The John Lewis-class replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206) conducts a replenishment at sea with the world\u2019s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), right, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Ross (DDG 71), December 13, 2024. U.S. Navy<\/p>\n
NASSCO Secures $856 Million for Another Navy Fleet Oiler<\/p>\n
General Dynamics NASSCO has received $856 million in funding to build T-AO 217, the latest ship in the U.S. Navy\u2019s John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler program.<\/p>\n
The funding is part of an eight-ship block-buy contract<\/p>\n
awarded in September 2024<\/p>\n
covering T-AO 214 through T-AO 221. NASSCO is now under contract to build 17 of the Navy\u2019s planned 20 oilers and has delivered five to date.<\/p>\n
The San Diego shipbuilder said T-AO 217 will be the 13th ship in the program and is aimed at sustaining production continuity at the yard.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe T-AO program is a cornerstone fixture for the dedicated team at NASSCO, representing the longest-standing Navy production series in our history,\u201d said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. He said the funding \u201cmaintains a steady workforce and helps mitigate the risk of future layoffs\u201d as the company seeks timely funding for ships 14 through 17.<\/p>\n
The John Lewis-class oilers are designed to refuel U.S. Navy ships at sea, extending the reach of carrier strike groups and other deployed forces. The 742-foot ships have a full-load displacement of 49,850 tons, capacity for 162,000 barrels of oil, dry cargo capability, aviation support and speeds of up to 20 knots.<\/p>\n
The Navy first awarded NASSCO the contract to design and build the first six John Lewis-class oilers in 2016. The contract was expanded in 2022 to add three more ships, followed by the 2024 block buy for up to eight additional vessels.<\/p>\n
Five John Lewis-class oilers have been delivered, with five more under construction at NASSCO\u2019s San Diego yard.<\/p>\n