Fourth US Navy TAO replenishment oiler launched despite cost concerns
The new fleet of John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers will become an essential component of the Military Sealift Command capability set with the ability to support US Navy deployments worldwide. (GD NASSCO)
The fourth John Lewis-class (TAO-205) fleet replenishment oiler for the US Navy was launched in a ceremony at shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO’s San Diego facility on 28 October 2023.
The Robert F. Kennedy (TAO-208), the fourth John Lewis-class (TAO-205) fleet replenishment oiler, has been launched and will be operated by Military Sealift Command (MSC). Two of the three sister ships, USNS John Lewis (TAO-205) and USNS Harvey Milk (TAO-206) were delivered to the US Navy in July 2022 and July 2023, respectively, with the third USNS Earl Warren (TAO-207) completing a christening ceremony in January 2023.
The US Navy stated that USNS Harvey Milk ‘was conducting some maintenance work in preparation for transit to the east coast’.
Replenishment oilers are designed to transfer fuel and other supplies to US Navy
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear]()
Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear
The Canadian government remains tight-lipped on the timeline and funding required for the next steps of its Canadian Submarine Patrol Project, which should offer improved capabilities for the country’s navy.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
