The US Navy has officially christened the USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), marking the launch of the sixth vessel in the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler program at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, California. This program is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Navy’s support assets for various naval forces, including carrier strike groups and amphibious ready units.
The ship was named after Sojourner Truth, a historic figure celebrated for her courageous efforts in advocating for abolition, women’s rights, and civil rights in the 19th century. During the christening ceremony, the sixth-generation granddaughter of Sojourner Truth served as the ship’s sponsor, an event highlighted by the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the vessel’s bow and the sounding of its first horn.
The keel for the USNS Sojourner Truth was laid in June 2024, and once completed, it will operate under the Military Sealift Command (MSC). The ship is designed to play a crucial role in supplying fuel, dry cargo, personnel supplies, and aviation equipment to active naval forces deployed around the globe.
Capt. Micah Murphy, MSC Pacific Commander, emphasized the strategic necessity of vessels like the USNS Sojourner Truth during the ceremony. He remarked on the Navy’s dependence on sustained operations at sea and the vital support provided by MSC’s Combat Logistics Force, stating, “Without MSC’s Combat Logistics Force, carrier strike groups and amphibious forces would be tethered to shore-based support, severely limiting their reach and operational tempo.”
The John Lewis-class ships are impressive in size, measuring 746 feet (227 meters) in length with a beam of 107 feet (33 meters). They are powered by two diesel engines, capable of reaching maximum speeds of 20 knots (23 miles per hour) and offer a remarkable range of over 6,000 nautical miles (approximately 6,905 miles). These vessels are equipped with advanced weaponry including .50-caliber machine guns, close-in weapon systems, surface-to-air missiles, and torpedo countermeasures. Additionally, they can accommodate more than 120 personnel and are equipped to carry a maritime helicopter.
As the ship prepares for its future missions, the Navy and shipbuilders at NASSCO celebrate this significant achievement, underscoring the continued commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Navy in support of global maritime operations.
