods in the history of American constitutional law.
«Indeed, the ship’s motto could not be more appropriate: ‘I Will Find a Way or I Will Make One,’» said Del Toro. «That’s exactly what a young Earl Warren did when he overcame obstacles to joining the Army during the First World War, and that’s what he continued to do in the fight for equality, democracy, and social justice throughout his life».
General Dynamics NASSCO was awarded with a contract to design and build the first six ships, T-AO-205 – T-AO-210, by the U.S. Navy for the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis-class in 2016. In 2022, the U.S. Navy awarded NASSCO with a contract modification for the construction of two additional John Lewis-class fleet oilers (T-AO-211 and 212), with the option for the U.S. Navy to procure an additional oiler, T-AO-213 which was included in the 2023 defense budget.
In addition to the christening of this ship, two ships in the T-AO class fleet oiler program for the U.S. Navy – the future USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO-208) and the future USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO-209), – are currently under construction. The second ship, the future USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206) will be delivered to the U.S. Navy later this year. The lead ship, the USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205) was delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2022.
The 742-foot-long/226-meter-long oilers are designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea and have the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots/23 mph/37 km/h.
On Monday, December 5, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) laid the keel for the future USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO-208), the fourth ship in the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler program for the U.S. Navy.
General Dynamics NASSCO Lays Keel for Future USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO-208)
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, sixth Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, the sponsor for the future USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO-208) and daughter of the ship’s namesake, welded her initials onto a steel plate that will be permanently affixed to the ship’s keel and will remain with the vessel throughout its time in service.
Former Secretary of the U.S. Navy Ray Mabus declared the John Lewis-class of oilers be named after leaders who fought for civil and human rights. The fourth ship honors Robert F. Kennedy, who served as the U.S. Attorney General from 1961 to 1964 and as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1965-1968.
General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), a subsidiary of General Dynamics (GD), announced on August 05, 2022 that it received $1.4 billion in U.S. Navy contract modifications for construction of a sixth Expeditionary Sea Base ship (ESB-8) and two additional John Lewis-class fleet oilers (T-AO 211 and 212). This award comes in addition to $600 million already received to procure long-lead time materials for the same ships. The contract modification also provides an option for the Navy to procure an additional oiler, T-AO-213, bringing the total potential value to $2.7 billion for the four ships.
Contract modifications provide full funding for three ships – ESB-8, T-AO-211, and T-AO-212; and an option to build T-AO-213
«NASSCO is committed to working together with the Navy to deliver these much needed ships to the fleet», said Dave Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO. «As partners with the Navy, we remain dedicated to ensuring the success of both of these programs to help enhance and expand the Navy’s forward presence and warfighting capabilities while providing sustained growth for our workforce».
Construction of the four ships is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2023 and continue into 2027.
In 2011, the Navy awarded NASSCO with a contract to design and build the first two ships in the newly created Mobile Landing Platform program, the USNS Montford Point (T-ESD-1) and USNS John Glenn (T-ESD-2). The program evolved, adding the USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3), USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5), the future USS John L. Canley (ESB-6) and the future USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB-7), configured as ESBs. ESB ships are highly flexible platforms designed to support multiple maritime-based missions, including Air Mine Counter Measures, Special Operations Forces, and limited crisis response.
Acting as a mobile sea base, this 784-foot/239-meter ship has a 52,000 square-foot/4,831 square-meter flight deck to support MH-53, MH-60 Seahawk, MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor, and H1 aircraft operations. The future USS John L. Canley (ESB-6) and USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB-7) are currently under construction.
In 2016, the Navy awarded NASSCO with a contract to design and build the first six ships in the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis-class. Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy ships operating at sea, the 742-foot/226-meter vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, capacity to carry 157,000 barrels/24,961,005 liters of oil and significant amounts of dry cargo, as well as providing aviation capability while traveling at speeds up to 20 knots/23 mph/37 km/h. The first ship, USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205), was delivered to the U.S. Navy in July 2022. The USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206), USNS Earl Warren (T-AO-207), and USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO-208) are currently under construction.
