US Navy orders ninth John Lewis-class fleet oiler from General Dynamics NASSCO
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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Brazil’s Navy launches third Riachuelo attack submarine
The ceremony was attended by Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron.
-
Royal Navy to equip vessels for $170.5 million with decoy launcher Ancilia
The protection system would be fitted to a range of Royal Navy surface ships, including Type 26 and 31 frigates, and Type 45 destroyers.