General Dynamics NASSCO has received a $1.7-billion contract from the US Navy to build two additional John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers, designated T-AO 215 and T-AO 216.
The award is part of the US Navy’s ongoing multi-ship procurement for up to eight more vessels in the class.
The project is “the longest running Navy production series in NASSCO history,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO.
“The timely funding for these two ships will act to stabilize the workforce by sustaining an important backlog and prevent future layoffs.”
Under the program, NASSCO has delivered four ships to the US Navy so far, all built at its San Diego shipyard in California.
In 2024, the company secured an eight-ship contract, following a 2022 modification that added three more oilers.
Work on the John Lewis-class fleet oilers began in 2016, when NASSCO was first awarded a $3.2-billion contract to design and build six ships.
T-AO Fleet
The T-AO fleet replenishment oilers, operated by the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command, supply fuel and other materials to ships at sea and support maritime security, sea control, and deterrence operations.
They provide underway replenishment of diesel and jet fuel for surface vessels and carrier-based aircraft, along with limited quantities of dry cargo, provisions, and potable water.
Each John Lewis-class oiler is 742 feet (226 meters) long, has a beam of 106 feet (32 meters), a full-load displacement of 49,850 tons, and can carry up to 162,000 barrels of fuel.
The ships can reach speeds of about 20 knots (37 kilometers/23 miles per hour), are crewed by up to 129 civilian mariners, and operate with up to five replenishment stations.
