The US Navy has taken delivery of the second John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, the USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), from General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company.
The handover follows the completion of acceptance trials to assess the vessel’s readiness and overall capability.
“We are excited to deliver the 2nd of class T-AO, USNS Harvey Milk, and expand the Navy’s capacity and capability to provide a fuel pipeline at sea,” Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Manager John Lighthammer stated.
“The fleet and her Sailors will benefit from enhanced at-sea operations.”
John Lewis Replenishment Oilers Fleet
The John Lewis-class oilers will be deployed under the Military Sealift Command to provide other US Navy ships with diesel, jet fuels, and lubricating oils.
Alongside energy resources, the fleet can bring small quantities of fresh, frozen, and dry goods, as well as portable water to sailors operating at sea.
The John Lewis vessels are expected to add replenishment capabilities to the US Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and eventually become primary assets of the service’s fuel delivery system.
Four additional ships of the class are still under construction by General Dynamics: the future Earl Warren (T-AO 207), Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208), Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), and Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210).
The $1.4-billion contract for the future Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212), and the unmanned T-AO 213 was awarded to the company in August 2022.
Currently, the US Navy plans to procure a total of 20 John Lewis-class ships.