The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the lead ship of its new class of fleet replenishment oilers, USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205), July 26.
The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the lead ship of its new class of fleet replenishment oilers, USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205), July 27. T-AO 205’s delivery follows the completion of Acceptance Trials with the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey to test the readiness and capability of the craft and to validate requirements
T-AO 205’s delivery follows the completion of Acceptance Trials with the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) to test the readiness and capability of the craft and to validate requirements.
«USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205) will provide much needed capability to the fleet as the primary fuel pipeline at sea», said John Lighthammer, program manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Office. «This is the first of a 20-ship class providing the Sailors and merchant mariners another tool to support at-sea operations».
The new John Lewis-class T-AOs will be operated by Military Sealift Command to provide diesel fuel and lubricating oil, and small quantities of fresh and frozen provisions, stores, and potable water to Navy ships at sea, and jet fuel for aircraft. The new T-AOs will add capacity to the U.S. Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and become the cornerstone of the fuel delivery system.
NASSCO is currently in production on USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206), USNS Earl Warren (T-AO-207), and USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO-208). The future USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO-209) and USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO-210) are under contract.
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats and craft.
The keel for the future USNS Earl Warren (T-AO-207), the U.S. Navy’s 3rd John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, was laid at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (GD-NASSCO), April 30.
Keel Authenticated for Future USNS Earl Warren (T-AO-207)
A keel laying is the recognition of the start of a ship’s construction. It is the joining together of a ship’s modular components and the authentication or etching of an honoree’s initials into a ceremonial keel plate. The ship’s sponsor, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, had her initials etched into the keel plate by NASSCO welders.
«We are looking forward to getting these ships to the fleet to support at-sea operations», said John Lighthammer, program manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Office. «This new class of oilers are bringing much needed capability and capacity to the fleet».
The John Lewis-class T-AOs will be operated by Military Sealift Command to provide fuel and lubricating oil, and small quantities of fresh and frozen provisions, stores, and potable water to Navy ships at sea, and fuel for embarked aircraft.
The oilers feature the capacity to carry barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and a speed of 20 knots. NASSCO designed the new vessels with double hulls to protect against oil spills and strengthened cargo and ballast tanks. The new T-AOs will add capacity to the U.S. Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and become the cornerstone of the fuel delivery system.
NASSCO is currently also in production on USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206), and USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO-208). The future USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO-209) and USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO-210) are under contract. NASSCO is also currently in production of two Expeditionary Sea Bases (ESB) – the future USS John L. Canley (ESB-6) and USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB-7).
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and boats and craft.
The U.S. Navy christened its first-in-class John Lewis-class replenishment oiler, the future USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), during a 9 a.m. PDT ceremony Saturday, July 17, in San Diego, California.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, served as the principal speaker at the ceremony
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, delivered the ceremonial principal address. Remarks has also been provided by Mr. James Geurts, performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Navy; Vice Admiral Ross Myers, commander, Fleet Cyber Command and commander, U.S. Tenth Fleet; Rear Admiral Michael Wettlaufer, commander, Military Sealift Command; and Mr. Marcus Tyner, nephew of the ship’s namesake. In a time-honored Navy tradition, the ship’s sponsor, Ms. Alfre Woodard Spencer, christened the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow.
«We christen the first John Lewis-class replenishment oiler», said acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy Thomas Harker. «Leaders like Representative Lewis taught us that diversity of backgrounds and experiences help contribute to the strength of our nation. There is no doubt that the future Sailors aboard this ship will be galvanized by Lewis’ legacy».
The future USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) is the first ship in its class and will be operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The ship is named in honor of the late politician and civil rights leader. John Lewis-class oilers will be named for other prominent civil rights leaders and activists.
