General Dynamics NASSCO has secured a substantial $1.7-billion contract from the US Navy to construct two more vessels in the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers series, identified as T-AO 215 and T-AO 216. This contract is part of the Navy’s broader effort to procure up to eight additional ships in this class.
Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO, emphasized the significance of this project in the company’s history, stating that it represents “the longest running Navy production series in NASSCO history.” The timely funding allocated for these two ships is expected to stabilize the workforce at NASSCO’s San Diego shipyard by sustaining a vital backlog and mitigating the risk of future layoffs.
To date, NASSCO has successfully delivered four ships to the US Navy from its San Diego facilities. The company previously secured a contract in 2024 for eight vessels, following a modification in 2022 that added three more oilers to the order. The construction of the John Lewis-class fleet oilers first commenced in 2016, when NASSCO was awarded a $3.2-billion contract aimed at designing and building six ships.
The T-AO fleet replenishment oilers play a critical role in the operations of the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command. These vessels are responsible for supplying fuel and other essential materials to ships while at sea, thus supporting vital missions pertaining to maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
Each John Lewis-class oiler boasts impressive specifications: they measure 742 feet (226 meters) in length, with a beam of 106 feet (32 meters) and a full-load displacement of 49,850 tons. Additionally, these ships have the capacity to carry up to 162,000 barrels of fuel and can operate at speeds of approximately 20 knots (37 kilometers/23 miles per hour). Crewed by up to 129 civilian mariners, each vessel is designed with up to five replenishment stations, allowing for effective logistical support to surface vessels and carrier-based aircraft at sea.
