US Navy orders ninth John Lewis-class fleet oiler from General Dynamics NASSCO
The John Lewis-class fleet oilers are designed to support US carrier strike groups. (Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO)
General Dynamics NASSCO received a $736 million modification from the USN to the existing T-AO contract to build a ninth ship (T-AO 213) under the John Lewis-class fleet oiler programme.
The option follows eight earlier awarded ships, bringing the value of the contract to around $5.5 billion for construction of nine oilers.
Construction of T-AO 213 is planned to begin in the third quarter of 2025.
General Dynamics NASSCO president Dave Carver said: ‘NASSCO is proud of our ongoing dedication to deliver these ships to the fleet,
Related Articles
Keel laid for future USNS John Lewis
General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels
Austal nets US Navy T-AGOS surveillance ships contract
‘We are committed to working with our navy partners to ensure the continued success of the John Lewis-class fleet oiler programme.’
NASSCO was awarded a contract to design and build the first six ships of the class in 2016.
The oilers are designed to transfer fuel to USN carrier strike group vessels while operating at sea.
The John Lewis-class has a full load displacement of 49,850t and is able to carry the equivalent of 157,000 barrels of oil.
The first-in-class future USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) was delivered to the USN last year.
Subsequent vessels, the future USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), Earl Warren (T-AO 207), Robert F Kennedy (T-AO 208), Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), and Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) are currently under construction.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement]()
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
-
![Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals]()
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