The John Lewis-class ships are based on commercial design standards and will recapitalize the current T-AO 187-class fleet replenishment oilers to provide underway replenishment of fuel to U.S. Navy ships at sea. These ships are part of the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force.
In June 2016, the Navy awarded a $3.2 billion contract to General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego for the design and construction of the first six ships of the Future Fleet Replenishment Ship, the John Lewis-class (T-AO 205), with construction commencing in September 2018. The U.S. Navy plans to procure 20 ships of the new class.
Lewis passed July 17, 2020; the christening marks the one-year anniversary of his death.
On May 21, General Dynamics National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) started construction of the future USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208), the fourth of six vessels for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet oiler program.
USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) (General Dynamics NASSCO picture)
Francisco Medina, a long-time NASSCO employee and the Start of Construction honoree, initiated the first cut of steel that will be used to construct the vessel.
«Today, we celebrate a time-honored tradition that marks the beginning of production for the ship and to celebrate the life and service of the ship’s namesake Robert F. Kennedy», said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. «This ship represents the thousands of men and women who have worked hard to make this ship class a success».
Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the 742-feet/226 meters vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, with the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots/23 mph/37 km/h.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, representatives from NASSCO and the U.S. Navy gathered for a hybrid virtual and in-person ceremony. A short recap video with remarks will be released via the NASSCO website following the event.
Construction on the U.S. Navy’s future USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206) was marked by a ceremony held at the General Dynamics-National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (GD-NASSCO) shipyard, December 13.
Construction starts on future USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206)
Start of construction is the first major milestone in a shipbuilding program and represents that the first 100 tons of steel for the ship have been cut.
«This ship will have significant contributions as part of our Combat Logistics Force, serving as the primary fuel pipeline from resupply ports to ships at sea», said Mike Kosar, Support Ships, Boats and Craft program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships. «Today’s ceremony marks an important milestone as our Navy works to recapitalize our aging fleet replenishment capabilities, ensuring our warfighters have the resources they need to keep them combat year for years to come».
The John Lewis-class ships are based on commercial design standards and will recapitalize the current T-AO 187 Class Fleet Replenishment Oilers to provide underway replenishment of fuel to U.S. Navy ships and jet fuel for aircraft assigned to aircraft carriers. These ships are part of the U.S. Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and will become the backbone of the fuel delivery system.
The USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206) will be operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command and is the first ship named after the Navy veteran and civil and human rights leader who became the first openly gay elected official in California when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.
GD NASSCO is also in production on the first-in-class Fleet Replenishment Oiler, the future USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205) and is contracted for ships T-AO 207-210 as well as the Expeditionary Sea Base platforms (ESB 6-8).
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, sealift ships, support ships, boats, and craft.
The keel for the future USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205), the Navy’s first John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, was ceremonially laid at General Dynamics-National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) May 13.
Future USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205) Keel Authenticated
A keel laying is the ceremonial recognition of the start of a ship’s construction. It is the joining together of a ship’s modular components and the authentication or etching of an honoree’s initials into a ceremonial keel plate. The ship’s namesake, U.S. Representative John Lewis, and the ship’s sponsor, actress Alfre Woodard, etched their initials into the keel plate.
«We’re honored to have Representative Lewis and Ms. Woodard with us today as we lay the foundation for recapitalizing our nation’s critical fuel-replenishment-at-sea capabilities», said Mike Kosar, Support Ships, Boats and Craft program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. «These ships are steadfast, reliable and allow our warships to defend our freedoms for which Representative Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting».
The John Lewis-class ships are based on commercial design standards and will recapitalize the current T-AO 187-class fleet replenishment oilers to provide underway replenishment of fuel to U.S. Navy ships at sea. These ships are part of the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force.
John Lewis will be operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command and is the first ship named after the civil rights leader and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. Construction of John Lewis began in September 2018, with delivery planned in late 2020.
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, sealift ships, support ships, boats and craft.
